Washington Riding Centre

15/09/2026

Meet Isla 💚

Isla is a lovely natured little girl whose confidence is growing with every lesson. She always has a smile on her face and the sweetest, most contagious giggle .

Isla has loved having the support of Louise, one of our wonderful volunteers, and it’s been lovely to see her progress. She is now starting to work off the lead rein and is working towards her Endeavour Award 3. She also loves getting out for a hack or a little walk at the end of her lesson.

Her mum says riding has made such a difference to Isla’s balance, coordination and confidence around horses. She’s always so proud when she masters a new skill and seems noticeably calmer after her lessons too.

Her coach Claire summed Isla up beautifully: “She lightens up my week.”

Well done, Isla , we’re so proud of you and all the progress you’re making.

14/09/2026

BHS Pony Stars Club ⭐️

A fun and friendly way for children to spend time with our ponies, make new friends and learn all about pony care and the world around them.

🐴 Meet & learn about the ponies.
🌿 Explore nature in our garden.
⭐ Enjoy fun activities and challenges.
🏅 Work towards badges & rosettes.

£15 per child | Aged 7+. Weekly on Wednesdays | 6.15-7.30pm

To book: Register → Add Rider → Get Graded → Book under Group Lessons.

A lovely first step into the world of ponies — come along and see what Pony Stars is all about.

Washingtonridingcentre.org

13/09/2026

A huge well done and congratulations to Keira in the GNR 🏃‍♀️👏

Keira and her family have been clients, liveries and fantastic supporters of ours for many years, so it makes us incredibly proud to see her achieve this.
A massive well done, Keira , what an achievement.

We’re all super proud of you! 🥰

A shout out to all the other runners who took part in the GNR , your all stars .

https://www.gofundme.com/f/washington-riding-for-the-disabled

12/09/2026

There’s still time to sponsor Keira in the GNR tomorrow! 🏃‍♀️💪

Every donation, no matter how small, will be a huge help and is very much appreciated.

Thank you so much for all your support!

Want to join Keira in making a difference? She’s doing her first Great North Run to … Jayne McGurk needs your support for Washington Riding for the Disabled

10/09/2026

Horse appreciation- Penny 🖤 🐴

Penny may be relatively new to us, but she has taken to being a SEND therapy horse like a duck to water.

Her gentle, calm nature brings a real sense of peace to her riders, and she has showed us just how special she is.

She may not be the most forward going horse, but what she lacks in speed, she more than makes up for in kindness, patience and personality.

Who’s your favourite horse or pony, and why?

It doesn’t have to be your favourite to ride , maybe you love to handle them, they always make you smile, or their personality has simply won your heart.
Washingtonridingcentre.org

09/09/2026

SEN Home Education Group 🐴

Following the success of our first session today, we’re pleased to be running it again next week, same day and same time, now open to ages up to 15 years.

This is a non-ridden session focusing on horse care, learning and positive on the ground interaction with the horses. 💚

Book under Group Lessons. New to the centre?

Register an account > Add rider(s) > Wait to be graded (you’ll receive an email) > Book.

Washingtonridingcentre.org

09/09/2026

A huge congratulations to our coach, Emma, who has been nominated for the RDA Coach of the Year Award by our clients.

This nomination is a wonderful reflection of Emma’s dedication, commitment and the positive difference she makes to those she coaches and supports.

Today was also a particularly special day for Emma, as she enjoyed her first ride since undergoing back surgery, on our lovely Autumn. 🍂 🍁

07/09/2026

🐴 Rider Height & Weight Update.

We wanted to share an important update with our families.

We are sad to announce that our lovely Leon will be retiring at the end of September. He will be moving yards with his owner and our wonderful coach Claire, where he can enjoy a quieter and very well deserved retirement. 💚

Following Leon’s retirement, our two remaining SEND horses, Katie and Penny, are both 15hh and smaller than Leon. To ensure their comfort and welfare, rider weight limits will be:

🐴 Up to 11 stone for beginner riders

🐴 Up to 12 stone for riders who can balance independently and confidently in all 3 paces.

We will be carrying out our in-house height and weight checks at the centre for all riders to ensure your appropriately matched to the correct horse or pony .

We completely understand that this can be a sensitive subject, so checks will always be carried out privately, respectfully and in a safe space, with a parent/carer and coach present.

These limits are there to protect the health, comfort and wellbeing of our wonderful horses and ponies, who give so much to our riders.

Horse welfare will always be our priority, and we really appreciate your understanding and continued support.

Penny has began hoist training and we are hopeful she will take over this role at the end of September.

Thank you 🐴

Leon, we will miss you 💚 - Claire will not be going anywhere! And will still be coaching at the centre .

07/09/2026

🎃 Halloween Hobby Horse Spooktacular 🎃

Book early to avoid missing out - Bookings fill up fast, and due to other activities taking place afterwards, we won’t be able to take bookings on the day. Secure your class in advance and get ready for some spooky Hobby Horse fun, suitable for all children .

BOOK UNDER EVENTS
Washingtonridingcentre.org

03/09/2026

SEN Home Education Horse Taster Session. 🐴

Wednesday 9th September 11.00am-12.30pm

A supportive, practical learning experience for home educated children and young people with SEN. Ages 7–13 | £20 per person.

Our horse centred taster sessions provide a calm and structured environment where children and young people can learn at their own pace, build confidence and develop valuable social, emotional and practical skills.

Through hands on interaction with horses, sessions may include:
• Safely approaching, handling and interacting with horses.
• Basic horse care and stable management.
• Building confidence and self esteem.
• Supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing.
• Developing communication and social skills.
• Encouraging responsibility and independence.

Working with horses provides opportunities to experience success, build positive relationships and develop skills that can support children and young people both within and beyond the stable environment.

How to book:
Register for an account on our website, add your rider(s)
Washingtonridingcentre.org