Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled

02/06/2026

Next week is our Open Week. when parents, relatives and friends of riders are welcome to come and watch them ride. Saturday 13th is Open day, everyone is welcome. Riders will be showing there skills, doing musical rides, and there will be a couple of surprise demonstrations. Come and see what we do.

02/06/2026

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers, we couldn't do what we do without you.

01/06/2026

Memory Monday. Today we remember Schnapps, who came to Barrow Farm in 1988. She was a Haflinger pony, the same breed as Nicco. Schnapps was slow and steady with her RDA riders, she moved at a speed that allowed them time to think about the task in hand. With the teenage yard girls out on hacks she was a much more challenging ride, with a big buck when she got excited.
She took part in demonstrations, competitions and once a musical ride demo at Ongar, we dressed as Camelot with accompanying music. Please share your memories, we love to hear them.

29/05/2026

Thanks so much to Danbury Contact magazine for their wonderful article about Barrow Farm's 50th anniversary and for the piece about our wonderful volunteer and author Jo.

Our new issue is now hitting the doorsteps, thanks to our distributors.

We congratulate Barrow Farm RDA on 50 years of service to the community - and hear a story from a Bicknacre volunteer who found it a place of healing and inspiration.

We also hear about trips and expeditions, focus on kingfisher courtship and the success of a local entrepreneur.

If you haven't yet heard of the People's Emergency Briefing, consider attending a local screening on 10 July. A public information film which community groups across the country are promoting, it presents the national implications of climate and nature breakdown - with credible, positive responses - in an accessible way.

If you don't already subscribe to Contact and would like to sign up (it costs just £3 a year, delivered to your door whether in Danbury, Little Baddow, Bicknacre or South Woodham Ferrers) please email [email protected] or DM us.

25/05/2026

A very hot day at the RDA East region competition yesterday. Well done to all our riders, volunteers and staff and especially Boycie who did a great job for his riders. Claire rode him to 1st place in her dressage class. In Countryside Challenge with leader only, Isabella rode a super round to finish first and Countryside Challenge champion. In Countryside Challenge with leader and side walker George and Ava both did very well, George 1st, and Ava 3rd. Well done to them all, we are very proud.
Bridie went as well as company for Boycie and to prepare her for future RDA competitions. She behaved well all day and was a delight to take out.

21/05/2026

Throwback Thursday.

In 1987 the "great storm" damaged our stables, luckily with a bit of temporary repair they were still usable but we decided they really needed replacing. At the same time we decided to expand the yard and after a lot of thought about funding and design put in planning permission. As you can see, lots of people, organisations and companies contributed to the funding. The stable yard was rebuilt and extended during winter 1991/2

18/05/2026

Memory Mondays pony today is Pollyanna. She was given to us in 1984 as a young pony and spent time in training before taking her place on the rides. She was a very forward going pony, liked to be near the front of the ride. She had a comfortable walk and trot and enjoyed going out in the woods and taking part in musical rides.
Please share your memories of Polly.

18/05/2026

Franklin went out on the Langham hall fun ride yesterday and had the best time! There was lots of lovely long stretches to canter and even some jumps along the way. He even got to spend the afternoon with his old friend Murphy. A perfect day out in the sunshine around the gorgeous Langham hall estate.

17/05/2026

We had a great 50th party last night, thanks to all who came. Thanks to volunteer DJ Jim for fab music, including of course some 70's tunes. We remembered the
"Tiger Feet" dance. Thanks to Julie for the delicious beautifully decorated cake. Thanks to all who contributed to the feast. If you missed it you missed a lovely evening. Recently retired trustee James was presented with a leaving present.

15/05/2026

It's our 50th birthday party tomorrow, come and help us celebrate! 🎉🥳🎂

Only two weeks till out 50th birthday party. Are you coming, if so please let us know, comment here or email [email protected]. We hope to see you.