Boost for Mortimer Common-based animal assisted therapy centre as it gets a national seal of approval
Children with additional needs are being invited to take up horse riding after a West Berkshire-based charity received a national accreditation.
Stable Futures is an equine therapy and outdoor learning centre based in Mortimer Common for ages six to 17.
It has been awarded the Accessibility Mark by Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), in partnership with the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), meaning it can provide national curriculum-based learning for children with special educational needs and disability (SEND) for youngsters.
This includes those with physical disabilities, ADHD, ASD, learning disabilities and mental health and sensory needs, as well as those recovering from difficult or traumatic life experiences.
Frances Lochrane, RDA Berkshire county coach and coach developer, said there was a need for the services Stable Futures offers: “Most RDA groups across the UK have long waiting lists and the centres are therefore crucial as they enable more people to access equine therapy safe in the knowledge that those centres are approved by RDA UK.”
In addition to the horses, Stable Futures has pygmy goats, sheep, rescue hens and guinea pigs.
Through spending time with the animals, learning about animal care, horticulture, functional skills, art and cookery, young people can build their confidence and self-esteem, so they can reach their potential.
Programmes can be short of long term, tailored to the child’s needs, with the centre operated by Amegreen Children’s Services, which also provides children’s homes across Hampshire and Berkshire and a primary and secondary school for SEND children.
Martha is RDA coach and animal care lead tutor at Stable Futures, and said being able to work with the children was wonderful.
“It allows them to access activities that their peers are able to enjoy in a way which meets their additional needs,” she continued.
“We’re proud to receive this accreditation from RDA and hope that it will give more parents and local authorities confidence in our abilities to meet children’s needs.”
