A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN

Walking through the big green doors of the Riding for the Disabled Association’s Unicorn Centre in Hemlington, near Middlesbrough, you get the feeling that it’s a great place to learn.

It could be the atmosphere, the buzz of the place, the hustle and bustle of people efficiently and happily going about their business.  It could be their friendly greeting, making you feel welcome.  It might be the sight of children and adults concentrating on their riding lessons, listening to the instructor, communicating with their side walkers or talking to their pony.  It may well be the horses looking over their stable doors, ears pricked as they wait for the next bucket of feed. 

But it is probably the tangible enthusiasm of the volunteers and learners, who are at the Unicorn Centre because they want to be there.

Everyone who walks through those big green doors learns something every time they do.  It’s what the Unicorn Centre is all about.  And after sixteen years it proves that over and over again.

Since it opened in 1998, the Centre has partnered with Middlesbrough College to deliver work-based courses in Horse Care and Management. The next course starts on 22 September, and the Centre is offering all 16 and 17 year old learners a weekly payment of £20 based on attendance.  Additional Learning Support can be provided for learners with special needs and all learners can access Middlesbrough College’s facilities and resources.

Centre Manager Claire Pitt said, “Since the Educational Maintenance Allowance was withdrawn, we’ve noticed that we have less applications from younger students.  Now that we are able to offer them this weekly payment, I’m hoping that we’ll see an influx of young people who want to train to work with horses and our disabled riders. 

She continued, “Learners have lots of extra opportunities here, including competing in competitions at the Centre, training towards RDA teaching qualifications, beach trips with the ponies and attending outside events. Several of our past students are now employed here, which is great news for them. “

If you’d like to find out more, give Claire a call on 01642 576222.