RDA Centre Spotlight: A Year At Barrow Farm Riding and Driving
At Barrow Farm RDA, 2024 has been a year of remarkable progress, growth, and community-building. Providing a variety of equine activities for children and adults with disabilities, Barrow Farm gives life-changing opportunities through a variety of sessions, including riding, carriage driving, and pony care. Their dedication to empowering participants has created lasting changes in physical health, confidence, and overall well-being.
A Year in the Life at Barrow Farm
Spring and Summer: Rising to New Challenges
As the weather warms up, Barrow Farm’s riding programme enters a season of action-packed events and milestones. Throughout spring and summer, participants see their hard work come to fruition, with competition opportunities and certifications taking centre stage. Last year, 28 riders passed grade tests, while 10 achieved endurance certificates, marking significant progress in their equestrian skills. For some, this was a year of triumph at the RDA National Championships, where Barrow Farm riders not only competed but also won several awards. They were also successful in the Virtual Championships.
In addition to the competitions, the centre hosted engaging pony days, which allowed participants to learn about pony care and develop new skills. For many, these days were invaluable opportunities to strengthen their bond with the horses and deepen their understanding of equine care. The addition of two new special educational needs schools to the weekly riding sessions was also a highlight, especially in terms of engaging students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who demonstrated great progress throughout the year.
Autumn: Continued Growth and Education
As the seasons shifted, Barrow Farm’s riding and carriage driving programs continued to offer rich opportunities for skill-building and personal development.
In the carriage driving programme, nine participants enjoyed a special driving holiday at Ashfields Carriage and Polo Club, a much-anticipated event that allowed them to practice their driving skills in a new and exciting setting.
During the summer 13 carriage drivers earned endurance certificates, and nine drivers passed grade tests, showing that the drive for improvement remained strong. Additionally, the off-season provided the perfect opportunity for participants to engage in theory sessions, which were praised for their educational value. These sessions helped participants refine their knowledge of driving and horse care, further enhancing their experience.
Winter: Reflection, Community, and Support
As the year drew to a close, Barrow Farm continued its mission of supporting the broader community. The Tea with a Pony programme for adults with dementia has seen tremendous growth in 2024, with 140 adults from six different care homes and newly formed groups for adults living at home joining the initiative. This programme has proved very popular, allowing residents to engage with the ponies in a safe and supportive environment. For some this has resulted in the triggering of memories from years before, and many stories are exchanged over tea and cakes.
Winter also brought an increased focus on volunteer training and development. With 104 active volunteers and 21 new recruits in 2024, Barrow Farm’s success is deeply tied to the dedication and enthusiasm of its volunteers. Throughout the year, volunteers attended training sessions in carriage driving, modules, dementia awareness and first aid, all of which contributed to their ability to offer the highest quality care to participants. Feedback from volunteers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the sense of fulfilment they gain from supporting the community.
Coaches’ Professional Development
Throughout 2024, Barrow Farm’s commitment to staff development was evident, with coaches taking steps to enhance their expertise. Olivia, a coach at the centre, achieved her Level 4 British Horse Society certification in horse care and management. Her achievement not only reflects her personal growth but also elevates the quality of lessons and care provided to the riders and drivers. Barrow Farm is also proud to have two advanced coaches.
The Power of Community
In total, Barrow Farm RDA supported over 231 participants, providing more than 4,200 sessions throughout 2024. These accomplishments were made possible by the tireless dedication of volunteers, coaches, and the entire Barrow Farm community. As we reflect on this past year, it’s clear that Barrow Farm is a place of growth, empowerment, and connection, where lives are changed through the therapeutic power of horses.
Looking ahead, Barrow Farm RDA is excited to continue its mission of serving the community, building on the successes of 2024 and striving for even greater impact in the coming year.
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