Named after Robbie Williams, Mr. Williams is a mechanical horse helping disabled riders at a Cumbria riding school to gain confidence in the saddle.
Mr. Williams has been part of the equine team at ‘Happy Hooves Riding Centre’ since 2014, when owner Alison Noble purchased him realising he was a valuable asset for their equine therapy courses, and he was the only mechanical horse in the area at the time.
As an Accessibility Mark accredited centre, Happy Hooves also saw the benefit that Mr. Williams, could bring to their disabled clients.
Riding for the Disabled Association, in partnership with the British Equestrian Federation’s participation programme, launched the revolutionary ‘Accessibility Mark’ scheme to work with commercial riding centres with the aim of getting more disabled people to participate in riding.
There are many advantages to riding a horse simulator for anyone learning to ride but there are particular benefits for disabled riders, providing a safe and controlled way for riders to gain confidence before riding a real horse.
Unlike with a real horse, the instructor can remain in complete control, so if the rider wishes to stop, they can do so at the push of a button. This can prove helpful when teaching riders with learning difficulties, who can also make sudden movements and noises which could unsettle a horse or pony.
Mr. Williams will progress from walk to canter, offering the same life like action of a horse, with a therapeutic lateral action found in all of his gaits, which can improve muscle tone and strength.