We’ve made it through the winter and it’s great to be finally entering Spring with the promise of drier weather and more riding outside. What a lovely start to the season, a case of hello Spring – cue sunshine! Good to see everyone cheerful and full of the joys of Spring, with the sun giving us a little bright spot of healthy vitamin D. Our four-legged bringers of smiles and laughter, … Continue reading →
How would you like the chance to win this egg-cellent Easter basket whilst also supporting Long Furlong RDA?! Tickets are £1 and will be available at our riding sessions with the draw taking place on 09 April. The basket is filled with a selection of seasonal themed goodies with a touch of equine of course. Here at LFRDA HQ we are very taken with Shaggy the Shetland but not sure we could bring ourselves to … Continue reading →
We cannot begin to express how grateful we are to receive a grant from the Worshipful Company of Loriners. We are so excited! Their generosity directly impacts the lives of our wonderful participants helping them experience the joy and magic of riding. On behalf of the LFRDA community we send our heartfelt thanks to the Loriners for their continued support which means so much to us. Thank you for helping us continue to make a … Continue reading →
What a difference a bit of Spring weather makes and we certainly had the sunshine effect this week which triggered plenty of smiles all round. Perfect weather, priceless views and patient ponies all make for happy active sessions and when you spend time doing something you enjoy with the people (and ponies!) you care about it makes it so rewarding 💜
Continue reading →Drumroll please! We are extremely delighted, and excited, to share that we have been awarded a grant from Flutter UKI’s Cash4Clubs programme, delivered in partnership with Sported. The Cash4Clubs programme offers grants to community and voluntary sports groups across the UK and Ireland, delivering activities for a social purpose to under-represented communities. The programme gets vital funding to local clubs that need it most (like ours) with support to boost sustainability and get more … Continue reading →
Our equine friends are enjoying their middle of term break and we hope you are too. Always good to see them buddying up with their pals and enjoying the seasonal splendours of their beautiful surroundings. Even when they are in the fields they are always happy to have a photo, they know how to strike a pose! There’s nothing like their velvety soft muzzles and warm breath to warm up a cold February morning … Continue reading →
It’s been another fantastic half term. With February flinging its usual mix of weather at us, winter chills meant staying inside but, despite the grey weather, sessions were brightened up by the riders’ enthusiasm, you could see the smiles on their faces from behind them! Thank to our stellar helpers who go above and beyond to make the lessons rewarding and fun and thank you to the Chestnuts ponies, they are second to none … Continue reading →
We are half way between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox this weekend and it’s a comforting thought that it is officially Spring next month. This week, although we were expecting to ride indoors, some unexpected milder winter weather gave us the opportunity to get outdoors and engage with Mother Nature, enjoying the fresh air, the natural daylight and the sounds and sights of the … Continue reading →
It’s been such a mixed bag and a half of weather lately but with the snow slowly lifting and green fields appearing we were delighted to welcome everyone back. Despite the misty, murky, chilly weather everyone came in with bright smiles and one less layer of thermal clothing! Well done to our riders and thank you to the team of helpers, always full of warmth and kindness. As you can imagine, there were countless cuddles … Continue reading →
Brrrr! That was a surprise start to the new term with snow arriving in Sussex meaning LFRDA was cancelled and time off for the team. The horses are being well cared for, keeping on their winter woollies, making snow angels, having extra hay and an extra holiday. Sorry to disappoint riders this week but we don’t want to compromise the safety of anyone involved by taking any risks with humans and horses. Snowfall at the … Continue reading →
Lovely to see the horses and ponies all wrapped up soaking up all the cosy holiday vibes and having a break from their usual activities. It’s valuable time for them to have a rest with their friends and let their hair down. Horses fill their owner’s life, they never stop needing care 365 days a year. It’s a round-the-clock responsibility, even on Christmas Day which, to equines, is simply yet another day for being with … Continue reading →
Dear friends, we hope you had a wonderful Christmas. To anyone who struggles and finds it difficult, for whatever reason at this time of year, we send out love and hugs 💜 As we jump into 2025 we have a whole year ahead of us but, before we leave the old year completely behind, it’s a great time to hit the pause button and just take a moment to reflect and give thanks to all … Continue reading →
Whoo-hoo-hoo! The wait is over, it’s Christmas Eve! The horses and ponies have heard a rumour to look out tonight for that shining light of Santa’s sleigh moving across the sky. We’re sure they will share one or two of their carrots with the reindeer 🦌 Wishing a Merry Christmas to all our friends, supporters and those that visit our website. Wherever, whatever and however you celebrate we wish every single one of you a … Continue reading →
This week we were donning our festive headwear for our end of term fun sessions. Our Christmas-accessorised horses didn’t bat an eyelid decked in all their festive finery, they took everything in their stride, just like another day at the office for them, jingle bells and all! The riders completed an obstacle course against the clock, they showed off their balance, control and steering skills. The riders were very competitive and there was plenty of … Continue reading →
We love a winner! Congratulations to volunteer, Purple Pat, who won our Christmas Raffle after Chestnuts owner, Richard, kindly picked out the winning ticket at our Christmas session. Pat declared she never wins anything so let it be known you can actually win things now and again, never say never! All credit to Secretary, Barbara, for organising and putting together the hamper full of gorgeous goodies. In addition, thank you to the volunteers who also … Continue reading →