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Daniel's Ride
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Daniel's Ride
Prior to 2019, the Richardson family lived in Cornwall where Abbie was a business consultant and her partner Will worked as a farmer. Despite the challenge of various disabilities, their 14-year-old son Daniel has turned many of them into abilities. It is through horse riding and equine therapy that Daniel has found great benefits for his emotional and physical wellbeing. These therapeutic qualities are recognised and endorsed by the medical profession. Seeing these improvements first hand was the catalyst for the family to follow their dream of offering ‘Daniel’s Ride’ to others. They began in earnest to look for a suitable property in surroundings where they could take their idea forward. In September 2019, they made the move to the Bere Peninsula where they began a mammoth renovation project on a rundown horse livery, farm, and woodland.
How is the project progressing?
Creating an equestrian arena, lies at the heart of their project. However this will cost £500K, and the Richardsons still need to raise £400K towards the total amount required. They have made great progress though in obtaining planning permission, and have already set up the stables and paddocks, ready to accommodate new equine activities once the arena is in place.
The great news is that there’s already a real interest in having access to an indoor equestrian arena and riding for all abilities. Abbie, Will, and Daniel’s vision is to offer a valuable service to the community by harnessing support through engaging with local businesses and individuals, fundraising, grants, donations, and sponsorships. Over 100 local people have already backed the project, and are keen to have the opportunity to hire the arena privately when it’s available. The Richardsons would like to thank the local community and council for their continued support and the Tamar Valley AONB who have been crucial in improving access, creating new wildlife habitats and facilities on the farm.
The Richardsons have previously supported the current provision through their farm income, but moving forward this became unsustainable and therefore Daniel’s Ride was set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC) with a view to raising enough funds for it to become self-funding over time. Abbie and Will have also pulled out all the stops to achieve relevant awards and accreditation over the past few years, including:
The prestigious Green Care Quality Mark from Social Farms and Gardens
A particular accolade - the award of Devon’s first accredited educational farm park for the Rare Breeds Survival Trust
What is currently on offer?
At present the facilities include a secure dog field for private hire, horticultural and sensory gardens, and a camping area. The Richardsons also breed and sell pedigree British heritage rare breed livestock and pedigree British Shorthair cats, as well as offering various courses, activities and events, including:
Canine exercise and enrichment sessions
Pet first aid and care courses
Open days and other events
Corporate days
Funded educational visits for schools and organisations
Skills and well-being sessions for youth, adult and SEND provision (individuals or groups)
Looking ahead…
The Richardsons have plans for:
An indoor arena providing riding and equine therapy sessions for all – including sessions for nervous riders, mental and physical health support, and skills improvement.
A farm shop and café with full ‘field to fork’ traceability and the highest welfare standards. 75% of the produce on offer will be sourced from local producers, makers, and craftspeople.
A cattery providing home from home boarding, plus a British Shorthair stud facility
Themed evening events
It’s clear to see that Abbie, Will, and Daniel have dedicated their time and energy (possibly every waking hour?) to building upon their vision and dream for the local community. Much has been achieved so far and they’re determined to succeed in carrying out their plans for future developments. Turning a rundown livery and overgrown land into a thriving community enterprise immersed in the beautiful Tamar Valley is ambitious – but this family is driven to do whatever’s possible for the local and wider community.
If you think you can help by volunteering, or offering creative support please contact Abbie on 01822 258118, or email info@danielsride.org
If you would like to make a donation, please visit Justgiving.com/crowdfunding/danielsride – every donation helps, no matter how big or small, individual or corporate. As a thank you, there will be a free open day in spring 2024 for people who have made donations. We can also provide free corporate days for organisations sponsoring Daniel’s Ride CIC (minimum donation/sponsorship applies).
All donations will go towards building an all-weather arena for year-round use, making our animal interaction and equine sessions available to those who need it most, offering a break from life, regardless of age or ability. We've seen the difference that our animals and environment have made to people who visit us at Harlings Farm, and we would like Daniel’s Ride, our son's legacy, (and a miracle!) to continue to help more people.