Shiresmill Therapy Riding Centre is based at Shiresmill, by Blairhall, approximately 8 miles from Dunfermline. The Group was originally established 1984 and is a Member Group of Riding for the Disabled Association. We are a Registered Charity (SC028672) and we became a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) in 2014.
Our custom–built Centre was opened by HRH The Princess Royal on 4 September 1996. The Centre has both outdoor and indoor arenas complete with mirrors, a cabin for the use of our participants and helpers, loose boxes, a hay store, paddocks, and grazing fields. There is an adjoining 5-acre Sensory Park which greatly enhances our ability to help an even wider range of people.
The indoor arena allows the provision of sessions rain or shine. The arena is fitted with mirrors to encourage our participants to view their posture and position if on the horse.
A hydraulic platform enables all our participants to mount the horses easily and as independently as possible. Our horses really appreciate our concern for their backs!
In October 2011, we built a warm room inside our indoor arena. This provides a cosy, welcoming environment for all our participants, parents, teachers and carers from which they can view lessons. It also provides a comfortable space for both participant and volunteer training and development.
We are currently open for sessions 6 days a week (see 'Activities' for session times). Our season normally runs from February to mid December, weather dependent.