Our riding classes follow the internationally recognized Riding for the Disabled UK (RDA) and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) standards, syllabus and best practices.

In Adaptive Riding Classes the aim is to teach basic riding skills and horsecare, gradually decreasing the level of assistance required; riding is taught but there is also a focus on the specific need of the participant.

Man has been using the horse for work and pleasure since ancient times. There is a unique relationship between man and a horse, and it has been said that ‘the outside of a horse is good for the inside of man’.  This is because a horse truly lives in the moment and is non judgemental.

Horse riding is a real rehabilitation of both the mind and the body. Physically riding can affect balance, posture, coordination and muscle control. In addition motor planning (getting on and off the horse, decision making, communication and social skills can be enhanced in an enjoyable environment.  The horse with his rhythmic walk provides a multi-sensory experience hard to replicate by any other means.

Some individuals who display challenging behaviour hyperactivity or poor attention span find that the horse gives an immediate non-judgemental response to their actions which calms and focuses their attention.

Horse related activities such as grooming, leading and learning how to care for the horse can help to develop self-esteem and confidence.

We provide structured, tailored classes for each individual dependent on ability and need.  Our highly trained staff and volunteers are of RDA specified training and are fluent in their procedures and most importantly health and safety standards. Our expert staff along with our passion and drive help develop riders to their maximum potential and ensure that all students receive the best possible experience in which to progress and excel.

All the sessions are lead by trained coaches and are supported by the team allocated to each horse or pony; usually a leader and side walkers as required. 

Participant Information

Participants must be a minimum of 5 years of age, and both adults and children can apply.

For adaptive riding lessons there is a weight limit of 65 kg. This is for the welfare of our horses. 

The lessons are free of charge.

How to Start…

Complete and return Student application form with doctor approval pages completed and signed by a doctor who follows up regularly on participant. Should you require further information please e-mail info@marmoom.net

Here at the Al Marmoom Initiative, we provide sessions that allow students who may not be allowed to ride a horse, due to medical reasons, still interact with these amazing animals.  We offer a number of in-hand equestrian disciplines, Carriage driving, Endurance crewing, Stable management and Horse knowledge programmes.

These classes are suitable for all pupils even with the most severe of disability, here at Al Marmoom we will always tailor our sessions to be inclusive to all students.

Our sessions have markedly helped students improve on concentration, coordination and confidence in all areas of their lives.

What is the cost?

Our lessons are free of charge, all cost covered by founder.

Is there a minimum/maximum age for students?

Yes, due to safety reasons the minimum age for students is 5 years. There is no maximum age.

Who can take part in these classes?

Most pupils can take part in our classes with any type of disability as long as it is deemed safe and beneficial to the student. There are only a few conditions that would prevent a student taking part in a riding lesson but in these cases they can normally can enroll in our stable management courses.

Is there a weight limit?

For the riding lessons, yes – the maximum weight is 65kg.  For the stable management classes there is no weight limit.

What about safety of a disabled child on a horse?

We take safety extremely seriously and would never put a disabled individual on a horse if we did not feel appropriate.  There are 3 volunteers/staff members involved in each lesson for those who require extra assistance. We follow the RDA UK guidelines and training to ensure the comfort of our students.

Does the student need to provide equipment?

The only equipment that the student will need are long comfortable pants and closed shoes, for example sneakers or boots.

When do classes run?

Riding and stable management classes run six days a week from Oct until end of May.

The Pony Club is an international voluntary youth organisation for young people interested in ponies and riding. Founded in England in 1929. There are around 345 Branches and 540 Centres in the UK alone. The Pony Club has been the starting point for a large majority of equestrian team members and medal winners. We are proud to be one of the few overseas pony club centres, our students are able to join and earn badges for their achievments in riding and stable management.

Our tailor-made greenhouses are specifically designed for Special needs students.  With extra wide paths and raised beds, we can also cater for wheelchair-bound individuals.

For many of our greenhouse students this kind of lesson is a first, the planting and growing process provides all round sensory stimulation that cannot be found in any other environment.

Within our greenhouses we grow both food and non-food crops that are then packaged and sold to individuals and wholesale.

Our greenhouse social business is non-profit and provides real vocational and practical skills to adults with Special needs.  We provide these lessons to school groups and individuals.