Barry Tregaskis: the man, the myth, the legend... and now officially retired!

On the 4th July 2026, we held an End of Term party to celebrate all the amazing volunteers we have, and also to thank Barry Tregaskis, our wonderful trustee, for all his hard work and efforts at HB&L RDA as he has decided to retire at the end of our summer term.

We are all so grateful for everything he’s done for us over the past 15 years.

Barry has been a cornerstone of our charity, involved in every aspect as it grew from a few sessions a week to what it is today – one of the largest and most successful RDA’s in the South-East.

Starting as a volunteer, becoming a coach, trustee, finding our first horses, being instrumental in the new build project and always there to support fundraising and bring balance to the team of trustees. We couldn’t have done it without him.

We are beyond proud that Barry achieved truly legendary status in 2025 when he was awarded the Tora Bray Perpetual Trophy award from The RDA Southeast Region. This recognises the tremendous about of time and effort Barry has devoted to our charity for so many years. It’s great that our Regional team are as proud of him as we are.

Barry is truly loved by all our 11 ponies. During our party, as soon as they heard him talking, some of our nosiest ponies - Freckles and Hector - came to see what was going on. They could hear him talking and couldn’t stay away. Barry has been on the welcoming committee for every new pony that has come to us. He has shown them love, kindness and (we know it Barry) illegal pockets full of treats. They ADORE him – and rightly so.

Yet the people who will miss him the most are our riders. Barry is without a doubt the favourite coach amongst our riders. He has probably coached at all our sessions one time or another. The chorus of “Barry Barry Barry” at his sessions will always be etched in our memories, along with his famously stupid Grandad jokes and all the laughter.

So, Barry, thank you again for all that you have done for us. We will all miss working alongside you! Enjoy your well deserved retirement, but please stay a huge friend of HB&L RDA and don’t forget to keep in touch! Not least the ponies will want those treats when they see you!