About Chelmsford Rivermead Rotary Club

Chelmsford Rivermead is a breakfast club which meets each Wednesday mornings at 7.15 am, finishing by 8.30 am.  See the location and calendar below for the latest information

The Club received it's charter in March 2004. 

The President's Charity for 2019 - 2020

Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled

Barrow Farm RDA, is a registered charity which operates a specialist riding centre in the village of Highwood, near Chelmsford.  The centre provides facilities enabling people with special needs and disabilities to participate in equestrian sport.  Horse riding is not just for posh people.  For 43 years Barrow Farm Riding has successfully offered riding and carriage driving to disabled adults and children including those with limited means.  Participation in equestrian activities offers fitness, fulfilment, friendship and fun, in a safe and supportive environment, resulting in an overall improved quality of life. 

 

 

 Gemma, one of our riders, who has cerebral palsy, working with coach, Clare.   

We currently have over 130 riders a week - they have a range of disabilities, often multiple and of a severe nature, with learning and physical difficulties. Many of them are on the autistic spectrum. Three quarters of the current riders have a learning disability. Several of them have life limiting conditions.  One third of our riders are adults and approximately one third come from local special schools. Our age range is now 5 to mid 60s.

With a team of 13 ponies and horses and over 100 volunteers, the centre provides both indoor and outdoor riding, along with carriage driving six days per week. Due to the specialist nature of our coaches, ponies and facilities we attract riders from all over Essex. Specialist equipment is used to add interest and help the riders to maximise the health benefits of their riding sessions and a hoist is available to enable riders that need it to get on their horse safely.

Offering riding at a heavily subsidised rate means that the charity needs to raise around £80,000 every year to bridge the gap between operating costs and income from riders’ fees and hire of facilities.  We are delighted to be working with the Rotary Club of Rivermead Chelmsford over the next year to raise funds for our charity.

Barrow Farm RDA website

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