ALL ABOUT US
The Unicorn Centre, a self-funded registered charity, is a purpose-built riding for the disabled facility offering riding therapy and training opportunities for adults and children from the Tees Valley area with special educational needs and disabilities.
Opened in 1998, the Centre is an established part of the local community, and has a strong contingent of local volunteers who play an active and vital part in delivering our activities.
OUR STORY
Back in the late 1980’s, Chairman of the Gt Ayton & District Group of the RDA, the late Jose Kelly, recognised that an indoor purpose-built riding centre was needed in Cleveland. At that time, Cleveland RDA could only provide training for up to 500 pupils each year using commercial facilities. There were about 30,000 disabled people in the Cleveland area that could benefit from our expertise, but not with the current facilities. A survey in 1996 indicated interest from over 600 potential riders in the Cleveland area so the need was justified and then acknowledged by RDA HQ.
Funds were sought from the National Lottery in 1996 for a state-of-the-art riding centre, which would benefit not only Cleveland but also the surrounding counties and later that year, the Sports Council of the Lottery Board announced that a 90% grant totalling £1.16m had been awarded. The Foundation for Sport and the Arts also made a £70,000 grant. A local fundraising appeal was also set up.
A 99-year lease for 20 acres of land on a peppercorn rent was acquired from Middlesbrough Borough Council. Construction of the Centre was completed in April 1998 with an official opening in November that year by HRH The Princess Royal, the President of the Riding for the Disabled Association. She has since visited the Centre twice more in 2008, and in 2020 just prior to the Covid Lockdown.
Our Patron is eventing coach and mentor Nicola Wilson MBE, former event rider and 2012 Olympic silver medallist.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
Around 100 riders receive lessons weekly at the Centre on our specially selected horses and ponies. They come individually, or from schools, adult training centres and adult residential homes. We also offer therapy sessions for those not wishing to ride but have meaningful contact with horses either at the Centre or in the community.
Working towards becoming Dementia Friendly, the Centre provides a monthly Tea with a Pony session for people living with dementia and similar conditions. They enjoy spending time with our therapy pony Acer, watch a pony demonstration and enjoy homemade tea and cakes. The session evokes many memories for people and it’s a joy to see their reactions.
We rely entirely on our activities, fundraising, grants and donations to raise monies to cover our annual £250,000 costs.
In order to raise funds, the Centre runs dressage competitions, horse shows and children’s Pony Care sessions during the school holidays. We encourage inclusion by enabling our riders to compete at our shows alongside able-bodied riders.
Annual fundraising events such as Pony Rides to Santa, the Christmas Fair, Unicorn Day, Fun Dog Show and several raffles all help to bring in funds, and people are also encouraged to Adopt a Pony and donate to our JustGiving Appeal.
We also welcome visits from children’s groups such as Squirrels, Rainbows, Beavers etc who spend a hour or two meeting and grooming our ponies and taking part in various horse activities. They often go away so inspired they raise funds for us!
