Disabled Riding Centre

Thanet Disabled Riding Centre is an independent non-profit organisation based in Broadstairs, Kent. Established in 1974, the centre has spent 50 years supporting people with disabilities through riding and equine-assisted activities. With the help of volunteers, it currently serves around 70 riders and therapy participants each week. Its home is five ponies: four are in full-time work, while the 38-year-old Shetland is retired.

The centre offers riding sessions during term time for schools and individuals, as well as holiday riding for people it cannot accommodate during term time. Its equine-assisted activities and meet-and-greet sessions provide further opportunities to engage with the ponies. The organisation also welcomes volunteers, including people seeking SEN or Duke of Edinburgh experience, and offers work experience and other volunteering roles.

As a full-time charity, the centre says it costs £275 a day to run. Donations help maintain the stables and sustain its services, which aim to support riders’ physical, mental and social well-being, confidence and health. It welcomes enquiries about riding, therapy, work experience and volunteering.