About us
Our Story
Sweetlands Farm was established in 2013 by Victoria and Nigel Farmer.
What began with a derelict field has been thoughtfully developed into the peaceful and welcoming environment it is today. Together, we shared a vision to create something special — a place centred around horses, animals, nature and a slower, more considered way of life.
Sweetlands Farm, named after our much-loved mare Sweet, reflects a deep-rooted passion for horses and the values they bring, patience, trust and quiet confidence.
Victoria is an experienced BHSAI qualified instructor and Safeguarding Officer.
She has worked on several top yards in the UK and Europe, competed her homebred horse in Dressage, and bred champion Hanoverian foals.
Through continued CPD training in animal welfare, behaviour and animal assisted services, Victoria is committed to creating safe, supportive and educational experiences for children and young people.
Nigel has worked in farming since leaving agriculture collage after gaining his National Craftsman Certificate and many various animal welfare and farming qualifications, he has worked tirelessly to build all the facilities. He oversees the day-to-day running of the farm, including producing our own hay and maintaining the yard and facilities.
Our Animals & Way of Life
The welfare of our animals is at the heart of everything we do.
Our horses and ponies live as a mixed herd, with large open spaces, turnout, shelter, companionship, and carefully managed routines that support both physical and emotional wellbeing. We aim to create calm, relaxed animals who enjoy interaction and feel confident within their surroundings.
The same approach extends across all animals at Sweetlands Farm, including our goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and dogs. Animals are given opportunities for rest, play, enrichment, grazing, social interaction, and downtime away from visitors and activities.
We follow the recognised principles of the Five Freedoms animal welfare framework:
• Freedom from hunger and thirst
• Freedom from discomfort
• Freedom from pain, injury or disease
• Freedom to express normal behaviour
• Freedom from fear and distress
A Personal Approach
As a smaller establishment, we take the time to get to know each visitor.
Sessions can be adapted to suit the individual, whether they are new to ponies, love animals, enjoy time in the countryside, building confidence, or simply looking for a quieter and more personal experience.
Our Standards
Sweetlands Farm holds a 5★ Higher Standards riding school licence, the highest rating available, recognising excellent standards of horse welfare, safety and management.
We are also approved by the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS+), meaning we meet recognised industry standards for coaching, care and professionalism while offering a clear and structured learning pathway.
We are an approved AQA Unit Award Scheme Centre, enabling children and young people to work towards nationally recognised Unit Award certificates through our Animal & Farm Learning programmes recognising individual achievement through practical, hands-on learning and helps learners build confidence, independence and real-world skills.
We are members of the Equine Assisted Services Partnership (EASP) and listed on the Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR) Reflecting our commitment to safe, supportive and professionally recognised equine assisted services.
We were awarded Runner-Up in the SEIB Best Small Riding School UK Awards 2023 (2nd place nationally).
All staff and volunteers are friendly, dedicated and passionate about the farm and all of our animals.
All members of the team hold relevant equestrian qualifications alongside safeguarding, first aid and DBS certification, helping us provide a safe, supportive and professional environment.
The team regularly undertakes continuing professional development (CPD) within the equestrian, safeguarding and animal welfare sector.
