The Foundation (1921)

This 1921 Ordnance Survey shows Cholsey Farm as it was originally laid out. The main barn, visible on the left, is still in use today. On the right was a barn that later burned down and was replaced by a piggery - now converted to our guest accommodation.

The cart shed shown here now serves as our farm store.

The Howard-Jones Era Begins (1955)

Ted's father, John Howard-Jones, purchased the farm in 1955. Under his leadership, the farm became a true "mixed" operation with dairy cows, chickens, and pigs alongside traditional crops like oats, wheat, and barley.

Ted was born on this very farm that his father had bought.

The Mixed Farm Years (1950s-1960s)

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Cholsey Grange Farm was a bustling mixed farm with pigs, chickens, and sheep. The chicken enterprise was particularly impressive, with 7 large sheds housing both egg-laying birds and birds for the table.

The chickens were fed wheat grown on the farm and milled in our own processing mill.

Growing Up on the Farm

Ted has been riding since he was 5 years old. Here he is at age 9 with Ken Bird, already developing the deep connection with horses and the countryside that would define his life's work. Growing up on the farm, Ted knew every field and bridleway like the back of his hand.

From childhood, Ted was learning the land that would one day welcome riders from around the world.

Evolution and Change (1980s)

In the 1980s, like many small farms, Cholsey Grange evolved with the times. The farm transitioned to mostly crops and sheep, running around 200 Welsh ewes. When Ted's father retired, the farm was converted back to crops and horses.

This transition laid the groundwork for the riding operation we know today.

Modern Farm Diversification (2000s)

By 2009, the farm had beautifully adapted to modern times. The old pigsties and workshops were converted to offices, while the old dairy became home to a skilled cabinet-maker. The listed oak-framed barn was re-roofed with local, hand-made tiles and now houses hay, logs and tractors.

New barns were built to store grain and straw, and for lambing the 200-300 Welsh ewes.

Welcome to Our Family Farm