A Riding for the Disabled (RDA) centre in West Norfolk has received Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding of £57,109 from the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk.

The Magpie Centre, which has been operating as a dedicated RDA Riding Centre from Wallington Hall for over 30 years, is using the money to carry out a full refurbishment of its outdoor arena.

The RDA has been named as the official charity for the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials which get underway in Oxfordshire today (Thursday 18 September) and runs until Sunday. 

Work underway

The CIL funding was granted on 29 March 2025 and work is underway on the installation of the new all-weather riding arena complete with fencing and gates. It is hoped the refurbishment, which is being delivered by local company AB Equestrian Fencing and Groundwork Ltd, will be completed this month.

“We are extremely grateful for this CIL funding, which allows us to make a long-term investment in the future of our riders,” said Scilla Ash, trustee at the Magpie Centre.

“We’d also like to thank AB Equestrian Fencing and Groundwork Ltd for their expert work in delivering this project. The new arena will give our riders the very best chance to learn, grow, and succeed from their first lessons right through.”

The Magpie Centre gives over 130 riding and carriage driving lessons a week to people of all ages and abilities and is supported by over 50 volunteers from the local community who help in lessons, with the ponies, with field maintenance and with fundraising.

Image © The Magpie Centre. 

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