Chesham Riding for the Disabled – a local treasure

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Chesham Riding for the Disabled – a local treasure

By Andrew Ketteringham

(Pictured, Andrew Ketteringham, President of Chesham Rotary, together with Anne Coney, Charlie and Jo.)

Almost 40 years ago local resident Anne Coney started Bank Farm Riding for the Disabled, since when it has grown and now includes an indoor equestrian centre as well as outdoor facilities – all based at Flamstead Yard near Ashley Green.

Anne spoke to the Rotary Club of Chesham in April, when the Club gave her £500 towards the £20,000 annual cost of running the group and keeping 7 ponies.  The fund-raising activity, at the group’s base in Flamstead Yard, has been supported by Rotary, over the years, so the club was pleased to welcome Anne, together with one of the youngsters and his Mum, who benefit from the activity.

Anne spoke about the benefit the young people gain and how they improve their balance, muscle strength and self-belief resulting in a boost to their social and communication skills.  Although staffed by volunteers maintaining the ponies results in high costs and they have to fundraise constantly. In the summer she hopes to hold a fundraising event at Bank Farm, near Ashley Green where the riding school is based.

Anne hopes that they will be able to expand their activities but to do that they will need to recruit more volunteers.

One of the beneficiaries, Charlie, was with her to speak about how much he has gained from the experience.  Now 17 years old he has been a regular attender since he was 4, when he had no confidence around any animal, let alone getting on a pony and riding.  Together with Mum, Jo, they explained how the experience was daunting at first but weekly attendance gave him confidence in himself and a love of animals.  Today Charlie is participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme as part of his riding activities.

Both Charlie and Jo spoke about how the happy and relaxed atmosphere, together with all the support of volunteers, has changed his life to a far greater extent than his parents had ever imagined.  Now riding is an important part of his life and brings him an enormous amount of joy as well as all the other benefits.  He can’t now imagine a Saturday without a visit to Bank Farm to be with his friends and the ponies.

Rotary President, Andrew Ketteringham, said the meeting had been inspirational and he described Bank Farm Riding for the Disabled as a ‘local treasure we should all support’.

Further information about Bank Farm Riding for the Disabled can be found at their website, bankfarmrda.com