The Royal Artillery Equestrian Centre is a 5 star, British Horse Society (BHS) approved Riding Centre situated in Baker Barracks, Thorney Island, Emsworth, Hants.
Founded in 1985 the charity focuses to provide physical rehabilitation for wounded & injured service personnel, veterans and those within the local community. We initiate and further advance confidence, empowerment & self-awareness that help support those who experience anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. The therapeutic benefits of allowing those we help to interact with the horses compliments both physical and mental wellbeing.
The RAECTI is very proud of the support it receives from its members & the local equine community who frequently attend and support our fundraising events.
The Royal Artillery Equestrian Centre is licenced by Chichester District Council under the Riding Establishments Act 1964 & 1970 and local conditions. Licence Number: 19/01977/HHD_10  FacilitiesSet in 300² meters of well-maintained paddocks; the Centre also boasts:
40m x 20m indoor arena with training mirrors & spectators gallery.
40m x 20m outdoor arena.
Jumping paddock with arena cross jumps.
Complete set of show jumps.
Working hunter jumps.
52 stables.
Horse walker.
Horse shower.
Covered grooming area.
Client conveniences.
Reception area with vending machine.
Huge car, Lorry and Trailer parking area.
Well maintained ‘post and rail’ paddocks
Both the indoor and outdoor arena are available for hire when not being used for lessons. Contact RAECTI for prices. Read More Read Less  TuitionOur friendly, professional instructors are BHS qualified. We have a wide range of horses and ponies who are selected on your abilities and requirements.
All new clients and beginners will have a 30 min private assessment so that our instructor can help, support and assess your ability.
We offer a range of lessons from private, semi-private to group. In addition we have regular hacks around our beautiful island and beach.
To help young children start to enjoy horses we offer Trotting Tots (18mth-4yrs). We offer 1hr sessions every Wed. Fun lessons which include riding and confidence building exercises. On reaching 4yrs most of our Trotting Tots progress to main group lessons.
Lessons take place Mon-Sat. Please contact RAECTI for more details. Read More Read Less  LiveryOur BHS approved livery yard provides a well-equipped, safe environment where your horse will be cared for by experienced and dedicated staff. Most of our liveries have been with us for years, which is testimony to the service we offer and the friendly, supportive atmosphere here.
RAECTI has a number of spacious stables on the yard with a separate secure tack room. Our paddocks are fenced with good quality post and rail fencing and there is summer and winter turn out available.
We offer DIY, Part-Assisted, Assisted & Full Livery
Facilities include:
Loose box
Winter and Summer turnout
Indoor & Outdoor Schools
Horse Walker
Horse Shower
Seperate Horse Groom Rooms
Seperate Vet inspection area
Isolation stable & paddock
Bedding available to be purchased
Extra services on request
Livery packages can be tailored to suit your needs
Please contact RAECTI for more details. Read More Read Less
General Manager
Major (Retired) Sue Wilkinson AGC(SPS)
Sue took over the volunteer post of General Manager RAECTI in March 2017. Having worked with the Centre twice before (achieving charitable status in 2014) she couldn't pass up the chance to work with it again. Sue brings over 30 years military HR, leadership & management experience and a strong understanding of how valuable equines are in our day to day wellbeing. She works closely with other charities to ensure that the RAECTI meets is main objectives to provide a fantastic welfare facility for wounded, injured & sick service personnel and veterans whilst retaining strong links with the local community. The success of our equestrian centre and charity depends on the strength of the team behind it and the talent, skills, experience and dedication of the individual team members. We recognised and value the importance of the people who make up our team and encourage our team members to continually develop their skills. The result is a highly motivated, dedicated and committed team who are proud to play their role in achieveing even greater success for our clients. Come and visit us here at RAECTI anytime. You will receive a warm welcome and we will be more than happy to show you around. We are here because we love what we do.
