The Diamond Centre

RDA Lessons - Most riders start in a beginners class suited to their age and ability and can progress to a more advanced ride. The lessons between Tuesdays and Fridays are mainly for school groups and adult day centres. Individual riders, adults and juniors, may join a suitable class after school hours including evenings, or ride on a Saturday.

The structure of the lessons is geared to the needs, abilities and requests of the riders. Besides learning the basics of how to ride a horse, some riders can enjoy other activities including jumping, dressage, gymkhana events, handy pony competitions, fun days with treasure hunts and games and riding in our fields and woodland.

All lessons are taken by trained instructors who are helped by a deputy and, where necessary, a group of helpers to lead the horses. Most of our instructors are volunteers.

Vaulting - Equestrian vaulting, or simply vaulting, is most often described as gymnastics and dance on horseback. Therapeutic vaulting  is an activity for those who may have balance, attention, gross motor skill or social difficulties.

The lessons are taken by trained group of instructors and helpers who are mostly volunteers. Our vaulting teams are a very social crowd and very much enjoy taking part in the Christmas Show and, with luck, the National RDA Competiton each July.

Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy - Therapeutic riding and hippotherapy are available to those who will benefit from specialist physiotherapy programmes.

The hippotheraphy programme provided at The Diamond Centre is for riders under 5 with significant postural problems with conditions such as cerebral palsy. These riders would not be able to be supported appropriately within a normal group ride and require the specialised support and supervision of a therapist who is fully qualified in the use of the horse for rehabilitation.

Carriage Driving - Our driving team is a small but friendly section of the Diamond and we drive on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in term time. Our drives are lucky enough to be able to access Queen Mary’s Park behind our fields. They enjoy a good rapport with the many dog walkers and other park users.

Horse Care Sessions - These 1-1 sessions are run for participants to find out more about horses and horse care. They last up to 30mins and we will tailor the session for each participant. Activities include, patting the pony, learning to groom, learning about tack and equipment, learning how to look after a pony, and if possible we will introduce participants to RDA proficiency tests or endeavour awards, where they work towards gaining badges and certificates.