Riding for the Disabled, Southmoor - Saturday, 31st January 2026

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Blog by Eleanor, photos by Sally and Julio

It was almost a year since our last session at Riding for the Disabled and that had been on a terribly wet day, so this time we were luckier with the weather. We would be working in two separate areas. One task was to clear one of the ditches. This would enable more water to drain away and prevent the paddock from flooding. The other task was to plant bulbs along the footpath leading to the woodland area behind the buildings. The riding centre was planning to develop this path so eventually horses could be led along it with their riders.

Sue, of the riding centre gave us our tasks.

Briefing in the yard


The riding centre seen from the new footpath


The ditch clearers set off to begin their task.

The ditch before



We had brought waders, but fortunately the ditch could mostly be cleared from the bank.

 
Jim and Rhian set to work


Kevin clearing the ditch with a crome (rake with curvy tines)


Rhian taking cleared stuff to the heap

Meanwhile, the bulb planters collected a big box of bulbs from the office. There were daffodils, crocuses allium and grape hyacinths. There were already clumps of snowdrops along the path.

Snowdrops

We discovered there was a large amount of hemlock on the bank at the beginning of the path, and Dieuwke and Ursula set about clearing it.

Pulling up hemlock

We had the luxury of taking our tea break indoors, in the room leading to the gallery overlooking the indoor arena, where some children were arriving for their lessons.

Tea break in comfort!

Then it was time to get back to work. James came to join the hemlock pullers, which was very welcome. We filled at least six bags with hemlock, which were then wheelbarrowed down to the bonfire heap. They even had time to plant a few bulbs on the bank. Meanwhile the other bulb planters had emptied all the bags. We look forward to seeing whether their hard work brings results.

Here is a photo of the ditch at the end of our session:

The cleared ditch


Julio also sent a photo from last year of the tree whips planted around the perimeter fences.

Last year




Tree whips a year on - 
Not bad considering the Summer drought.





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