We are a Charity based in Kingston-upon-Thames providing horse riding therapy lessons for children with disabilities at Barnfield Riding School. We subsidise all the Riding for the Disabled lessons and without funds, we shall not be able to continue to do this as we are run solely by volunteers. We support children from our local schools and families.

We have had a year of no revenue or opportunity to hold our fundraising events due to the Covid-19 crisis. Please help us to survive! See more at www.barnfieldrda.org

Samuel's mother wanted to share his story.

Samuel is now 7 and has been riding with us since he was 5. He was unable to communicate with us when he arrived and now after two years, the transformation has been wonderful. Samuel has formed a bond with the ponies and the volunteers that has motivated him to talk and he responds to commands and is able to communicate with us all and we love him!

Here is his story:

"Barnfield RDA is an essential part of Samuels 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.

Samuels Barnfield RDA session is one of the most important parts of his week which he looks forward to very much! "

Here is a video of a recent group lesson with our instructor Jen leading the class with our volunteers and three of our children: