HORSE RIDING

LEAPS ONTO HORSE - riding session at Escomb, Bishop Auckland.

Four members of leaps took part, we were first introduced to our instructor Christina & fitted with a riding hat then we made our way over to the indoor viewing area & arena, where we were introduced to our guides and the horses.

Whilst on the horses we were given instruction, from the basics of how to move & how to stop the horse. Then we progressed to how to turn & balance by doing various stretches including; Reaching forward to touch the horses left ear and Reaching back to touch its tail.

This followed with some games of our choice, either to ride around cones to pick items off posts, or reaching lower down to pick some hoops up, to put on another cone.

It was good how they taught us without us actually thinking about what we were doing, we became naturals. We where charged £16 per person for an hour, well worth it!

Quote by a member “If you’re scared or nervous, or just need a boost in confidence for any ability, please give it a go, the instructor & volunteers where excellent”.

"I enjoyed the different games and challenges that the instructors got us all to do. I especially enjoyed the game where you had to throw the ball into a large bin quite far away while sitting on the horse. This was a great way to improve co-ordination. It also made the riding more fun. I also enjoyed riding around the cones as it gave me the chance to control the horse myself, without always having help from the guide."   
Feedback from Gillian

Contact Details
The Riding Centre for Special People
Three Lane Ends Farm,
Escomb, Bishop Auckland,
County Durham,
DL14 7SR

Telephone: 01388 604637

LEAPS Rating = 5:

 

Horse riding for disabled people in County Durham

If you are disabled, live in County Durham, and are interested in experiencing in horse riding, please contact the riding school using the details above.

The following extract from the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), website clearly demonstrates that disabled people of all ages and abilities can, and do, take part in this sport either as a hobby or in competition.

'Medical professionals recognise that there are also significant therapeutic benefits for the rider. The warmth and three dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the rider’s body, gradually making it more relaxed and supple, reducing spasms and improving balance, posture and co-ordination.

Riding offers an element of risk, often denied to many people, especially those who have been affected by an accident or serious illness and offers them the chance to regain mobility and a sense of achievement. People with congenital disabilities discover a new freedom in movement. Those with progressive diseases can retain mobility and activity longer and often take up Carriage Driving when they can no longer ride'.

Further information, including RDA centres in County Durham and the North East, can be found on the RDA website at www.riding-for-disabled.org.uk

 

Other LEAPS Ratings:

Calvert Trust Keswick: LEAPS Rating = 4