Stable Futures recognised by Riding for the Disabled Association
A Hampshire equine therapy and outdoor learning centre for children with specialist needs is hoping to encourage more children to take up horse riding, following its recognition by a national scheme.
Stable Futures is an alternative learning provision offering the therapeutic benefits of horses and other animals to young people aged six to 17 to help them recover from difficult, and often traumatic life experiences.
It supports with enriching national curriculum-based learning for children with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and requires referrals from Local Authorities and mainstream schools.
Stable Futures successfully completed training and assessment to be awarded the Accessibility Mark by Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), in partnership with the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).
This recognises Stable Futures’ expertise in supporting young people with physical disabilities, ADHD, ASD, learning disabilities and mental health and sensory needs.
The equine therapy centre in Mortimer Common, Hampshire, is run by Amegreen Children’s Services which also provides children’s homes across Hampshire and Berkshire and a primary and secondary school for SEND children. Children at Haywards Farm School and Northcroft School have the opportunity to benefit from learning at Stable Futures.
Martha, RDA Coach and Animal Care Lead Tutor at Stable Futures, said: “It’s wonderful to be able to work with children with either a physical disability or Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, allowing them to access activities that their peers are able to enjoy in a way which meets their additional needs.
“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.”
Frances Lochrane, RDA Berkshire County Coach and Coach Developer, said: “South Region Riding for the Disabled are delighted to welcome Stable Futures, the newest RDA Accessibility Mark centre.
“Most RDA groups across the UK have long waiting lists and AM centres are therefore crucial to RDA as they enable more people to access equine therapy safe in the knowledge that those centres are approved by RDA UK.”
Stable Futures cares for horses, pygmy goats, sheep, rescue hens and guinea pigs. Through spending time with the animals, learning about animal care, horticulture, functional skills, art and cookery, Amegreen help support young people to build their confidence and self-esteem, so they can reach their potential.
The learning approach at Stable Futures can be short or long term, with it tailored depending on a child's individual needs. Amegreen works collectively and holistically in enabling children to access education while being mindful of a number of hurdles for individual children.
For more information contact Stable Futures Centre Manager, Emily Clayton, at Emily.clayton@amegreencs.co.uk