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Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure is a unique equestrian centre, located in Wickham Market, Suffolk, United Kingdom. We have 82 acres of beautiful meadows and woodland, forming a haven for wildlife in an Environmentally Sensitive Area.
It is a beautiful place to visit, whether you chose to stay with us in the holiday lodge or stay on our campsite, explore our trails on foot or on horseback, relax with delicious refreshment in the café or join us for riding or horse-care lessons.
At the riding school a diverse range of equestrian sports and disciplines are taught, including carriage driving, natural horsemanship, sidesaddle, vaulting, horseball, western riding, polo, polocrosse, dressage, show jumping, working hunter, le trec, horse agility, working equitation, horseback archery, horseboarding and stable management. There is also specialist tack and vehicles available, and specially trained horses to enable differently abled people to enjoy riding and carriage driving.
Licences and Accreditations
All UK riding schools, and anybody who hires or loans a horse should, by law, be insured and licensed with their local authority. Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure is licensed as a riding school with East Suffolk Council. ref: Mrs Helen Ling Ms Sarah Robertson 25/00115/AW18LI (licence to hire out horses) and has a licence to carry on activities involving animals (Keeping/Training Animals for Exhibition) ref: 25/00038/AW18LI and is fully insured.
To ensure you have the best possible expeirience, Valley Farm also voluntarily chooses to be assessed by a number of other organisations.
We have qualified staff who are BHS accredited professional coaches, some of whom are also qualified with The Pony Club, Riding & Driving for the Disabled, British Horseball Association, British Working Equitation, International Horse Agility Club, Side Saddle Association, British Driving Society, British Equestrian Valulting, Enlightened Equitation, British Horseback Archery Association
Facilities
For more information about our excellent facilities and for prices if you wish to hire our facilities for private use, please click the link Facilities | Valley Farm
History
Valley Farm is situated just off the A12 to the North of Wickham Market, and is bordered by the River Deben. Previously home to dairy cattle, the marshes form part of the Deben Valley Environmentally Sensitive Area, and offer a particularly beautiful backdrop, and peaceful surroundings.
The traditional Suffolk barns, now converted for stables and storage were built around the time of the industrial revolution. (Late 1700's to early 1800's) The barns at the main farm yard were build at a similar time. The date on the farmhouse chiminey is 1623. Over the centuries there have been many name changes, ownership changes and land use changes, but the field boundries and drainage dykes are easily recognisable from old maps.
The part of the farm which is now home to the equestrian centre is owned and managed by Sarah Robertson and her daughter-in-law Helen Phoebe Ling.
Sarah moved to The Cottage, Valley Farm in 1976 when she first married. Sarah had always had an interest in all things equestrian, and having trained in South Africa at the famous Blue Hills yard, she was very keen to pursue an equestrian career. She soon acquired ponies for herself and her children, and began teaching carriage driving, vaulting and riding.
The business originally traded as Valley Farm Riding and Driving Centre, but as it diversified to include more activities the name was changed to Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure.
In 2020 Phoebe, joined Valley Farm with her own riding school ponies formally located at Gym-khana stables.
Multi Award Winner
Over the years Sarah and Valley Farm have won many awards for land use and diversity including: Best Alternative Land Enterprise, Business woman of the year, Investors in People, Anglia Business Award, Jim Keetch Farm Attraction of the year, Suffolk Farm award - Best Livestock. BHS National riding school Championships winning proprietor 2019.
Ofsted
Owing to the number of children we cater for at the centre we thought it would be reassuring for parents if we were registered with Ofsted. We were first approved in 2008. Our Ofsted registration no is VC374742. Another advantage of this is that it allows parents to use childcare vouchers for activity days, children's summer camps and weekend stable management and riding lessons.
