Erme Valley RDA operates as a charity-run riding centre in the village of Bittaford, Devon, delivering therapeutic and educational riding sessions to disabled people of all ages. The centre sits within the South West of England and draws on the support of a volunteer base to keep its programme running week by week. Riders can take part in standard lessons alongside a wider selection of specialist services, including hippotherapy, a Perthes therapy programme, horse care sessions and stable management.
The centre is accredited by the Riding for the Disabled Association, the British Horse Society and the Association of British Riding Schools, placing it within a recognised network of equestrian providers. Alongside its riding work, the centre runs ASDAN programmes, Changing Lives Through Horses sessions, work placements and competition opportunities across countryside challenge, dressage and show jumping. Sessions are open to children, with under 5s sessions starting from GBP 15.
Facilities include an indoor riding school and an outdoor school, both of which allow lessons to continue through poor weather. The site also offers a stable block, disabled access, disabled toilets, a hoist and parking on site. Away from the arenas, riders and visitors can use a recreation and education room, a sensory children's corner and a life skills and art room, which are used as part of the therapeutic and educational work carried out at the centre.
The centre is open on Monday from 9am to 6pm, Wednesday from 10am to 1pm, Thursday from 10am to 4pm and again from 6pm to 8pm, Friday from 11.30am to 1.30pm, and Saturday from 9am to 12pm. Private arrangements can be made outside these hours. The postcode is PL21 0HG, and enquiries should be directed to the centre directly to discuss availability and book sessions.