A riding centre at the foot of Epsom Downs can help more disabled riders after being recognised with a national accreditation.

Wildwoods Riding Centre in Tadworth, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, is celebrating recognition from the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and the British Equestrian Federation’s participation programme, Hoof.

Surrey Comet:

The status was given to the centre following training and assessment by the RDA, which offers continuous support to ensure the service and experience at the stables is beneficial to disabled people.

It is now one of 30 Accessibility Mark approved centres across the country.

The centre in Ebbisham Lane already has a number of disabled and autistic riders attending lessons, so owner Anthea Chambers felt the accreditation was a natural progression to grow Wildwoods and cater for all rider's needs.

Surrey Comet:

Ms Chambers, said: “Our local RDA centre had a waiting list of two years so I wanted to get involved with the scheme to benefit the local community and provide more riding opportunities.”

They have already had success, helping a client with cerebral palsy to achieve her dream of cantering which she had been told previously would not be possible.

She used a mechanical horse to help train muscles that she had no feeling in, which helped to maintain her balance while in canter.

Ms Chambers added: “Accessibility Mark gives our clients confidence that we have gained recognition from a well-respected organisation and we aim to provide a service of the highest standard.

“In the near future we are also looking at providing carriage driving for people with more limiting disabilities to experience the benefits of being involved with horses.”

Wildwoods Riding Centre is a British Horse Society, Association of British Riding Schools and Pony Club approved centre.

Visit www.rda.org.uk to find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre.