May 2026 Clinic
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Unicorn Equestrian Centre Stow on the Wold
Well, what another fabulous clinic which took place at the Unicorn Equestrian Centre Stow on the Wold which provides superb facilities for our delegates human and equine.
We delivered a number of driving sessions over the 2 days including 12 school master sessions made possible by ponies kindly “loaned” to us by Julie Camm, Averina Snow and Louise Blanch. This is so beneficial for the development of our drivers and coaches to gain experience with such experienced ponies.
We had a full complement of delegates including RDA Coaches in Training, Coaches, and Helpers, along with a number of “on foot” delegates from the carriage driving world.
The two days provided a lovely and varied programme including:
32 superb sessions of driving and riding plus some additional lunge sessions for individual horses/ponies to develop the handler and equine skills
Demonstration of lunging a school master vs young pony with a Q&A session
Help with newly acquired Para driver ponies
Help and advice regarding a Pony in Training belonging to an RDA Group
Practical session on harnessing kindly delivered by Zilco and Chris van Reen (one of CDSGdd’s coaches), not forgetting Smurf who was a very patient young model. Goody bags were well received courtesy of Zilco. Chris and Sara Howe carried out individual harness checks which were well received
A really informative and very enlightening talk by Dengie Horse Feeds with a life size model of a horse stomach which went down well just before our supper!!!!! This followed weigh in sessions earlier in the day for horses and ponies at the clinic with individual discussions regarding equine diet, health and wellbeing
We wish to thank Sanders Watney Trust for their ongoing support and funding to help us deliver these clinics. It allows us to broaden our reach, use the right facilities, and promote what our Charity does best to “support and develop drivers with disabilities to achieve their goals”.
We have had wonderful feedback, don’t take our word for it see for yourself ...
“All really excellent, Robert and Sara both superb instructors and learnt so much about many aspects. Very open to all ideas that can be included, plus great to speak with other RDA groups.”
“It was great seeing an RDA horse being lunged and how to improve their fitness and enable them to be more supple.”
“Enjoyed talking to other RDA groups and learning about their kit and experiences. A really great session on harness fit by Chris, learnt some top tips.”
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“Last week we were pleased to present at the CDSGdd camp talking all things harness fitting, measuring, and product options for driving horses and ponies. A great event with plenty of discussion and questions. Thank you to everyone who came along.” (Zilco Europe Ltd)
“Two positive days training at CDSG Unicorn. Thank you to Fred and Cazzie Glennie, our supreme hosts. Julie Camm and Giselle Lockett, the masterminds and all involved. To the drivers we salute you for devoting two days to further improve yourselves for the benefit of your ponies.” (Robert)
“Really enjoyed the relaxed and welcoming day. The talks have been informative but not too much to understand with a good mix of sessions. The coaching is amazing. Really valuable and a lovely venue, thank you.”
“I came with my young horse and have had the most fantastic time. All the coaches and helpers were so knowledgeable, helpful, welcoming and hardworking. I learnt so much I am very grateful for this opportunity.”
“Feel totally energised after the course. I have learnt many things and confirmed I do know something! Robert and Sara were great!”
“Very informative with lots to take away to help us get up and running. Thank you for making us feel very welcome.”
“It was a wonderful couple of days meeting lots of lovely people, amazing food and of course brilliant lessons.”
“Brilliantly adapted to the very hot conditions as all had plenty of time ensuring our and our animals’ welfare was considered. An amazing achievement – thank you.”
“I am a complete beginner and learning how to help a person with special needs. Absolutely loved the clinic – thank you!”
“Thank you everyone – trainers, ground team, Unicorn team and of course our drivers (and their wonderful support team(s)) and ponies and horses for getting fully on board with this clinic – it was a joy to be with you all.”
“ A camp where smiles all round were evidence of a fabulous time had by all.”
Deborah Daniel
