ABOUT US
Dial Wood Carriage Driving for the Disabled was started in the mid 1990s at HMP New Hall near Flockton, with 2 driving ponies. Our quiet, out of the way location enables us to enjoy driving and riding in the outdoor arena, and on private roads and picturesque local tracks.
Our passionate team of volunteers includes Trustees, Committee members, Carriage Driving and Riding Coaches and helpers of all ages and abilities. We can offer work experience placements for school/college students are an approved activity provider for both the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and the YELA Scheme. We also encourage Corporate Volunteering Days.
We welcome disabled drivers and riders from care homes, day centres, schools and private individuals.
In 1999, HRH The Princess Royal visited our charity to officially open our site, and she watched
a driving display, chatted to our clients and presented rosettes.
Since then, our Charity has developed and we now offer Carriage Driving, Riding Therapy and Pony Therapy (which includes Pony Picnics, Quiet Corner and Tea with a Pony).
We have 4 Carriage Driving Coaches, a Riding Coach and 2 Riding Coaches in training. We purchased a Fenix Freedom Carriage, which enables us to take heavier wheelchair users.
Our classroom provides an indoor space for working on the Carriage Driving and Riding Grade Tests, as well as clients wishing to enrol on ASDAN.
We celebrated our 20th anniversary in 2018 with an afternoon tea party and driving and pony demonstration.
In 2020 Dial Wood was nominated for the Kirklees Diversity Awards.
If you are interested in becoming a client or volunteer, please have a look through our website and don't hesitate to get in touch with us on our Facebook page or through the contact form.