WELCOME TO BARNFIELD RDA
Based in Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, Barnfield is one of the most established RDA groups in the country, having been founded in 1987. Over the years, we've helped hundreds of children and adults to experience the therapeutic benefits of horse riding. Working in association with the wonderful Barnfield Riding School, we share facilities, horses and ponies. If you'd like to find out about riding with us, volunteering, or helping us raise vital funds, please get in touch.
WHAT WE DO
We are a charity run by volunteers and provide safe horse riding therapy lessons for children and adults with disabilities from all backgrounds and cultures.
We have raised funds for a new mechanical horse simulator. Even children with the most severe disabilities can benefit from safe horse riding therapy, which involves the experience of new senses such as movement, touch, smell, and added muscle strengthening.
This is a gradual therapy programme based on the disability condition each rider suffers from that can last over a period of several weeks or even years.
OUR SESSIONS
LESSONS
Lessons conducted on horseback and on the horse simulator.
HACKING
Assisted and non-assisted hacking
NON RIDING OPTIONS
Horse care courses or own-a-pony day
THERAPY
Animal communication or Emotional healing and relationship building
DONATION
Support Us
We are 100% reliant on donations so any contribution is very much appreciated. During the Covid-19 crisis, we have been unable to hold our usual fundraising events so consequently our funds are rapidly diminishing. Please help by donating today - all of the contributions go towards funding free riding lessons for riders with disabilities.
SAMUEL'S STORY
Samuel is one of our young Barnfield RDA riders and this is his story in the words of his mother:
“Barnfield RDA is an essential part of Samuel’s life and it is his ‘happy place’. Importantly it gives Samuel the opportunity to ride and have a special interest outside of school due to its wonderful support for children with additional needs.
Samuel was non-verbal up until 5 years old and is diagnosed with ASD – Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Language Delay and consequently faces anxiety, sensory and communication challenges.
He started riding with RDA Barnfield at the age of 5. Being taught by the RDA team to give the horses instruction has been a key motivator in encouraging Samuel to speak.
He is now 7 years old and understands and processes the routines at the stable together with the stable rules and is able to take basic instruction with support from the RDA team and relay the instruction to the horse such as “walk on”.
Samuel was welcomed to Barnfield RDA with open arms and due to the team’s incredible support and expertise, Samuel has made significant progress with his riding and it has been a huge factor in supporting his social communication challenges. In combination with his school, his horse riding has made a huge difference to his speech and ability to take instruction.
Samuel’s Barnfield RDA session is one of the most important parts of his week which he looks forward to very much!”
CONTACT US
Please do not use email to change or cancel a booking as we cannot guarantee your message will be looked at immediately. We do aim to respond to messages within 24 hours, but if you don’t hear from us, please contact us again.
Parkfields Road, Kingston, KT2 5LL
Tel: 0208 546 3616