Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled

22/06/2026

Memory Monday. I wonder who can remember Maggie and Mouse, two Exmoor ponies who spent 5 years on loan to us during the 90's.
They were both riding and driving ponies and Mouse was successfully assessed for RDA carriage driving, we felt Maggie was too forward going to be suitable for driving but was fine for riding when she had a leader. She became good off lead once settled in. Both ponies fitted in well and worked hard during their time here. Mouse went with Jet to the London harness Horse Parade at Battersea Park. She went to M & G in Chelmsford to thank them for funding the new manege, and did a fancy dress demo at the manege opening. Please share any memories you may have.

22/06/2026

Please consider nominating Barrow Farm for a £5,000 donation through the Benefact Group Movement for Good awards. Nominating is really easy and only takes a couple of minutes, just click the link below. Every nomination helps increase the chance of us receiving this funding. Thank you for your support.

We could receive a £5,000 donation with your help through the Movement for Good Draw.

14/06/2026

More photos from yesterday, I am sorry if anyone is missed. Well done to all riders who performed beautifully. Thank you to all volunteers who came to help.

14/06/2026

What a fabulous Open Day yesterday. We were pleased to welcome
The Chelmsford Deputy Mayor, Cllr Julia Frascona, and her Mayoress, Amanda Wilson, and many other visitors including our president Lord Petre. Activities shown by our riders, staff and volunteers included musical rides and a musical long rein demonstration, countryside challenge and a pony parade. Well done to the staff and yard volunteers, the horses and ponies looked amazing, beautifully plaited and clean. We were pleased to give some special awards, see in photos. All riders and volunteers were presented with 50th celebration rosettes. Watch out for another post showing that.
A very big thank you to Billericay Lions who helped all day in the car park and kitchen and presented a cheque. Thank you to all who gave generously, an amazing £300 was given in donations on the day.

12/06/2026

Another lovely day today as our Open week continues. This morning more parents came to watch their children ride. We also welcomed members of the Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights who watched Bridie, our driving pony in training being put too her carriage and doing a short drive. She behaved beautifully, showing perfect manners and coping with an audience. They then watched a ride and presented 50th rosettes.

11/06/2026

We had a lovely day yesterday, lots of parents came to watch their children ride and they enjoyed tea, coffee and home made cakes. A big thank you to Chelmsford Lions members who made the cakes and served everyone.
Today we welcomed more parents and visitors including Chelmsford Mayor, Cllr Lynne Foster and her Mayoress, Corinne Tutton. The Mayor presented the riders with their 50 year rosettes.

10/06/2026

Please note our Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 8th July 2026 at Barrow Farm and will start at 6pm. Everyone is welcome to come along to this short meeting where you can find out what we have been up to in the last 12 months. It's also where we vote in trustees for the coming year and approve our 2025 accounts and trustees report. Only members can vote and details regarding membership can be found on our website

Welcome Barrow Farm RDA provides opportunities for children and adults with complex needs to enjoy activities with horses and ponies. Take a look at around our website to find out more about us. Upcoming events and dates for your diary 16th May 2026: Barrow Farm’s 50th Birthday Party 8th – 12th ...

10/06/2026

Tuesday, second day of our open week, and we were joined by Helen Quinnell and Jennifer Gorton from Chelmsford City Council for Tea with a Pony. It was a nice afternoon so we spent some time in the sensory garden. Water feature video in comments.

09/06/2026

A lovely shot of RDA CEO Michael Bishop just after presenting rider Alex with her 50th rosette yesterday. Thanks to Alex for allowing us to post it.

09/06/2026

Yesterday our Open Week got off to a great start, In the morning we were pleased to welcome Michael Bishop, CEO of RDA, Suzanne Brown our RDA regional chair and Michelle from the British Horse Society. They met parents who came to watch the mornings school ride and chatted with volunteers after. Michael presented 50th year celebration rosettes to all riders. Thanks to them all for spending the morning with us.
Thanks to the ladies from Witham and Maldon Swans who kept the tea and coffee coming and organised lunch. Thanks also to trustees Martin and Jo.