Being with horses, whether it be grooming and handling them, or riding them can be of huge benefit to increase confidence and self-esteem for all sorts of people, including those with physical, emotional or mental differences.  

Equestrian (riding/driving) is one of the most accessible sports for disabled people or those with long or short term health conditions.

Did you know, nearly a quarter of equestrian participants in the country say they have a disability of some kind?

We welcome adults, children & teens and are able to cater for those with a wide range of disabilities and additional needs. 

Whether you have a long term condition or a short term injury we are here to help you enjoy the time you spend with horses. 

If you think horse riding/driving/vaulting or horse grooming could be something you would like to try, or you think it might be helpful for a person you care for, please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.

Note there may be medical reasons why a person should not ride (such as following surgery) so please ensure you check with your doctor/physiotherapist and keep us informed of any changes.

Specialist Equipment

Valley Farm has a range of mounting blocks with room for helpers to assist with mounting and dismounting our gentle patient horses and ponies.  There is a wide range of tack and equipment available; western saddles, sheepskin saddles, bareback pads, side saddles, vaulting rollers and surcingles etc. Many people with various disabilities have found that this has enabled them to enjoy their riding more than with a conventional saddle. We have several different carriages and different sized ponies suitable for carriage driving or long reining.

Equisimulator

Sessions using the equisimulator can be a helpful way for those recovering from an injury or with a physical disability to help improve the balance and core muscles required for riding as well as being a fun way to build up fitness and stamina. 

One-to-one or groups

Depending on your disability, you may be able to join in with the regular group lessons by using specialist tack or equipment. Or if you prefer one-to-one tuition, private lessons can be arranged at a mutually convenient time. One to one lessons allow you to choose to be on the leadrein, on the lunge or to go for a guided hack out round the fields. Topics to cover can be personalised to your individual needs. 

Level of assistance

This will depend on the individual and how their disability affects them. Please discuss your needs with us beforehand and we can continually assess your requirements as you progress. We offer all levels from one to one 30 minute lead rein sessions where one of our instructors leads/controls the horse/pony while assistants known to the rider can walk along side,  through to advanced levels where tack or equipment modifications can allow riders to join in with all the regular clubs, activities and events at the centre.

Sessions/lessons can be in an enclosed indoor arena if required, the outdoor arenas if preferred, or many people enjoy trekking around the farm tracks when the weather is nice. Carriage drivers can drive the pony themselves, or can be driven by us.

Non riding activities

If riding is not suitable for you, then you may enjoy joining in with one of our grooming sessions. We provide a quiet gentle pony along with brushes, as well as instruction and encouragement, so that children or adults can benefit from the enjoyment of being close to a large animal, while it patiently lets itself be handled, stroked and brushed.

Carriage driving is another way that horse lovers who are unable to ride can get closer to horses.  Private carriage driving lessons can be arranged.  We have several different types of vehicle so you would have a choice if you think you may have difficulty getting in or out.

Horse agility is a fun way to enjoy spending time with a horse while learning how to lead the horse around progressively more challenging obstacles.

Alpaca walks can be a fun way to enjoy being outside. Meet and feed the alpacas, learn about them, and take them on a lead for a walk round the farm.

The cafe is open Tuesdays to Sundays for carers who would like to relax with tea and cake or for anybody who fancies refreshments before or after your activities.

Funding

Some sessions can be funded by local authorities and specific groups such as ACTIVITIES UNLIMITED so ask us if you think you might qualify for funding. We also accept childcare vouchers. 

Access

Horse riding is a mostly outdoor activity so suitable footwear for outdoor surfaces is recommended for carers. Riders require boots suitable for riding. We do have some boots available to borrow from reception. The yard is mostly level concrete. There is a wheelchair accessible ramp into reception. The cafe toilet is sufficiently large to allow assistants if required.

Our Hippocampe all-terrain custom wheelchair is available for those who need it, to enable them to get round the yard more easily.

We have a large surfaced car park very close to the stable yard, from where it is easy to access the yard, toilets and cafe.

Organisations

In addition to individuals, Valley Farm works with a number of groups and organisations who bring children and adults for therapeutic riding and horse care sessions.  If you are a member of a group who might benefit form regular equestrian sessions, let them know about us. We have some groups who come for regular riding lessons, and some who come to spend time grooming the horses, or just for one off visits, to meet the animals, and go on a farm walk. If you would like to know more about the facilities and activities we offer, please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.

East Suffolk Riding for the Disabled Group (RDA)

"It's what you can do that counts"  We have qualified coaches to help you enjoy riding, carriage driving or vaulting. 

The East Suffolk RDA group meet at Valley Farm on Thursdays offering riding, and driving groups from 10.00am for adults and home-schooled SEND children.

New participants and volunteers are welcome to come along to meet the horses and the coaches.

Each RDA session has an RDA qualified coach in charge of volunteer helpers who lead the horses / side walk and support and encourage the riders.

RDA carriage driving sessions allow participants to ride in the carriage and hold the reins to steer depending on their level of ability. Drivers are assisted by volunteers and a qualified RDA coach.

Please ask for further details if you are interested in riding, driving, vaulting or horse care sessions. Sessions are part funded by the RDA so participants usually only pay £10 per session. 

This group is a registered charity and is affiliated to the national Riding For The Disabled Association. Charity number 244108 

For more information about East Suffolk RDA or to sign up for RDA sessions please contact Sue on 01449 760289  https://eastsuffolkrda.org.uk/

If you think you have the skills to help others and are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Sue as above for more information.

Changing Lives Through Horses & Care Farm

If you are a carer for a person who requires extra support or has alternative needs, you might also be interested to read the information on our Changing Lives Through Horses page. https://www.valleyfarm.co.uk/content/changing-lives-through-horses

Updated December 2025