Riding Lessons Tees Valley - Riding For The Disabled Tees Valley

RDA, horse riding, riding lessons, riding lessons tees valley, riding for the disabled tees valley, riding for the disabled, pony care days, volunteering, dressage clinics, NVQ Training, show jumping, competitions, charity

RDA, horse riding, riding lessons, riding lessons tees valley, riding for the disabled tees valley, riding for the disabled, pony care days, volunteering, dressage clinics, NVQ Training, show jumping, competitions, charity

PRESS RELEASE

THE END OF AN ERA FOR LEARNERS AT THE UNICORN CENTRE

July saw the end of 23 years of the Riding for the Disabled Association’s Unicorn Centre educating young people in City and Guilds Diplomas in Work-Based Horse Care. They had been run in partnership with Middlesbrough College at the Centre in Hemlington, Middlesbrough since it first opened in 1998.

Sadly, funding from the Department for Education has stopped, meaning that the Centre is unable to continue these work-based courses, delivered to over 300 young people since 1998. The courses gave the learners the opportunities to develop skills in horse care and riding as well as providing valuable support to disabled riders at the Centre.

Learners had lots of extra opportunities including competing, training towards RDA teaching qualifications, beach trips with the ponies and attending outside events. Progression into employment has been successful for many of them with several gaining employment at the Centreincluding three of the current Centre team. Additional Learning Support was provided for learners following assessment of need and all learners could access Middlesbrough College’s facilities and resources.

Centre Manager Claire Pitt, who completed the final delivery with the learners and presented their End of Term Awards with Learning Support Assistant Becky Cole, said, “It was all rather emotional on Thursday as we held the 23rd awards presentation for the learners.   A lovely last group of young people who all have progression routes planned. We will miss working with them.”

Feedback about the courses over the years has been very positive from learners and their families:

 “May we just say a huge thank you to yourself  Becky and all staff present and past for all the support you have given T over the last  three years.

It was a massive relief to D and I and especially T to be accepted by the unicorn centre whilst still at school. In her time with you all we have seen her confidence self esteem soar, her belief in herself academically has risen to give her confidence to now move on to new things I think we can honestly say it been one of the best things that has happened to  her We would just like to say thank you all Our best wishes. D & J.”

“I also would like to say thank you for the experience you all gave me. I will never forget my time there and I think of you all a lot. I loved every minute I spent at the unicorn centre and my only regret was you did not do nvq 3!!!! I remember every moment I was there and it was an amazing experience for me. You are all doing an amazing job that is giving so many people an opportunity that is hard to find. And it inspires me even now. So thank you again. 

Best wishes J”

One door closes and another opens as the Centre expands its acclaimed Supported Volunteer Programme to six days a week.  There are vacancies on the programme which aims to provide participants with practical horsemanship and equestrian knowledge, whilst enhancing their life skills and experiences.  The volunteers can work towards an accredited Asdan qualification. Aims and goals are set for communication, confidence, enjoyment, working with others, physical improvements and of course horsemanship skills.

These goals are tailored to meet each participant’s needs and are reviewed regularly. They may be long or short term, or as a progression to independent volunteering. Support is given on a small group basis (subject to Covid restrictions) but is dependent upon assessment of individual needs. 

Participants love being part of the SV Programme and participated in on-line activities over the last year during the Covid 19 pandemic. One explained, “I really enjoy volunteering at the Unicorn Centre and riding Thunder, learning and helping look after the horses.”

Potential participants over the age of fourteen can apply for a place by calling our Volunteer Co-ordinator Denise on 01642 576222 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHOTOS: The End of Term noticeboard.  The final four learners celebrating with their Awards.  The final four learners with (l) Support Assistant Mrs Becky Cole and (r) Centre Manager Mrs Claire Pitt.

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RDA, horse riding, riding lessons, riding lessons tees valley, riding for the disabled tees valley, riding for the disabled, pony care days, volunteering, dressage clinics, NVQ Training, show jumping, competitions, charityRDA, horse riding, riding lessons, riding lessons tees valley, riding for the disabled tees valley, riding for the disabled, pony care days, volunteering, dressage clinics, NVQ Training, show jumping, competitions, charity

The Unicorn Centre provides riding lessons and therapy for children and adults from 5 years old, both disabled and able-bodied. The Centre's horses and ponies are carefully chosen for their temperament, size and ability to work with disabled riders, and a hoist facility for mounting onto ponies is available for wheelchair users... read more