STOP PRESS!

This is the page to hit for last minute postings of news or instructions.  The instructions will either be on this page OR there will be a link to where you should look.  

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The Avon Riding Centre is one of the largest Riding for the Disabled centres in the UK and is situation in nearly 100 acres of pasture and woodland on the edge of Bristol. Our facilities are excellent including indoor stabling, an all-purpose turnout area, year round grazing, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, off-road hacking and cross country.

We currently have 24 horses and ponies who are cared for by our Stable Manager and team of grooms. On average our horses and ponies each work two RDA lessons and one able-bodied lesson per day 5 ½ days per week.

We have a wide variety of RDA and able-bodied lessons – we are not a stereotypical riding school! Our RDA lessons range from leading in walk using stimulating games equipment, to groups of children from special schools progressing to trotting off the lead-rein, to more advance teenagers and adults who represent the Avon Riding Centre at Regional and National competition level.

We offer able-bodied lessons to people who have previous riding experience (we do not take complete beginners) and this is a chance for the horses and ponies to let off a bit of steam! They regularly enjoy hacking, cross country and fun flatwork and show jumping lessons.

As the Avon Riding Centre has gained a more public profile in recent times this has resulted in a waiting list of over 80 disabled children and over 50 disabled adults, with some people waiting more than a year to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of riding. Many of our steadfast horses and ponies are also coming to an age where we have had to reduce their weekly riding hours and they need to be retired in the near future.

These factors are further impacting on our waiting list, which is why we are asking for your help in spreading the word that we are in desperate need of new horses and ponies able to take on this very special and therapeutic work.

Ideally we are looking for 8+ year olds 14 – 14.2hh medium builds and 16hh + weight carriers (veterans will be considered if fit and sound). Horses and ponies must be fit, healthy and sound, be responsive to the leg and voice aids, with a good temperament and safe on and off the lead rein and around other horses. They will have a very loving and secure home with all their needs tended to.

We have a very ‘open house’ attitude at the Avon Riding Centre and old owners are more than welcome to visit their horse throughout the year to witness firsthand the difference they are making to the lives of many people living with disabilities.

If you have a suitable horse or pony you are considering selling or loaning, or know of anyone else who does, please contact Gemma Tizzard on admin@avonridingcentre.org.uk or call 0117 959 0266.

Le Trec

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Please see schedule for Croome Hunt Pony Club Show Jumping at Gracelands on the Schedules page - event 15 February 2012.