Sophie Christiansen CBE opens new Horsley, Bookham & Leatherhead RDA facility at Badgers Farm, Effingham

Paralympian and disability campaigner Sophie Christiansen CBE opened the brand new, fully accessible, all weather riding centre at Horsley, Bookham and Leatherhead Riding for the Disabled (H,B&L RDA) on Saturday 24 September.

The charity’s two year Raise the Roof campaign successfully raised the funds necessary to complete their ‘Big Build’ and the first digger broke ground on 9 August 2021. In just eight months the 60 x 30m indoor arena was ready to welcome its first riders in April this year. Work continued inside the building to complete the classroom, kitchen, toilets and tack room with finishing touches put on just ahead of the official opening attended by 60 supporters, riders, fundraisers, volunteers and the group’s ponies.

H,B&L RDA Chair, Sheri Johnson, says “This entire project all began thanks to a generous offer from the Williams family of a favourable lease of land and livery terms here at Badgers Farm. Without that, none of this would have been possible. Since then, so many individuals, foundations and trusts, local companies, village councils, charities and even the National Lottery have contributed to making our dream a reality. The generosity and support have been both humbling and amazing.”