Unicorn Centre

The Unicorn Centre is a registered charity and member group of the Riding for the Disabled Association, based in Middlesbrough. It provides horse-based activities for children and adults with additional needs, alongside introductory lessons and mechanical horse sessions for non-disabled riders. The centre is listed on the British Horse Society approved register and its coaches hold BHS qualifications, giving riders a clear standard of instruction to work towards.

Lessons at the centre cover dressage and equine therapy, with sessions offered at an RDA rate starting from GBP 25 for a 30-minute group lesson. Supported volunteering and pony care sessions are available for those who want to learn about horse care rather than ride. Outreach visits, including the popular pony visits and tea with a pony sessions, bring horses to schools, care homes and community groups across the area. A mechanical horse with hoist facility allows simulated riding for those not yet able to work with a live horse.

The facilities are designed with accessibility in mind. An indoor arena measuring 40m by 20m and a separate outdoor arena give year-round riding options, while access ramps, dust free surfaces and a mounting area with electric hoist make the centre usable for wheelchair users and riders with limited mobility. Integral stabling and loose boxes house the horses on site, supported by a feed room, corrals, judge's box and a classroom for group learning. The conference room is also available to hire for meetings and events.

Open daily from Monday to Saturday with some evening sessions, the Unicorn Centre welcomes enquiries from families, schools and community organisations. Those interested in riding lessons, volunteering or arranging an outreach visit can contact the centre directly. As a registered charity (no. 1062577), it relies on volunteers as well as riders, and supported volunteer programmes are open to people who may need additional guidance to take part.