Although the centre was originally built for the exclusive use of disabled riders, we are now increasing participation so everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the unique enjoyment and learning experience that contact with horses can bring - whatever their ability.
Whether you require a one off 'riding experience' or training towards a recognised accredited qualification, each course can be tailored to meet individual needs and/or curriculum criteria.
What's Available
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NVQ Levels I, II & III
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BHS Stages I, II and III
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Riding and Road Safety
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ASDAN Courses EA, CVQ, Towards Independence Award & Transition Challenge
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One week riding holidays (non-residential)
NVQ - National Vocational Qualification
The awarding body we use for our NVQ is the British Horse Society. NVQ's are awarded on continual assessment. There are different levels, at present 1, 2 & 3 and each level is made up of several units. Each unit is made up of practical skills and written assignments which provide the underpinning knowledge.
An assessor, in our case Jane or Kay, will assess each unit. If it is of the required level it will be signed off. If not at the required level the candidate is 'referred' and has another assessment when they feel they are ready.
All assessments are done at the workplace using familiar equipment and horses you know.
The alternative method of gaining qualification is:
BHS Stage Exams
The BHS stages follow the same syllabus as the NVQ's. BHS stage 1 being equivalent NVQ 1 and so on. The main difference is that the BHS stages are sat as a one day exam at an exam centre. The nearest one to here is Blackdyke in
We offer BHS preparation courses at the WRC. The minimum age for NVQ or BHS is 14 years. To sit the BHS Stage 2 you must hold the Ride & Road Safety Certificate.
Ride & Road Safety Certificate
We also run courses at the Centre for this exam. The course consists of a 5 week course including theory and practical training, followed by an exam taken at the WRC.
This is an accredited qualification and is open to adults and children over 12 years.
See extended details below.
ASDAN - Award Scheme Development & Accreditation Network
EA - Employability Award
This is a course aimed at gaining skills that will help when looking for employment.
5 different levels to suit all abilities.
There are up to 11 modules to choose from including Health & Safety, Employing job opportunities, Rights and Responsibilities at work.
At the end of the course each person has a portfolio to take away as proof of their work.
Each candidate has up to 2 years to complete their portfolio.
CVQ - Community Volunteering Qualification
This is a qualification that gives individuals recognition for their volunteer work.
4 different levels to suit all abilities.
Individuals can also earn UCAS points for university.
There are 25 modules to choose from including Health & Safety, Teamwork skills, Communication skills, Tackling problems.
At the end of the course each person has a portfolio to take away as proof of their work.
Each candidate has up to 3 years to complete their portfolio.
Towards
In Horse Riding and Stable Management
The aim of each course is to help each student develop skills in horse riding and stable management, encouraging each individual to think more about what a horse needs in daily life as well as developing their own riding skills.
Throughout the course each student will develop a portfolio of the work they do with photographs and written pieces about what they have done. The portfolio is kept by the student after the course is completed.
At the end of the course each student will receive a certificate to recognise their achievements.
The riding section includes:
Mounting and dismounting safely
Riding the horse at walk and trot
Holding the reins correctly.
Grooming the horse
Parts of the horse
Parts of the horses' tack
Mucking out stables
What horses eat
What to wear when riding
How to be safe around horses
It is anticipated that the Towards Independence Award course could be completed in 12/13 weeks
The Transition Challenge runs for 36 weeks. It consists of a total of 5 modules, with each student completing a minimum of 8 units each - Equalling a total of 40 units to gain the full ASDAN award. Modular awards can also be achieved.
The course can be completed in one of two ways:
Riding and Horse Care (45min riding and 45mins horse care)
Or
Horse Care only (45 min session)
B.H.S. Riding and Road Safety Training and Tests at W.R.C.
Since January 2011 Riding and Road Safety is now known as The Level Two E.Q.L. Award in B.H.S. Riding Horses Safely on the Public Highway. It is split into two units which can be taken individually or all on the same day. Candidates much have achieved Unit 1 before sitting Unit 2.
Unit 1 - Principles of Riding Horses on the Highway consists of 15 guided theoretical learning hours providing two credits.
Unit 2 - Ride a Horse in an Enclosed Area and on the Highway consists of 45 guided practical learning hours providing 6 credits.
Why take part in B.H.S. Riding and Road Safety Training?
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Riding and Road Safety is an essential prerequisite for taking the B.H.S. Stage Two exam. Both adults and children (12 years of age minimum) may take part.
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Most importantly the training could help save both you and your horse as well as other road users. Potentially it could also help in your defence in court if you were involved in a horse related accident on the road.
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You accumulate 8 training credits which are fully transferable to any other form of training.
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You gain a qualification equivalent to one G.C.S.E.
The next course will run in September 2011.
All enquiries are welcome to Kay Redfern (B.H.S. Riding and Road Safety Officer Durham Region, trainer and examiner)
Email: kredfern123@btinternet.com
Mobile: 07929 776332
W.R.C.: 0191 416 2745
Tyne and Wear RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association). Registered Charity No.1073555