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Equestrian

Equestrian Icon

Equestrian

Horse riding, or equestrian sport, refers to the skill of training and riding horses.

Get Involved

An Overview of Equestrian

Equestrian sports are all about horsemanship. Horsemanship is the art of riding, handling and training horses.

People who are blind or partially sighted can participate in recreational horse riding, dressage, show jumping, equestrian vaulting, and carriage driving.

If you're an animal lover, this is definitely one for you!

Benefits

  • Boost mental health
  • Improve balance
  • Spend more time around animals!

Involvement

The Riding for the Disabled Association is a great place to start your equestrian journey, whether you're just looking to meet new people or want to enter competitions. They have over 500 groups around the UK, and over 50 riding centres with Accessibility Mark accreditation.

Every year the Riding for the Disabled Association host their National Championships at Hartpury College. Riders can also compete in British Dressage para competitions, as well as talent identification and training opportunities. Para riders are also eligible to compete in competitions with riders without a disability.

Sight classifications are important to ensure fair and equal competition. Success at competitions should be defined by an athlete's skill and ability, not their impairment. The sight classifications should give all athletes the confidence that they are competing against others equally.

Useful Links

Adaptations and Equipment

Instructors only need to make minor considerations to allow a rider with a visual impairment to take part. These include:

  • Being aware of environmental factors in and around the stables or venue
  • Providing clear, and detailed prompts to the rider to orientate themselves within the arena.
  • Adaptations such as large arena letters and callers. These can help a rider to ride freely.

Find Equestrian Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

National Governing Bodies

British Equestrian Federation

Contact Name
British Equestrian Federation
Contact Email
info@bef.co.uk
Contact Telephone
02476 698871

Riding for the Disabled Association

Contact Name
info@rda.org.uk
Contact Email
info@rda.org.uk
Contact Telephone
01926 492915
Sport England

Sport England

Sport England is committed to helping people and communities across the country create sporting habits for life.

British Horseball Association

British Horseball Association

The official organisation for Horseball in the UK.

Archery

Sherwood Pines

Sherwood Pines Forest Park is a fantastic and inspiring place to experience the outdoors. There is something for everyone all year round, from walking, running and family cycling to mountain biking, Go Ape and adventure play and a range of sporting event

British Dressage

British Dressage

British Dressage is the national governing body of the sport of dressage in the UK.

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.

You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.

If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.

You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.

If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.

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