While I’ve been in Petersham I’ve noticed that Marcus is starting to show signs of age. Luckily for all of us, we have an excellent pension plan and there’s no danger of any of us going into an old foals home. And Park Lane Stables has volunteers to help provide any extra care.

Here is Cathy, who’s been coming in daily to take Marcus for a graze on the fresh grass. Marcus tells me he thinks he loves her...

Where was I? Oh yes, Marcus slowing down. Natalie and I had a quiet word and decided that it was time for him to retire. So although a mere stripling in his 20s, he is currently adjusting to a quieter life in the field with the other ‘oldies’.

It’s a big change for Park Lane Stables and will take all of us a while to adapt. While I was Natalie’s first love, she knew Marcus many years ago in Birmingham too, and repeatedly asked his then owner if she could buy him. (Boy is Natalie persistent when she wants something. But I don’t have to tell you that.)

Marcus eventually joined Park Lane Stables and proved himself to be calm and safe with riders of all ages and abilities. I admit he’s better at this than me, but then he doesn’t have my noble blood. Some are born to work, others to lead.

I’ve seen with my own eyes how everyone loves him. He’s carved a role as physiotherapist, speech therapist and occupational therapist all rolled into one pony. He’s helped vulnerable children to walk, talk, and develop friendships – first with him, then with each other. And he’s more patient than me. He’s never cantered when he wanted to unless his rider was balanced enough to be ready for it. (How impressive is that?) I can see why he’s been the perfect RDA pony.

But now he needs to learn the new skills of life in the slow lane. Think the horse equivalent of playing bridge or growing sweet peas. He’s getting plenty of human visitors to ease him in, and will doubtless make the occasional celebrity visit to the Stables. But herd life in the field has a lot to offer, and settling in to those new friendships will be rewarding too.

He’ll be able to swap stories with fellow retirees Barney, Mini and Red (‘you’ll never guess who I had on my back once!’).

Prodney is Chief Equine Officer (CEO) at Park Lane Stables, and achieved celebrity status following the TV coverage in 2021.

Park Lane Stables is committed to taking care of all its horses for life. Herd life is the most natural way to live, supplemented by whatever extra care they need as they get older. Just as with humans, that includes increased medical costs and special diets, as well as the usual foot and dental care.

Can you help by sponsoring an oldie? Head over to our donate page to find out how.