How much do lessons at Al Marmoom Initiative cost?

Lessons are free of charge. The centre says all costs are covered by its founder.

What age can my child start adaptive riding here?

The minimum age is 5, for safety reasons, and there is no maximum age. Riding has a 65kg weight limit; stable management classes have none.

Is it only for children with special needs?

The free riding, stable management and greenhouse classes are for children and adults with special needs. Most disabilities can be accommodated if riding is safe and beneficial; otherwise stable management is usually offered instead. The greenhouses also run separate paid tours for schools and families - ask the provider for current dates.

How do I sign my child up?

Email info@marmoom.net with your child's details and the team will get back to you. You will need to complete a student application form, including doctor approval forms.

Al Marmoom Initiative: adaptive riding for special needs on Al Qudra Road

Q: When do classes run?

Riding and stable management classes run six days a week from October until the end of May. Students are booked for one term of around 12 lessons, in 30-minute group lessons of up to 3 riders. Ask the provider for your child's time slot.

Q: What should my child wear?

Long comfortable trousers and closed shoes, such as trainers or boots.

EquestrianHorse Riding

Checked Oct 2026Details checked October 2026

Saih Al Salam

Ages5+years and up
PriceFreefree entry
OpenAskNot published yet
WhereSaih Al SalamOpen in Maps

Al Marmoom Initiative is a non-profit community equestrian centre on Al Qudra Road, set up to give children and adults with special needs time with horses. It teaches adaptive riding, stable management and carriage driving, plus greenhouse classes where students care for plants from seedlings to sale. Riding lessons follow the standards and syllabus of Riding for the Disabled (RDA UK) and PATH Intl., and every lesson is planned around the rider's own abilities, with help reduced step by step as confidence grows. Lessons are free: the centre says all costs are covered by its founder. Students start at 5, with no upper age limit, and there is a 65kg weight limit for riding (none for stable management). Classes run from October to the end of May, and schools can bring groups on weekday mornings. It is not a riding school for typically developing children; it exists for riders with additional needs. To apply, parents email the team with their child's details and complete an application form with a doctor's approval.

marmoom.net Instagram

The activity

Horse Riding, explained

Adaptive riding is horse riding taught to people with special needs, with the lesson shaped around each rider. A coach leads the session and helpers walk beside the horse - one leading, others steadying the rider - and that support is eased off as the rider grows more confident. The horse's steady, rhythmic walk works on balance, posture, core strength and coordination, while steering, following instructions and caring for the horse build focus, communication and independence. Riders who cannot ride for medical reasons can still groom, lead and look after horses on the ground. At Al Marmoom Initiative students start from age 5.

Who it's for

Children and adults with special needs, from age 5 with no maximum age. The centre says most students with any type of disability can take part as long as it is safe and beneficial; where riding is not suitable for medical reasons, stable management is usually the alternative. Riding has a 65kg weight limit; stable management has none. Schools can also book groups for their special needs students.

What to expect

Riding lessons are in small groups of up to 3 riders and last 30 minutes. Each horse has its own team - usually a leader plus side walkers where needed - with three volunteers or staff involved in each lesson for students who need extra help, following RDA UK guidelines. Riders learn basic riding and horse care, and assistance is reduced as skills improve. Students are booked for one term of around 12 lessons. Wear long comfortable trousers and closed shoes such as trainers or boots. A student application form with doctor approval is required before any activity. A trial session is not mentioned - ask the provider.

Highlights

Riding follows RDA UK and PATH Intl. standards and syllabus (marmoom.net)
Small groups of up to 3 riders, 30-minute lessons, a leader and side walkers per horse (marmoom.net)
From age 5, no upper age limit; 65kg weight limit for riding only (marmoom.net)
Wheelchair-accessible greenhouses with extra-wide paths and raised beds (marmoom.net)
4.8 on Google from 126 reviews (Google listing)

Why parents rate it

What parents say on Google

Al Marmoom Initiative has 4.8 on Google from 126 reviews. 111 of those are five-star and 8 are four-star, with 4 three-star and 3 one-star reviews.

The facts

Ages: From 5 years, no maximum age; 65kg weight limit for riding
Prices: Free of charge
Schedule: Season October to end of May, six days a week; one term of around 12 lessons; 30-minute group lessons of up to 3 riders; school groups on weekday mornings (up to 9 students per visit); centre hours (winter season): Sun-Thu 8AM-12PM and 3PM-6PM, Fri 8AM-1PM, Sat closed; summer hours on request
Trial: Ask the provider
Where: Al Marmoom Initiative, Al Qudra Road, Al Marmoom area, Dubai
How to book: [email protected] · +971 56 797 1897 · marmoom.net/contact
Opening hours: Mon–Thu8am–12pm, 3pm–6pm
Fri8am–1pm
SatClosed
Sun8am–12pm, 3pm–6pm

Questions parents ask

Good to know

Season runs October to the end of May; the opening hours shown are winter hours, and summer hours are by arrangement (marmoom.net)
Doctor approval forms are mandatory for every student (marmoom.net)
Bring long comfortable trousers and closed shoes (marmoom.net)
Wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park, seating and toilet (Google listing)
Volunteers aged 15 and over can help at the stables (marmoom.net)