News

Posted on July 23rd, 2021

Summer in the Saddle

A holiday activity can sometimes inspire a lifelong hobby and with many families choosing a staycation over a trip abroad this year, now could be the ideal time to have a go at something new.

Finding an activity for disabled children and adults can sometimes be more of a challenge, with fewer options available.

Horse riding is a great holiday activity and there are several Accessibility Mark accredited centres close to UK holiday hotspots.

Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by the RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that it can offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure it provides a first-class experience that aims to be hugely beneficial to riders of varying levels of disability.

The south coast has a number of Accessibility Mark centres across Hampshire, Cornwall and Dorset, with centres also in other popular holiday destinations such as Yorkshire and Norfolk, all providing fantastic riding experiences for disabled people.

Louise Buckner, Centre Manager at Island Riding Centre based in the stunning location of the Isle of Wight said: “At Island Riding Centre we have the most wonderful facilities for disabled riders, including one of the Island’s few Changing Places facilities and a range of self-catering holiday accommodation suitable for disabled people with ground floor bedrooms, wet rooms and even adjustable height kitchen worktops.

“The site is fully accessible for wheelchair users and has a motorised para-rider hoist to help with mounting, and large indoor and outdoor arenas. Anyone who is visiting the area over the summer months is more than welcome to book a session or even a riding holiday available all year round. It also provides an opportunity for all the family to get involved with one activity together.”

Taking to the saddle has many benefits for people with both physical and mental disabilities, from the sense of freedom felt when on the horse to being able to connect with other people enjoying the same activity.

Wherever you are holidaying this summer there is sure to be an Accessibility Mark approved centre close by, so book your lesson today!

To find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk

Posted on July 19th, 2021

Relaxation in COVID restrictions across the nation

British Equestrian Federation: updates from the ministers across Great Britain of relaxations of a number of COVID restrictions from today

While a number of restrictions are being removed or reduced, British Equestrian recommends all stakeholders in the industry to remain vigilant, respect others, and follow hygiene measures to keep everyone safe and reduce the chances of transmission of the virus.

England

As of Monday 19th July, England will move into Step 4 of the COVID response roadmap, which in practice means:

• Limits on social contact will end, with no restrictions on indoor or outdoor gatherings. Accompanying guidance will be published by the government around how best to reduce the risk of transmission and protect yourself and loved ones.
• The requirement to wear face coverings in law will be lifted. However, the government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport.
• Employers will still have a legal duty to manage risks to those affected by their business with a health and safety risk assessment, including the risk of COVID-19, and to take reasonable steps to mitigate the risks identified. Working Safely guidance sets out a range of mitigations that employers should consider, including:

• • cleaning surfaces that people touch regularly
  • identifying poorly-ventilated areas in the venue and taking steps to improve air flow
  • ensuring that staff and customers who are unwell do not attend the workplace or venue
  • communicating to staff and customers the measures you have put in place.

Helpful links

Sport England – coronavirus restrictions FAQs