Community groups, businesses and riders are being urged to make the most of a facility in Bristol that has helped transform the lives of disabled children and adults since 1984.

Avon Riding Centre for the Disabled in Henbury provides lessons for more than 200 people every week.

Riding has long been recognised as a major therapy for those with disabilities, with improvements to their health and wellbeing just some of the benefits.

Mobility and co-ordination get better as a result of the regular exercise and sitting higher up on a horse or pony gives those often confined to a wheelchair a boost to their confidence and self worth, as well as giving hours of fun.

The Bristol complex in Kings Weston Road is one of the biggest purpose-built riding centres for disabled people in the UK, with a big indoor arena and an outdoor school, riding routes for hacks and a little cross-country course.

But although it is well used for lessons, there are some parts of the week when it is empty – and new chief executive, Kevin Hateley, wants that to change.

As a charity, it relies on donations and fund raising to keep running – as well as an army of volunteers – so hiring out the indoor and outdoor schools, meeting rooms and the grounds surrounding the complex provides a valuable source of income.

Mr Hateley, himself a keen rider, said: "It is such a nice venue with great facilities and could be used more. I suspect a lot of people don't know we're here.

"Mondays and Sundays are usually pretty quiet and there are some times in the week, as well as evenings, when it could be hired out.

"Riding clubs and Pony Club branches, as well as individual riders, are welcome to come along but other groups, organisations and businesses that have nothing to do with horses could also make use of what is on offer here.

"In the indoor arena there are about 300 permanent seats and we can bring others in to provide seating for close to 500.

"We've also got a viewing area and plenty of parking space. The grounds could be used for cycling, we could host children's parties and use the car park for car boot sales."

Mr Hateley said displays and demonstrations could be held at the centre, with all events boosting the charity's funds so it can invest in facilities for disabled riders and continue to pay the bills for its 30 horses.

As well as being used for lessons for the disabled, many of the horses are also ridden by able-bodied riders for lessons and hacks, giving them a change in routine.

A calm temperament is vital when carrying a disabled rider but at other times they are allowed to have some fun.

The centre's annual autumn gala on Sunday, October 18, will give anyone who has never visited the complex the chance to see the premises and watch a display of riding by those who have lessons at Henbury.

Three hours of entertainment will start at 2.30pm, and tickets can be bought by calling 0117 959 0266.