Riding Sessions 
Volunteer 
How Our Sessions Work
Whether riding in the arena or in the beautiful adjoining countryside, you will be welcomed at Watershed RDA. An assessment will be carried out including the allocation of a suitable riding hat and advice given on suitable riding gear to ensure your safety and comfort. Please note that we have a maximum weight limit of 12 stone for all our riders.
Each rider is assisted with mounting using our purpose built mounting ramp or hoist and with dismounting which takes place in the arena. Our riders are always accompanied by a trained coach, a first aider and members of our volunteer team.
We encourage interaction with our ponies, whether it is simply a pat and a stroke, learning about and helping with pony care, or maybe helping to lead their pony back to the stable.
Our riders are welcome to use our Mess Room where you can relax, chat and eat lots of cake with other members of the Watershed family.
Our Riders
Our riders range from 3 – 63+ and have a range of needs so we always cater the ride to the individual. We will carefully assess your abilities and needs and pair you with a suitable pony, coach and team of support volunteers. You will then have an individual or group session.
We ensure our riders come to a safe place where they can enjoy being themselves and thrive both mentally and physically.
Rider Testimonials:
“I have strong legs for an hour a week” – 50 year old rider who walks with sticks
“He is very autistic and non-communicative but reaches out to touch the pony” – mother of an autistic 8 year old
“On riding days he leaps out of bed and dresses himself. On other days it is a struggle” – carer of a 30 year old rider with special needs
“She did not speak but now says walk on to her pony. This has resulted in more speech at home and school” – mother of a 7 year old who is a selective mute
“I don’t have to worry about tripping as the horse sees for me” – 15 year old partially sighted boy
“I have trauma induced multiple sclerosis and didn’t ride for 17 years after a severe head injury. I restarted riding at RDA and cried and could only ride for 5 minutes. Now I am an International Para Dressage rider” – 40 year old rider
