The Belvoir Vale RDA facilities are state of the art and the entire site has been designed with accessibility front of mind, from the carpark to the clubhouse and every inch of hacking track in between. Because the center is so well equipped and configured, it means our coaches, volunteers and stable hands are free to focus on the important bits – our participants, their individual needs and creating the best experiences for everyone involved.
Our Indoor Arena is 60x20m with an Andrews Bowen sand fibre surface. We also have a motorised platform that allows disabled riders, including wheelchair users, direct access to a pony. The lift provides a safer mounting experience for the pony and the rider, also reducing the risk of lifting and twisting injuries being incurred by the Coaches and Volunteers.
Next door to the Indoor Arena is the Club Room, benefitting from a small kitchen, equipped with coffee and tea making facilities, as well as space for families and groups to wait for their sessions to begin. In 2025, this will be replaced by a much bigger, stand-alone Club House; you can read more about this below.
Shortly, the Indoor Arena will also benefit from a viewing gallery. This will be called the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Area, in recognition of the Trust’s generous donation of the mechanical lift.
To find out more and/or to make a booking, please visit our Hire the Arena webpage.
The Outdoor Arena is 60x40m, designed large enough to accommodate Carriage Driving as well as horse riding. This space sits at the heart of the centre with views of the stunning Nottinghamshire countryside and the center’s picturesque hacking tracks that meander around the farm.
The Arenas are available to hire when RDA sessions are not taking place and mobile barriers, dressage boards, set of poles and uprights are all available upon request.
To find out more and/or to make a booking, please visit our Hire the Arena webpage.
Thanks to an incredibly generous, and anonymous, donation Belvoir Vale RDA is lucky to have a mechanical horse on site – Roma The Second! The simulator is housed in the aptly named ‘Romatherapy Room’ located within the Indoor Arena complex.
This cutting-edge facility, offers participants a safe and versatile way to experience the joys of horse riding. Whether it’s building confidence, improving balance, or mastering riding techniques, the simulator provides a controlled environment tailored to individual needs. It’s a perfect stepping stone for riders who might feel nervous about getting on a live horse or need a supportive introduction to riding.
The simulator helps develop core strength, posture and coordination, making it an excellent resource for physical therapy. It also allows participants to focus on specific skills without the unpredictability of a live horse, creating a focused and productive learning experience. It’s realistic movements ensure that riders gain an authentic feel for riding, all while staying in a comfortable, indoor space.
The Belvoir Vale RDA site spans 27 acres in total, and alongside its impressive arenas, the high-tech simulator and modern stables, sits some of the most beautiful English countryside. Riders can take their ponies on a relaxing hack along the winding tracks, which also provide a perfect route for those Carriage Driving and looking to venture beyond the arenas!
For participants who prefer to engage with our ponies out of the saddle, a Sensory Garden and rewilding area has been designed to provide a relaxing environment where people can bond and connect with our horses, helping to overcome stress and anxiety and creating an opportunity to develop trust and empathy.
Finally, we take the great care of our ponies and horses and so we have no fewer than 13 paddocks where our favourite furry friends can relax and recuperate after a hard days work.
It is anticipated that the Club House will be completed in 2025. The Club House will provide an incredible space for our riders, their families, volunteers and the local community alike. The finished building will be more akin to a stylish hospitality venue, than something you might find at a traditional stable yard!
On entering the Club House, visitors will be greeted by volunteers at a stylish reception area. Continuing on into the building, they will pass designated meeting rooms, a fully equipped kitchen and accessible toilet and shower facilities. The space then opens out to a beautiful lounge area with floor to ceiling windows looking across to the Outdoor Arena.
There will be a community cafe where visitors can purchase a hot drink (alongside delicious home made cakes) and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Given the site’s location, we hope the Club House will attract the local community and tourist passers-by, with all the proceeds from the cafe going back into the charity, giving even more people the opportunity to benefit from RDA!
Lisa - Parent of rider
Amy - Adult Volunteer
Alex - Young Volunteer
Sue - Adult Volunteer
Marion - Parent of rider & supported volunteer
Lucy - Rider & supported volunteer
Lynsey - Parent of rider & supported volunteer
Helene - Parent of a rider
Sister of a rider
One of our wonderful riders
Helen - Parent of sibling riders
Les - Parent of rider
Allanah - Rider
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As a charity, we depend on your donations to transform lives. Whether it’s a one-off gift or a regular contribution, every donation helps us provide therapeutic riding and activities. Please donate now and be a part of our mission.
