About Us
Background
The Bannockburn Group of Riding for the Disabled was formed in 1994, and with committed support from our dedicated volunteers, the Sauchieburn Centre has developed significantly over the years. Our clients come from the Stirling, Clackmannan and Falkirk areas and beyond in order to benefit from the wide range of learning, therapeutic and social opportunities we provide. Our clients are children, young people and adults with a range of physical disabilities, learning difficulties and social & emotional issues, and have access to our service either through day centres and schools, or as indivduals.
We strive to achieve an integrated approach where our small team of experienced staff, our clients and volunteers all work together in a supportive, safe and fun environment. The services provide other opportunities to develop equestrian as well as social skills, gaining experience, confidence, self-esteem, and fulfilling personal potential.
The range of activities at the Centre includes:
- Riding
- Carriage Driving
- Horse care and stable management
- Equestrian Vaulting
- Opportunities to compete
- Social Services and Education
- Dept placements
In addition we can provide:
- Supported employment and work experience placements
- Working towards and sitting RDA and BHS exams
- Riding and Driving holidays
Activities
riding
Learning to ride provides numerous benefits which include development of balance and co-ordination, enhanding concentration and building confidence. We currently provide 35 riding sessions per week for individuals and groups. Classes are held in our indoor and outdoor arenas, and our clients can also enjoy riding in the beautiful woodland surrounding the Centre.
carriage driving
Carriage driving provides a real sense of freedom and physical independance, and drivers can enjoy the scenic pathways within the Sauchieburn estate, or practice their skills without our newly build large 40m x 80m all weather outdoor arena. Driving is a very social and co-operative activity, with drivers and volunteers working closely as a team.
horse care & stable management
Clients and volunteers can learn about and gain experience in horse care and stable management. We actively support clients and volunteers who may wish to work towards RDA, British Horse Society and NVQ qualifications. Working with the horses and ponies is valuable in helping build confidence, and improve self awarness and communication skills.
equestrian vaulting
Equestrian vaulting (gymnastics on horse back) is a team activity where skills in communication and co-ordination can be enhanced through taking turns, and by working together as part of a team to help each other. Vaulting also helps improve agility and balance, as well as building personal confidence.
oppportunities to compete
We host regional and national RDA competitions at the Centre and find that participating in events at Sauchieburn, or other locations within the UK, can provide an exciting and challenging experience, helping clients develop confidence and self-esteem. Some of our clients have competited at Special Olympic and Paralympic level.
social services & education dept placements
We work with young people with social and emotional issues who are finding it difficult integrating into mainstream schooling and employment. We provide coaching and 1:1 support which assists in personal development, and find that by working in a 'non-school' environment, life skills including communication, co-operation and trust can be developed effectively, whilst young people gain practical experience of the importance of working with others and taking responsibility for their own actions.
supported employment & work experience
We offer a supportive and safe working environment within which young people with disabilities can gain work experience and qualifications within an equestrian centre environment.
Our Staff
We have a small team of knowledgeable and experienced staff with specialist education, equestrian and coaching qualifications.
Volunteering
We work not be able to operate without the continued assistance of volunteers, so if you would like to donate some time (as little or as much as you can), there are a range of volunteering activities available including:
- Assisting in clases (leading & side working)
- Assisting with carriage driving (cyclists also required to ride at the front and back of carriages)
- Preparing the ponies for classes
- Helping in the stable yard
- Helping in the café
- General permises maintenance
- Helping with fundraising
We can also provide opportunities for corporate and team volunteering.
No experience is necessary and full training, including health and safety, is provided. We also provide training and support for volunteers who wish to take RDA and BHS exams.
What our clients and volunteers say
"Edwin has Autism. Riding is one of the main 'Social' events of his week and something he looks forward to. Edwin adores ponies and is calm and relaced around them, this helps his concentration, and with the help of his instructors, Edwin has become a confident rider. Many thanks to all who work so hard to make this possible."
Florence and Leslie (Edwin's parents)"I became a volunteer because I am seriously addicted to horses, but the riders soon become more important. When riders reach individual milestones, I share in their achievement. It's difficult to express how good being a helper can make you feel, you would have to come along to experience it."
Henri (volunteer)Fundraising
We are heavily reliant on fundraising to cover the operational costs of the Centre and would welcome your support, either by organising a fundraising event or making a donation. By participating in our 'Sponsor a Pony' scheme, you can support the work of the Centre in a way which also makes a great present for pony fans. Sponsor packs costs £20 and further details can be obtained from our website or by contacting the centre.
Contact Details
For further information about the work of the Centre, or if you would like to support us either through volunteering or by fundraising, please contact Sara Smith (Centre Manager) at the addresses on the right or by visiting Contact Us.
BHS Approved Riding Establishment 2010
A Pony Club Centre 2010
Bannockburn RDA
The Sauchieburn Centre
Sauchieburn Estate
Bannockburn
Stirling
FK7 9PZ
Telephone:
(01786) 813338
0845 241 1365 (Lo-call)
E-mail:
info@bannockburnrda.org.uk
Bannockburn Group of Riding for the Disabled (known as Bannockburn RDA) is a registered Scottish charity Number: SC004549 and Private Limited Company Number. SC339433
A Member Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving