March 16, 2026
Harrison Foundation Donation Supports Accessibility at Stanley Brae Riding School
Stanley Brae Riding School in County Durham has purchased a range of new equipment to support improvements to accessibility at the yard following the Harrison Foundation’s donation in December.
Stanley Brae provides riding opportunities for a wide range of participants, including beginners, young riders and those with disabilities or additional needs. The funding from the Harrison Foundation has enabled the school to purchase new equipment designed to improve accessibility for riders while also supporting the wellbeing of the horses that make the programme possible.
One of the key improvements has been the addition of new mounting blocks, providing greater flexibility for riders when getting onto a horse. Mounting can often be one of the most challenging aspects of riding, particularly for those who are new to the sport or who have mobility challenges. Having a range of mounting options available allows the riding school to better support riders with different needs.
Stanley Brae explained that no single solution works for every rider, and the new equipment helps ensure that participants can mount safely and comfortably. The school is also exploring the potential introduction of an equestrian mounting hoist in the future, which would further expand accessibility for riders with more complex physical needs.
Alongside improving access for riders, the donation has also supported the purchase of two new Equissage therapy machines. These machines are used to support the physical wellbeing of the school’s horses, which play a vital role in delivering the riding programmes.
Riding school horses work hard to support a wide variety of riders, including beginners and those taking part in therapeutic or adaptive riding sessions. Regular care and physiotherapy treatments are therefore essential to maintaining their health and comfort.
The funding has also enabled the purchase of six new saddles. Many riders attending Stanley Brae experience sensory sensitivities, which can make adapting to different horses and riding equipment challenging. The new saddles have been carefully selected to address this issue and increase the yard’s capacity for sensory provision in local communities.
Several of the saddles are adjustable, allowing them to be adapted to fit different horses while providing a consistent feel for riders. By gradually introducing similar saddle types across the school’s horses and ponies, Stanley Brae hopes to reduce sensory barriers and make riding a more comfortable and positive experience for participants.
Daniel Harrison MBE, trustee of the Harrison Foundation, said:
“Stanley Brae does excellent work providing inclusive riding opportunities for people who may otherwise find it difficult to access the sport for a wide variety of reasons. The Harrison Foundation’s aim is always about removing barriers and widening access to opportunities. It’s great to see that our support has helped the team invest in equipment that improves accessibility for riders while also supporting the welfare of the horses that make the programme possible. This will mean that more people in the surrounding communities can access the sport and benefit from the programmes the team offers.”