Episkopi Saddle Club has a long history in helping the serving and local community with wellbeing and welfare in British Forces Cyprus.
It offers riding lessons and hacking at affordable prices and all the instructors work to British Horse Society standards. The club is a safe environment where you can learn to ride, have fun and spend time caring for the friendly, much-loved horses and ponies.
In addition, the on-site charity, RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association), provides riding for several local centres in the Limassol area.
People suffering with mental health issues often find that time with the horses helps them to relax and be calm, as teenager Jenny explains: “I’m 14 and have struggled with my mental health and have found that the stables have been a massive help – a friendly environment to go to whenever I was feeling down.
“Going for a ride was always a great escape for me to forget about my stresses. Without the stables I would have struggled a lot more than I did,” she adds.
The stables also provide stability in an environment where the community is transient: “Creating a bond with the ponies was helpful as they were always there when friends had to move on.
“I never feel like I’m alone as I know I have loads of friends at the club that I can always rely on and feel extremely comfortable talking to,” says Jenny.
Her mum Katherine also feels the benefits: “The staff have been extremely understanding and I know she thinks of them as her second family. Being able to ride and be a member of the club has played a significant role in her recovery. I will always be grateful for the love and support she has received there.”
Want to know more? Contact the Saddle Club’s Manager Jan Jones at episaddleclub@gmail.com