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Horse Riding
Our RDA qualified Coaches work at a pace to suit each individual rider. We are fortunate enough to be able to offer an alternative method of mounting using our hydraulic platform. This means we can welcome wheelchair users and those with reduced leg mobility to ride with us. We have a team of volunteers to assist with the sessions, this may be through leading a pony or side walking.
Our ponies are selected for their calm, caring nature they are trained and exercised for the work they do! We feel it is very important that the ponies get a range of exercise, they can often be found going for a long canter with our grooms around the local Bridleways as an alternative to their schoolwork. The whole experience with our ponies, coaches and volunteers builds confidence and communication in our calm non-judgemental countryside environment.
This application to join us will be assessed by our trained coaches before inviting you up for a casual assessment at the stables. This is a non-ridden assessment. This visit will be an opportunity for you to meet the ponies, familiarise yourself with the facilities and discuss with the coaches any needs or goals. Please note that our waiting list is currently closed and we work on a suitability to available slot system, not a numerical waiting list.
This means we can welcome wheelchair users and those with reduced leg mobility to ride with us. We have a team of volunteers to assist with the sessions, this may be through leading a pony or side walking.
At Broadlands Equine Therapy & RDA we offer small group and individual riding lessons for those over the age of 5 in our covered riding school.
Sessions run on a Monday AM and PM, Thursday AM, Friday AM and Saturday AM (Closed Sundays).
Sessions are 30 minutes in duration and we charge a £35 donation fee per person for a group lesson, £40 for a semi-private lesson (two people) and £60 for an individual lesson.
Please note that we do not cater for one off rides.
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Education & Employment Mentoring
Hello, I'm Hayley and I am an Accredited Behavioural Health Coach.
My speciality is in Neurodiversity and Addiction & Recovery, I am also an Accredited Life Coach and have completed my Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Diploma and Level 2 Counselling Skills.
I am also a SEN Tutor, Accredited ELSA, Trauma Informed Coach, Neurodivergent Specialist Coach and RDA Activity Lead.
I am also a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead here at Broadlands.
Phew, that's a lot!
So, what can I support you with?
Take a look...
A typical session with me depends on the individual — because no two people, and no two journeys, are ever the same. For some, that might mean supporting a young person who’s no longer in mainstream education, or who’s working on a reduced timetable. In these moments, our time together is all about practical, enjoyable learning: experiences that feel positive, achievable, and pressure-free.
I work closely with local SENCOs, alternative provisions, and within EHCPs and EOTAS packages, ensuring each session is aligned with the young person’s wider support network and educational goals.
We might spend our sessions working through Pony Club–led activities, building towards mini challenge badges. These sessions usually last anywhere from half an hour to an hour, depending on what works best for the individual. They’re a brilliant way to grow equine knowledge, while also benefiting from friendly, one-to-one mentoring in a calm, supportive setting.
Together, we explore what horses need to thrive — understanding their behaviour, their emotions, and their routines. Along the way, we often notice something really powerful: how those needs and feelings can mirror our own. This gentle connection helps introduce self regulation, emotional awareness, and social skills — all in a relaxed, natural way.
For those who want to take the next step, I also offer progression routes through the British Horse Society. These pathways provide a fantastic foundation for anyone interested in a future within the equine industry — or simply keen to deepen their knowledge and confidence.
And for older participants, the focus may shift again — towards life skills and future planning. That could include interview preparation, careers guidance, college applications, work experience, or support with the transition into adulthood and independent living.
At its heart, every session is about progress — at your own pace — in a way that feels engaging, meaningful, and genuinely positive.
Contact Hayley on hayley@broadlandsgrouprda.org.uk
Equine Assisted Learning
Equine assisted learning is ground based. Using the calm and peaceful environment of the stables we can deliver a skills based service that focuses on teaching life skills and social skills whilst working with the ponies. Our coaches carefully select a pony for each participant, taking into consideration the personalities of both. Some of this work at Broadlands is delivered by Lowen Therapy.
Alongside building relationships and knowledge of horses RDA can offer an awards scheme that participants can work towards. These will include some physical skills and tasks alongside theory elements. Once each stage is completed the participant receives a badge and certificate.
Sessions might include grooming, watching, leading, washing, general yard jobs, care of tack or feeding the ponies. A Coach will be there to guide the session to meet individuals goals.
These sessions can be anywhere between 30mins to 60mins and we ask for a donation of £35 toward the cost of the care of the ponies and maintenance of the facilities.
Tea with a Pony
Tea With a Pony is a carefully designed wellbeing experience hosted at our fully accessible centre, created especially for care home residents and respite centres.
Guests will enjoy the calming presence of our gentle, trained ponies alongside a traditional homemade afternoon tea in a safe, welcoming environment that encourages relaxation, social interaction, and emotional enrichment.
The yard is fully wheelchair accessible and includes adapted restrooms to ensure comfort for all visitors. We provide an afternoon tea service, with all dietary needs carefully catered for. Whether for a group outing or a tailored activity programme, Tea With a Pony offers a meaningful afternoon for up to 10 guests in total.
Contact Emma on emmam@broadlandsgrouprda.org.uk for further details.
Interested in registering to ride with us?
Read our FAQ's to find out more or complete our application form.