West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled Association The Magpie Centre (Established 1972) moved from Holme to Wallington Hall in 1978 and has continued to provide riding and carriage driving to the very highest standards to over 100 riders and drivers a week. Run by a Committee of Volunteers and dedicated staff team the Magpie centre also provides work placements for volunteers from the local community, BHS and NVQ training and work placement oppourtunities.We are also a riding and road safety test centre and the centre manager is an approved trainer.
Norfolk’s only purpose built RDA centre, specifically for the use of people with disabilities.We are dedicated to ensuring that all of our riders/drivers receive a high standard of professional tuition, tailored to their individual needs.
Our instructors work closely with physiotherapists and other health professionals to encourage every individual to aim for attainable goals, - some modest, others far more ambitious, including competing at the RDA National dressage championship at Hartpury.
Riding can be of immense benefit to individuals with disabilities not only for the sheer pleasure and enjoyment that it brings, but also for the many therapeutic values too, including development of balance, muscle tone, circulation, coordination, confidence, relaxation, dexterity, global awareness, communication and social skills
Most importantly our riders get to open boundaries and explore, make decisions, achieve goals, make new friends and gain confidence.
Carriage Driving not only teaches a new skill, it widens boundaries, here at The Magpie Centre that includes the freedom to explore 600 acres of off road tracks and woodland, the opportunity to make decisions, the sensory experiences of the elements and nature and on top of all that it’s good fun too.Our carriages are adapted for wheel chair users.
Pictured below is Shannon, one of our carriage driving ponies bought and sponsored by DOW Chemicals, based in Kings Lynn. Thank you Dow.