Vaulting
In 1988 from 11th to 15th August, three children from Valley Farm's team, including Sarah's daughter, competed in the World Vaulting Championships in Ebrichsdorf, Austria. Following their success, and a developing interest in the sport Sarah hosted a number of International and National vaulting competitions at Valley Farm. We continue to provide training for coaches and recreational vaulters. Vaulting | Valley Farm
Horseball
After finding out about the sport of horseball at a vaulting competition held in Paris in 1989, Valley Farm had the horseball rule book translated into English, and started training teams to play this new and exciting sport. Britain's 1st national horse ball tournament was hosted by Valley Farm on 1st September 1991, with teams taking part from North London, Nottingham, Suffolk and Norfolk. We continue to train horses and riders. Horseball | Valley Farm
Camargue Horses
In 1990 Britain’s first breeding Camargue Horses were imported to Valley Farm from France. Camargue Horses are a rare breed of ancient horse from the Rhone Delta in the South of France. It was thought that these small horses would feel at home on the Deben Marshes, and that their temperaments would be suitable for all the activities at the riding school. Especially Western Riding and Carriage Driving.
The very first Camargue horse to be born in the UK was called Fabriqué en Angleterre. He was born at Valley Farm on February 13th 1993 out of Cantarello and by Coquin des Clauzals.
The stud produces a small number of pure bred Camargue and some cross bred foals, largely to supply the riding school, but some are occasionally available for sale. Camargue Horses | Valley Farm
British Camargue Horse Society
The British Camargue Horse Society was established by Valley Farm in 1990 in order to promote the breeding of Camargue Horses, and to maintain a studbook of British Bred Camargue Horses and to act as a passport issuing authority. British Camargue Horse Society | Valley Farm
Western Riding
The Camargue in the South of France is Europe's Wild West, and so our Camargue horses were ideally suited to western riding. They are intelligent and agile, and easily able to perform all the movements necessary for western competition. Throughout the 1990's riders from Valley Farm competed throughout the UK at Western Horseman's Association shows. Valley Farm hosted annual summer and winter shows, and qualified several horses for the championships. We continue to host unaffiliated fun competitions and regular group and private lessons. Western Riding | Valley Farm
Natural Horsemanship
Our interest in Western riding led us to the USA, where Amanda was able to study and learn under the guidance of Pat Hooks, using the philosophies of Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrance. This knowledge has filtered through into our training methods for all our horses, no mater what the discipline, the focus is on lightness and a calm, willing horse. Amanda continues to provide horsemanhip lessons for riders or unmounted participants.
Carriage Driving
Sarah is qualified in private driving, but has also had a lifelong interest in agricultural horses. She has trained and driven singles, pairs, unicorns, teams, and has taught a huge number of people and horses to drive. Driving horses from Valley Farm have been used for weddings and TV and film work. We continue to train horses and students in all aspects of carriage driving. Carriage Driving | Valley Farm
Weddings
For nearly 3 decades we ran White Horse Weddings using our lovely driving horses, but eventually it was decided that we couldn't be out every Saturday so we sold our wedding carriage. We are still able to provide a single horse for side saddle weddings. Weddings | Valley Farm
Sikh Weddings
It is traditional for the groom to ride a white horse to the wedding, and our well behaved horses have proven very popular over the years. Weddings | Valley Farm
Children's holidays
Valley Farm held their first Summer Pony Camp in 1986. Valley Farm now hosts holidays for around 32 children every week during the Summer Holidays. Children come from all over Europe, and from as far as Japan and the United States. A number of schools also attend these activity camps in the weeks preceding the Summer Holidays. This provides a valuable opportunity to educate hundreds of young equine enthusiasts in a huge range of horsey sports. Children's Riding Holidays | Valley Farm
Junior Cavalry
For over 25 years, under the leadership of the late David Foster, Valley Farm was home to the Junior Cavalry who put on displays of drill riding and skills at arms at venues around the county. You can see them in action here.Valley Farm Volunteer Corps at Easton - YouTube We continue to teach drill riding and skills at arms during our children's activity days.
Success Stories
Many of those who started at Valley Farm have gone on to great things. For instance Penny Bourne who became a WHA western Judge, Lee Rutter who was part of the Bronze Medal winning team at the FEI European Reining Championships in 2009. Babara Forrer, vaulting judge, Merlyn Forrer, international vaulter, and Amanda Ling, British Vaulting Champion. As a student with us, Sophie Campion was national finalist of BHS Young instructor and ABRS national runner up. She also went on the be a side saddle instructor and editor of the national side saddle magazine 2011-2015. A number of our clients have gone on to show and compete at county and area level. Several of our previous customers are now running their own successful yards. (if you would like to be mentioned here, let us know!)
