A SPECIAL RIDING SCHOOL
Riding on two horses at the same time

The main aim of the "Riding School without barriers" is for disabled people to take much pleasure in riding.
That is mostly done in a horizontal position since people with severe multiple disabilities are usually not able to sit on a horse.
The use of a so-called "wagon-bed" (in Dutch: "Huifbed") is used to achieve this aim.
Two horses are harnessed to a steel frame on wheels. A sheet is spanned on the upside of the frame directly over both horses' backs.
The lies on the sheet and gently touches both horses' backs. The motion of the horses trotting and the warmth of the horses' bodies lead to the user being massaged in a very natural manner.
Because of this activity the wagon-bed doesn't just cause pleasure but it has also a high therapeutic effect for the user. The natural movement of the body and other activities promote and have a positive influence in general on the relaxation of a disabled person.

GUEST ROOMS
for people with severe multiple disabilities

Disabled people and their carers have the opportunity to stay for a few days and enjoy a little holiday.
The "Riding School without barriers " offers apart from the bedrooms two large group rooms for disabled people and their friends and relatives. They are designed to fit the needs of severely multiple disabled people. There is also a cosy living room with waterbed, ball pond, radio, TV and video. Large sliding doors open to the patio, which has garden chairs and parasols.
The bedrooms are equipped with height-adjustable beds with rails. There are lift aids, disabled toilets and all bathrooms have adjustable showers.
Each flat has a fully equipped kitchen with all mod cons.

The two flats are laid out as follows:

• "De Opkamer" has four bedrooms capable of housing17 people; out of that 9 are adapted to the needs of disabled people.
  
  
• "Het Voorhuis" has three bedrooms capable of housing 20 people; out of that 10 are adapted to the needs of disabled people.

GUEST ROOMS
for families with a severely multiple disabled child

On the first floor of the "Riding School without barriers" are guest rooms for families with one or more disabled children. The rooms, named "De Hilt" and "De Hoef" are accessible via a lift. They are equipped entirely for the care of disabled children.
The bedroom, designed to fit the needs of the disabled, has a call system, a lift aid, two height-adjustable beds and a bathroom adapted to the needs of disabled people including toilet, adjustable shower and a wardrobe. There is one bedroom for the parents and one for relatives, which is equipped with three beds, adjacent bathroom with shower and toilet.
The cosy living room is equipped with a radio, TV, video and a waterbed for the disabled children. There is an open kitchen fully equipped with all mod cons such as ceramic hob, fridge and microwave.
The two guest rooms share a patio with parasols and garden furniture. In the hall is an Air tramp (large air cushion) for all the children.

Guestrooms for grandparents or other companions

For accompanying people there are two guestrooms on the first floor, "De Sliet" and "'t Gebint". These rooms are also furnished with modern bedrooms with two beds each, a bathroom with shower and toilet.

COMMON ROOM IN THE "RIDING SCHOOL WITHOUT BARRIERS"

There is also a very comfortable common room in the Riding school, called "De Deel".
The common room is also equipped to fit the needs of disabled people, there are waterbeds, relaxation mattresses etc. There are adjacent disabled toilets and changing rooms. It is meant to be a cosy meeting place for all visitors and residents. Coffee, tea, soup and other drinks are available at self-service.

Because the "Riding School without barriers" offers a pleasant ambience for everybody, there is also a lot on offer for siblings of disabled people.
There are handcarts, bicycles, a Kettcar, scooters and other wide-ranging equipment. Some of the items such as wheelchair-bikes, can also be used and fully enjoyed by disabled children.
Behind the main building is a little farm for children with goats, chicken, rabbits and birds. Sometimes the children are given the opportunity to help feeding the animals.

AN EXCURSION ON THE WAGON

The "Riding School without barriers" is surrounded by beautiful countryside. During pleasant weather, it is a delight to go for walks and enjoy the animals. A tour on the wagon is a great way to discover the surrounding area. A wheelchair accessible wagon is provided.

DAYTRIP WITH A GROUP OF DISABLED PEOPLE

In the "Riding School without barriers" it is possible for groups of disabled people to go on day- or half day trips. There are different activities available such as a trip on the "Wagon-bed" ("Huifbed"), a tour on the wagon and eating doughnuts.

Surrounding area

In the immediately surrounding area it is possible to go on lovely walks. For guests staying longer at our facility we can suggest the following activities:

• Swimming pool "De Vrije Slag" The beautiful open-air swimming pool is 10 minutes on foot away.
• Swimming pool "Aquarijn" in Renkum. The swimming pool has a water temperature of 32-33 Degrees Celsius.
• Doughnut house "Panoramahoeve" The restaurant has a play garden and is situated in the woods of Bennekom approximately 4 km away.
• Cheese farm, where you can make your own cheese.
• Museum in Bennekom (wheelchair accessible) There are many old musical boxes and organs to hear and to see. The museum is fully equipped to fit the needs of wheel chair users.
• Animal garden "Ouwenhand's" in Rhenen in woodlands with bears
• Animal garden "Burger Zoo" in Arnhem
• Monkey park "Apenheul" in Apledoorn
• Wheelchair accessible shopping centre in Veenendaal
• National Park "De Hoge Veluwe" providing wheelchair-bikes free of charge.
• Snoezelen-room in the Centre "De Hartenberg"

Pets

Unfortunately pets are not permitted.

Directions

The "Riding School without barriers" in Bennekom is situated in beautiful surroundings of the woodlands de Veluwe.
You reach us via the A12 (motorway Oberhausen-Utrecht), exit 24 Bennekom, follow the road towards the direction of Bennekom/Wageningen. At the traffic light turn left towards Bennekom. Take the first turn on the left onto Bovenbuurtseweg.