As part of a nationwide joint venture between Accessibility Mark and Disabled Access Day a number of equestrian centres have organised special events to mark the day.

Taking place from 10 – 12 March, 2017, Disabled Access Day aims to encourage disabled people to visit somewhere new. It could simply be a trip to a local coffee shop or restaurant or to places further afield like famous British tourist attractions.

Disabled Access Day will also welcome its first Ambassador for 2017, Paralympic gold medal winning equestrian athlete Sophie Christiansen who began her journey into the sport through the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) who launched the Accessibility Mark scheme.

Wrea Green Equitation Centre, Preston; Saddles Riding Centre, Kent; Church Farm Equestrian Centre, Bristol; and Wellow Trekking Centre, Bath are all opening their doors to welcome visitors to specific events planned across the weekend.

The aim is to show what opportunities there are for disabled people at riding centres and there will be a number of ways for visitors to get involved including free taster sessions and a chance to meet the horses and ponies.

Some of the participating centres will be offering discounts on lessons booked on the day, so if you would like to find out more about horse riding and the opportunities available, why not go along to your nearest participating centre.

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), in partnership with the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) participation programme launched the Accessibility Mark scheme with the aim of getting more disabled people to participate in riding.

Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that they offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure they provide a first class experience that aims to be hugely beneficial.

Prior booking is required.

For more information about Disabled Access Day please visit www.disabledaccessday.com

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

ENDS

For more information contact Jacqueline Spouge or Tim Smith at TSM on 01724 784600.