The Brook

The Brook at Bittaford near Ivybridge is the home of Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled Group, a BHS and ABRS accredited RDA centre now in its 40th year, with The Brook site itself in operation for over 16 years. It specialises in riding therapy and equine facilitated education for people with physical, cognitive, sensory or social disabilities.

Around 160 individual riders attend, with riding therapy offered from 18 months upwards and equine facilitated learning from age 4. The centre runs EQL, BTEC and ASDAN programmes alongside riding, and its riders compete at RDA regional and national level, the group is one of the largest attending the RDA Nationals.

There are 10 horses and 8 coaches, none of whom are paid; all are assessed annually and complete CPD training days. Facilities include three arenas: two outdoor (one grass) and one covered. Horse welfare is a stated priority, with a professional rider on the yard and individual care and work programmes for each horse.

Please note this is a non-commercial charity reliant on donations and local support, not a general-access riding school, contact directly to discuss placement. Now gives nearly 4,000 rides a year, supported by an army of around 180 volunteer helpers, sometimes three to each disabled rider.