By Lauren Monaghan, Junior Local Democracy Reporter
A new equestrian facility catering for people with physical and mental disabilities could be opened in Ravenshead.
Plans for the centre were submitted to Gedling Borough Council by Rowntree Equine Therapy Ltd at the end of July this year.
The proposed site is located on Longdale Lane, Ravenshead, where an existing manège and paddocks already exist.
Rowntree Therapy Limited is a non-for-profit organisation with the aim of providing teaching, rehabilitation and an equestrian experience for people with disabilities.
The proposed centre will include a riding arena, stables for four horses and qualified coaches to aid in the equestrian activities, allowing for four people with disabilities to use the space at any one time.
The equestrian services, experience and support will be open to people with physical, mental, sensory and multiple disabilities.
According to the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), equine therapy can assist people with disabilities with accessing physical exercise, building their confidence levels and relationships and strengthening their core strength, balance and coordination.
The association says there are also great benefits with combating loneliness and isolation that some disabled people may experience, which helps promote positive wellbeing.
Association statistics from people using their services how that 76 per cent experience physical improvement and more enjoyment, 77 per cent have greater confidence, 82 per cent have improved ability to build relationships and 68 per cent had improved communication.
If the plans are approved, Portland College, a specialist college, residential care provider and Centre of Excellence for Autism in Mansfield, will be the main user of the centre’s services.
A classroom would also be available in the centre, allowing for specialist equine short courses, ranging from level one to level five, to be taught.
These courses would teach topics and skills such as equine anatomy, physiology, first aid and equine nutrition and behavioural science.
A letter of support from the college in the planning documents reads: “We were very keen to create a link with the college where our learners could
use this facility as part of their animal care qualifications, work experience
and to support with their well-being.”
The centre would be open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am to 3pm.
A decision on the plan will be made by Gedling Borough Council at a later date.