Yard Manager
Jane Ord
With over 45 years equine experience including working at Penarth Stud and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Brunei Stables Jane is our Yard Manager. Joining the team in Sep 18, Jane has built a fantastic rapport with all our liveries, staff, children and riders. Her passion and drive towards the care of our horses and ponies and working with the military and wider civilian community is second to none. Read More Read Less
Instructor
Vicky Edge
Working in the equine industry for over 29 years Vicky has a wealth of experience. She is passionate about her students and in particular coaching. She has a keen interest in the biomechanics and asymmetry of horse riders. Currently bringing on her own young horse she hopes to take her through the levels of dressage. Read More Read Less
Instructor
Jo Bowden BHSAI
With 30 years equine experience, Jo is a valued member of the team. With 3 horses of her own to loves to teach all ages and abilities. A motivated and enthusiastic instructor she knows how to bring out the best in all she teaches. Read More Read Less 
Groom
Abi Dudley
Abi prides herself on the care of all our horses and ponies. Riding for many years her passion is dressage and she regularly competes with her beautiful Fresian, Olli. Abi is working towards her Stage 1. Read More Read Less 
Groom
Kim Denman
3 years old when she started riding Kim's passion is eventing but she loves all disciplines. She has her own horse, Blazer, that she has owned since she was 17 and enjoys competing with him on a regular basis.With lots of equine knowledge Kim is a great addition to the team. Read More Read Less 
Groom
Maria Savolainen
Maria is the newest addition to our team and has all the characteristics we love to see; dedication, hard working and extremely passionate about our horses & ponies. Riding for over 14 years, her favourite discipline is showjumping, which she regulary does with her 10 year old cob cross welsh and best friend, Ralphy. Maria is currently completing her Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care.
Read More Read Less Caring for our horses and ponies is quite expensive and this is where we need you! By sponsoring one of our amazing horses or ponies you can help ensure we can keep our work going.
To care for a horse/pony includes; hay, stables, field grazing, food, rugs, fly masks, paddock maintenance, saddles, bridles, head collars, grooming kits, lead ropes, regular visits from the farrier, yearly dentist visits, physiotherapy to keep their backs strong, clipping, worming & healthcare products. The total cost is around £2140 a year. This does not include vet fees! Being able to keep our equines physically, mentally and emotionally well is the key to the RAECTI's success. Without them the work we do just wouldn't happen, so they deserve to be taken good care of too.
It makes a great gift for anyone - adults & children and there is no mucking out!
Bronze (£5 per month) - you receive a Certificate of Sponsorship and thank you letter.
Silver (£10 per month) - in addtion to bronze you receive a RAECTI wristband.
Gold (£15 per month) - in addition to silver you receive a RAECTI polo shirt.
You can visit your chosen horse/pony at anytime - they love cuddles and carrots!
Click HERE to sponsor a RAECTI pony
 Becoming a member of the RAECTI represents a commitment to helping us achieve our charitable aims and assists with the upkeep of our amazing horses & ponies. All members receive a quarterly newsletter with all our latest news and information. Thank you for helping us make a difference. We have adult, child and family memberships. Memberships run from 1st April to 31st March each year. Click HERE for prices CANCELLATION POLICYIf you cancel your lesson UP TO 24 hours before the day of your lesson then you can postpone & rebook. If you cancel WITHIN 24 hours of the day of your lesson you will be charged in full if not already prepaid. If pre-paid your cancellation will count as a used lesson and your fee will not be refunded.
We hold a range of fundraising events throughout the year that are open to everyone.
Events include:
Own a Pony Days
Riding Camps
Easter, Summer, Autumn & Winter Open Shows
Open unaffiliated dressage events (Prelim, Novice and Elementary)
Variety of Clinics (using both our resident & guest instructors)
Check our Facebook page for up to date information on our shows and events.
Read More If you join, ride or compete at the Royal Artillery Equestrian Centre we may keep hold of your name, address, telephone number and email address. We will only use this to send you information relevant to the RAECTI and will not sell your data or pass it to anyone else. If you would rather not have these detail registered with us, you can still join but will not be sent our newsletter, schedules or event details/forms. Please also be aware that photographers attend our events and the images taken at these events are uploaded to their website to view and purchase. The images may also be uploaded to Facebook when sold for social media or used to promote the event. By riding (through lessons or group activities), entering or attending our events you are deemed to accept this. If however you wish not to have your photo taken please inform the organisers and the photographers on the day.
RAECTI provides and maintains a safe and healthy working environment as required by law.
We have helmets available for newcomers although it is stressed that if you ride on a regular basis, that appropriate kit should be bought.
Please note that horse riding is a high risk sport and therefore riders do so entirely at their own risk.
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