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Below you will find answers to some of our frequently asked questions. If your question has not been answered below, please do get in touch with the Centre and we would be happy to help with your query.
Are you accepting new participants?
Yes, we are happy to accept new applications. Please visit our Activities page to find out how to apply.
How do I access activities at CSRC?
We accept referrals from any persons - individuals, parents, carers or professionals. Contact the office for details of the sessions we offer and if you wish to proceed, we will send you an application form.
Is there a cost for the activities you provide?
There is a cost. All current prices can be found on our Activities page.
Is there a waiting list?
For some activities, there is a waiting list. We do our absolute best to keep waiting times to a minimum.
I am currently on your waiting list; how much longer will I have to wait for a place?
We endeavour to keep in touch with everyone on our waiting list to keep them informed on progress. We try to offer places as soon as we possibly can but if you have not heard from us, please contact the main office.
Is there an age limit to access CSRC?
No, we take children and adults with no upper or lower age limit (within reason and safe medical grounds). Children aged five and over can participate in our RDA riding sessions. Children under the age of five would be considered for Hippotherapy sessions.
What sessions are run during the week?
As of August 2022, we are offering the following sessions:
Monday morning and afternoon: Mechanical Horse sessions with Partners in Equine
Monday afternoon: Carriage Driving sessions
Tuesday morning: Hope Mountain RDA Group riding sessions
Tuesday morning and afternoon: Mechanical Horse sessions with Partners in Equine
Wednesday all day and evening: CSRC RDA Group riding sessions
Thursday morning and afternoon: CSRC RDA Group riding sessions
Friday morning: Hippotherapy
One-to-one riding sessions are available by prior arrangement.
Currently, we are not running sessions at weekends.
Can I volunteer at the Centre?
New volunteers are very welcome! The Centre cannot run without volunteers. We can offer a variety of volunteering opportunities for people aged 14 and over. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator for more details: Volunteering@clwydspecialridingcentre.co.uk 01352 770 446.
I need some help and support to mount/dismount, will that be possible?
We use our hydraulic platform to aid mounting and our volunteers will assist with dismounting, adjusting girths and stirrups and side walking.
Do you cater for school groups?
Yes. We have school groups that attend on a weekly basis as part of their curriculum. If your school is interested in learning more about what we can offer, please contact the main office.
What is your riding and carriage driving weight limit?
Our riding weight limit is 12½ stone / 79.4kgs. For carriage driving, 15 stone (inc. wheelchair if used). Anyone over that limit will be considered for mechanical horse sessions as an alternative or as part of a plan to return to riding.
Are there any alternatives to riding and carriage driving that I can consider?
Yes, we also offer mechanical horse sessions. We work in partnership with Partners in Equine, to deliver supported mechanical horse sessions. Anyone interested in mechanical horse sessions should contact the CSRC main office or email celt@clwydspecialridingcentre.co.uk. (Also see answers below on CELT and Mechanical Horse).
Are you running ground-based horse care sessions through CELT?
We will be running ground-based sessions again once we have a full equine team and volunteers back in place. For enquiries about horse care sessions, please contact the main office.
Are there any alternatives to riding that I can consider?
If suitable, our mechanical horse sessions can be offered as an alternative to riding. For enquiries about mechanical horse sessions, please contact the main office..
I would like to try riding on the simulator before a live horse, will that be possible?
Yes. For enquiries about mechanical horse sessions, please contact the main office.
We constantly review how we can safely run sessions in line with Welsh Government and RDA guidance. Changes in social distancing requirements can impact our ability to support riders that require close contact. When risk assessing the running of sessions, we not only consider the welfare of our participants, but that of our staff and volunteers too.
What measures have been put in place to keep everyone safe?
• CSRC has a Covid policy in place which is displayed around the Centre. The Centre’s facilities and busy areas are cleaned on a regular basis. Face masks and hand sanitisers are freely available around the site.
• The Centre has a QR Code that allows you to book into the Centre as part of the NHS Track and Trace app.
• All tack is cleaned between riders and all riders will be asked to wear their own hats and a clean pair of gloves on each visit. If you do borrow one of our hats, it will be disinfected between every rider.
• We request that no one comes to the Centre if they have any symptoms. Inform us immediately and follow the Welsh Government’s current guidance on what to do.
How do I pay for lessons?
All lessons must be pre-paid in advance per half term. Your RDA Group will provide you with all the payment details. We do not offer refunds for missed lessons, unless it is CSRC who cancels. Please view our payment and cancellation policy for further details.
I would like to find out more about your RDA holidays.
Please visit the Holidays page for all information about our holiday offering and how to book. We would be happy to discuss your holiday requirements in more detail – please contact the office to find out more.
Can I hire out your holiday accommodation for a private holiday?
Yes. Please contact the office for more information. A leaflet can be downloaded here.
Can I bring my own horse on holiday and hire out your accommodation?
Yes. Please contact the office for more information.
Can I adopt/sponsor a pony?
Yes. All our horses and ponies are available for adoption - £10 for 12 months or to sponsor from £250 upwards. For further details visit our Donate page.