Testimonials
Vandra Roots, RDA rider
"The facilities are good for disabled riders with sturdy mounting platform, large and well surfaced arena, outdoor circuit for riding in the summer and observation lounge complete with drinks machine. Riding helps to strengthen my legs providing help with exercises which can only be done on a horse which I would not otherwise get. I enjoy contact with some lovely horses who are all very calm and patient although they can sometimes show their feelings a little! The instructors are proficient, caring and friendly and it is good to meet up with the cheerful volunteers and other clients with a whole range of both physical and personality disabilities, some of whom really come alive when they mount up."
Andrew Dumbelton, RDA rider
"I really look forward to Fridays because of my horse riding lessons on Fridays! I think the horses are really nice and friendly and look very tidy. The only problem is sometimes, some horses go a bit slow! The instructors and staff are really nice and kind and are very good at their jobs. The Conquest Centre has a very good layout, which lets us see the horses, then go and see if we want to buy anything in the shop, and then ride. I only wish that we go and ride outside a bit more often. I think it's good to have some time out of school on Fridays to do Horse Riding so we get time to relax for the weekend. I think it's good to do something different than school work, lessons and homework, and do Horse Riding instead. Horse Riding helps me because I like animals, but I have no pets, so it makes me happy and excited. I LOVE HORSE RIDING!"
Adam Snow, RDA Rider
"I like horse riding because the horses that I ride and the instructors that teach me are very friendly. Horse riding has taught me lots of new skills which is helping my confidence. It also helps me because it is good exercise and aids my balance and co-ordination skills. I also like horse riding because it makes me feel happier."
Luc Jones, RDA Rider
"I like Conquest because I like horses so it is a good way to get to know them. The helpers are very friendly I've known Jess since I started back in 1999. It is good for my legs and that is why I like Conquest."
Jamie Lee, Able-bodied Rider and Volunteer
"What I like about Conquest: I like that everyone is friendly and it has a great working atmosphere. The horses are fantastic and very intelligent. I like working and helping out with the disabled and able-bodied people and watching them progress. Overall Conquest is great."
Mike Priest, Volunteer
"As a young child I had the basic building blocks of love, care, understanding and respect for animals built into my personality. On 15th October I was introduced to the Conquest Riding Centre from the Jobcentre Work Preparation Programme, as I had previously stated that I would love to work with animals or children / adolescents with disabilities or learning difficulties, so naturally helping out as a volunteer at the Conquest Riding Centre ticked both boxes for me.
I knew little about the care of horses, I knew more about communicating, caring and helping children / adolescents with disabilities or learning difficulties through previous volunteering work experience. The staff and management were very passionate about the aims and goals of the Conquest Riding Centre, friendly and open to nervous newcomers like myself, enthusiastic enough to positively encourage the very best out of me, safely, with no pressure, even though I had SO many questions, I had SO many doubts, coupled with my little stable and horse experience, nothing was too much trouble. A BIG, SINCERE "THANK YOU" TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.
Even though I am experiencing a very steep learning curve, I now feel that I am a valuable, greatly appreciated, part of the Conquest Riding Centre team. I look forward to the days that I work, really enjoy my work whilst at the Centre as I am helping to provide a service for individuals less fortunate than myself, plus grooming, caring for the horses and ponies, every one a character with their own individual personality —- it really is such a treat, a privilege.
Through the unique interaction between rider and horse I feel I can make a difference by encouraging the rider to release sometimes hidden potential, receive invaluable muscular therapy in many cases, plus promote the loving bond between human and animal — it really is a win-win situation for everyone concerned.
I can sincerely and honestly promise that to anyone who can volunteer a few hours, maybe a day or two, they would be SO warmly welcomed, whatever your experience level, to be part of the Conquest Riding Centre team.
To learn about the workings of the Conquest Riding Centre, to see with your own eyes the enjoyment and achievements of the riders, to receive their personal "Thank You's", their personal smiles as you build a bond of friendship and trust, you share their pride and glory in their achievement. What a buzz, what a warm cosy feeling, a glow to the heart, this is the reward for volunteers."
Louisa Sheppy, Rider's mum
Rosamund and Isabella have been riding at The Conquest Centre since June 2009, largely under the tuition of Imogen Featherstone. They have both made steady progress developing their riding skills and confidence in a calm and well-managed environment.
Class sizes are small enough for Imogen to give pupils her individual attention during lesions, and to be particular about pupils’ progress. Imogen is a very effective teacher, with a fun and encouraging style, who engages actively with her classes and finds fun, practical ways to achieve results. Imogen is warm and approachable, capable with children of all ages and levels of confidence, and is always willing to discuss her pupils’ advancement.
I would recommend the able bodied riding services at the Conquest Centre to anyone in looking to start riding in this area.
Annette Lewis, RDA Rider
My life is split into life pre-stroke and post-stroke.
Life pre-stroke was hectic. I moved to the country with my 15 year old daughter Laura and worked very hard, first as a Recruitment and Training Manager for Butlins and then for other companies. Following that I started to train as an Accountant, I was just 3 exams from finishing when I was struck.
I had gone to my horses yard and met my friend on the morning that it happened. I had pains in my head and walked outside across the yard and that was it. I left in an ambulance and fortunately don't remember any more.
Past stroke is very difficult. At first I couldn't walk or talk. Gradually things are getting better. My daughters have been marvellous but it's really down to me.
The only thing I do is ride at The Conquest Riding Centre with Imogen. She takes a group of 4 ladies who have various problems but all want to ride. She has made a great improvement on my quality of life as I really enjoy going every week, it gives me some kind of normality as I rode my horse regularly before the stroke. I currently walk and trot unaided and have ridden three different horses.
I feel totally safe when I am riding as there are so many people to help. The facilities are amazing as it doesn't matter what the weather is like and my daughter can come and watch with her young son as Cob's Corner provides a place for him to play.
The Conquest Centre has made a huge impact on my life and I am very grateful for everything they have done.