We continue to encourage young people, and adults who are new to horses, to try out different equestrian sports and provide support and opportunities for them to learn and become the best they can be.
Pony Club
Valley Farm has always had close associations with the Pony Club. Both of Sarah's children were members of the Easton Harriers Pony Club. Valley Farm itself is now a registered Pony Club Centre. This means that even children who do not own their own ponies can join in with all the Pony Club activities, and earn internationally recognised qualifications and achievement badges. We run pony club sessions for toddlers, teenagers and adults up to 25 years. Pony Club | Valley Farm
Café
The Camargue Café opened in the 1996 and has at times been let to other people and at times been run by Valley Farm staff. We love cooking, but horses is where our interests really lie. In 2011 we were awarded a Grant by the East of England Development Agency to refurbish the café and we are now very lucky to have Charlotte running it. She has an excellent reputation for producing delicious meals and cakes and attracts visitors from far and wide who come to enjoy the food and idyllic surroundings. Camargue Café | Valley Farm
Outdoor Arenas and Indoor Schools
In 2012 we received lottery funding from Sport England Inspired Facilities Fund which allowed us to build 3 new, outdoor, surfaced arenas, and upgrade the surfaces in our indoor schools.
Riding Club
In 2017 our adult riders chose to affiliate themselves to British Riding Clubs. Valley Farm riding Club based at the centre encourages over 18's to get together for equestrian themed social and riding activities. In 2023 the club was lead by local equestrian celebrity Rossie Theobald Rossie's Club | Valley Farm
Equisimulators
In 2017 we were lucky to secure grant funding from the New Anglia Business Growth Programme Small Grant Scheme part funded by European Regional Development Fund to purchase an Enlightened Equitation Equisimulator. This is an invaluable asset for fast tracking improvement in rider balance and timing as well as being great fun! We also have a racehorse simulator which proves popular on our children's activity days. Simulators are great for improving, posture, balance, coordination and fitness for riding. Lessons can be booked with an Enlightened Equitation coach or simulators can be hired for solo practice sessions. Equisimilators | Valley Farm
Sidesaddle
Having hunted aside in the 1970's Sarah has always been a keen sidesaddle rider, and is keen to pass her knowledge onto others. As a result we have a number of horses trained for side saddle. It is possible for children and adults to have a go, just as a one off, or you can train for your side saddle exams with us. We hold side saddle exams at the centre. Side Saddle | Valley Farm
Animal Collection
Sarah has always been passionate about all animals, and over the years has collected a variety of animals requiring homes for various reasons. Everything from stick insects to stray cats, ducks and geese to llamas and camels. All these animals quickly became part of the family, and have been adored by the public. Some notable ones included: Baa Baa the sheep who enjoyed carriage driving like a horse, and used to come into the house like a dog, Teddy the Boxer dog, who became a world-wide celebrity after IKEA started selling posters of him wearing goggles, riding in the Bugatti Sports car and Camelot the camel who adored being cuddled by the public. Her grandchildren continue this passion for animals, collecting various birds and animals in need of a good home. Animal Collection | Valley Farm
Dog Agility
Valley Farm Dog Agility Club meets here regularly and is run by Nigel Rudd. Please contact vfarmnigel@yahoo.co.uk for details if you are interested in agility lessons for your dog. The agility course is only available for use during supervised lessons, but well behaved dogs on leads are welcome to visit the centre, and enjoy the farm walks, and meeting the animals just as much as their owners.
Journalism
Sarah has been a freelance writer for a number of magazines. She wrote a column for several years for Farmers Guide magazine all about the antics at Valley Farm. She has also written a book, which is available to purchase from the equestrian centre, and several local book shops.
Campsite
As more people got to know about Valley Farm, it became necessary to provide accommodation for those who wanted to stay for longer, and those who lived too far away for a day visit, so in 2010 the Campsite complete with shower block and electric hook ups was opened. Camping & Caravanning | Valley Farm
Holiday Lodge
We added a self catering lodge for those who prefer home comforts rather than sleeping under canvas. This is popular with people who bring their own horses on holiday to stay with us as well as people who come to ride our horses or just to relax in the countryside. Holiday Lodge | Valley Farm
Visitor Attraction
The countryside trails around the farm, through the wood and along the river banks were originally put in place so that horse riders could enjoy off road riding. We have now opened these for visitors so that those who do not wish to ride horses can enjoy the beautiful walks round our marshes. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome, and we think they enjoy the walks just as much as their owners, and enjoy meeting all the animals as much as the children do! Visitor Attraction | Valley Farm
Open Farm
We love to take part in Open Farm Sunday. In association with LEAF (Linking Farming and the Environment) this provides an opportunity to educate the wider public about how farmers maintain the countryside to benefit ecosystems for wildlife, carbon capture, and maintain a landscape that is both sustainable and beneficial to people. We provide FREE tours for visiting school groups to learn about the countryside.
Investors in People
In 2005 we became accredited by Investors in People. We aim to maintain the highest standards in all areas of the business. We work hard to ensure continuous improvement, not only for our customers, but also for animal welfare and for our staff. Staff receive continuous training for their own self development and for the benefit of the clients and horses. We think Valley Farm is a great place to work, a lovely place to be a horse, and all round a fantastic place to visit and improve your horsemanship.
Tree planting and conservation.
Valley Farm is situated in an Environmentally Sensitive Area. We do our best to maintain and manage the ancient meadows in a way that promotes and encourages habitats for wildlife. We have more than one breeding pair of barn owls making use of the barn owl nest boxes we have provided. We have also installed bat boxes and bird boxes for smaller birds. Since 2009 we have planted several miles of new hedge and a number of specimen trees. During the winter of 2015/16 we planted a new woodland comprising around 1600 trees.
Elmo
Our Pony Club helped to support the Great British Elm Experiment by planting Elmo the elm in 2010. The tree has been skillfully propagated to be resistant to the Dutch Elm Disease that wiped out so many spectacular large elm trees from the farm during the 1970's. Find out more at https://conservationfoundation.co.uk/the-great-british-elm-experiment-update/
Suffolk Carbon Charter
In 2013 we were awarded the Suffolk Carbon Charter Silver Award in recognition of the carbon reduction measures we have implemented.
British Horse Society
Valley Farm is highly commended by the British Horse Society and is an approved Livery Yard and Riding & Training Centre. The BHS exam system is one of the most widely respected worldwide. Our Staff and students are qualified with BHS exams, or are training towards them, and are happy to assist clients to train for BHS progressive awards and assessments if required. In 2018 following the sale of Newton Hall Equitation Centre, Rossie Theobald, who is a highly respected BHS level 5 coach joined our team and is able to share her extensive knowledge with us and with clients. We hold regular BHS assessment days at Valley Farm. Training | Valley Farm
ABRS+
We are proud to be approved by the Association of British Riding Schools, Livery Yards and Equestrian Centres, setting a high standard for care and attention to both horse and rider. ABRS+ has deemed an excellent level of skill, competence, management, and welfare are available to pupils, clients and the equines in the care of the premises.
Wellbeing
We continually strive to improve our animal welfare in line with the latest scientific thinking. Animal welfare is so important to us that we have dedicated a whole page on our website, rather than just a few lines here. Wellbeing | Valley Farm
Working Equitation
This is a fun sport, with its roots in classical dressage, where the harmony between horse and rider are tested by negotiating an obstacle course. Following a visit from Joao Lynce (Portugese trainer of dressage and former World WE champion) we have been inspired to host training days and fun competitions. In 2019 we were lucky to obtain funding from the BHS to purchase a set of Working Equitation Obstacles. We qualified as coaches with British Working Equitation and we enjoy incorporating the benefits of this fun sport into our lessons. Working Equitation | Valley Farm
Horse Agility
Building good relationships with horses is not just something which happens in the saddle. Horse Agility is a fun sport in which non ridden equines can be shown to demonstrate their skills and horsemanship of the handler can be judged by completing fun obstacles and challenges. This helps to develop the relationship between horse and handler. We have always encouraged good horsemanship practices, especially for training the young horses born on the farm. In 2020 Amanda qualified as a coach with the International Horse Agility Club and now offers coaching and fun play days. Horse Agility | Valley Farm
Covid-19
2020 was not a normal year. For most of it we were in lockdown. We took this opportunity to join forces with Gymkhana Pony Club which was run by Helen Phoebe Ling and she moved her ponies to Valley Farm. Phoebe has taken on responsibility for the Pony Club, British Horse Society examination training and the day to day running of the riding school, allowing Sarah to start to think about retirement. The break from teaching lessons allowed us to do some extensive refurbishment and plenty of CPD courses so we were ready to start again with lots of fresh ideas.
Riding for the Disabled (RDA)
We have always done everything we can to cater for those with differing needs. In addition in 2021 The East Suffolk RDA group moved to Valley Farm. 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 riding sessions please contact Sue on 01449 760289 or follow the link Disabled Riders | Valley Farm
RDA Carriage Driving
In 2023 the RDA expanded and became accredited to be able to cater for those who wish to try carriage driving as well as riding. Disabled Riders | Valley Farm
RDA Vaulting
In 2025 a number of our BEV qualified vaulting coaches trained to qualify as RDA vaulting lungers and RDA vaulting coaches allowing us to expand the range of activities available for riders with disabilities. Disabled Riders | Valley Farm
Booking System
In 2021 a new online booking system was introduced to make it easier for customers to see when lessons are available. If you wish to register to ride you can fill in your details at Valley Farm (ecpro.co.uk) You can still contact us by telephone or email or book in directly from reception if you prefer.
BHS Changing lives through horses
In 2024 our centre was approved to offer the Changing Lives Through Horses Programme. This is an alternative education programme for 5 to 25 year olds to support life skills in a safe and nurturing environment for those who are at risk of becoming, disengaged or excluded from education or training or those with additional needs. Changing Lives | Valley Farm
Indoor Carriage Driving
In 2024 we began regularly competing at IDC events and we purchased driving cones and obstacles which can be used for lessons Carriage Driving | Valley Farm
Horseback Archery
In 2025 we were lucky to be visited by Emily Massey, British Team Medalist, to provide training in Horseback Archery and help us gain our British Horseback Archery Club Coach qualifications. We invested in a set of targets so can now offer mounted and unmounted archery lessons.
Horseboarding
We have been working alongside Daniel Fowler Prime of Horseboarding UK and in 2026 we established Valley Farm as the first HBUK approved training centre in the United Kingdom, allowing us to provide training for people wanting to get started with the sport, either with their own horses or with ours.
Cattle
As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship we have decided to return cattle to our marshland. A greater diversity of grazing animals helps to improve the grassland, making it better for wild birds and insects and improving the overall ecosystem. In 2026 we were able to secure funding to provide free educational visits to help children learn about the countryside and the environment.
All about you
We feel very lucky to be surrounded by such lovely animals and beautiful countryside and we really enjoy having the opportunity to share our knowledge and environment with people like you. We are here to help you improve your riding, whether you are just starting out or an experienced rider wanting to try a new sport. Our lovely well trained horses and friendly staff can help you through every step of your equestrian journey. Be sure to let us know what you would like to achieve and we will do our best to guide you along the right path.
Images
Unlike many sites, all the photos on our website are taken at Valley Farm or feature Valley Farm's horses. Lots more images showing many of the exciting things we have been up to at Valley Farm over the years can be found in our facebook photo album. Anyone can see the pictures and videos - you do not need to sign up to Facebook to view them.
Social Media & Links
You can follow us on facebook and instagram to keep up to date with all the latest goings on at the farm as well as keep an eye out for special offers and exciting events. Also find us on twitter and tiktok for behind the scenes footage of fun on the farm.
Our linktree will help you to find information you are looking for: click valleyfarmequestian Linktree
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFarmOnline.co.uk
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/valleyfarmequestrian/
Twitter https://twitter.com/ValleyFarmRDC
Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@valleyfarmequestrian
You can easily find our social sites, our web pages and other things which may be of interest to you on our Linktree which also acts as a sitemap.
updated June 2026
