After all the media attention in 2021, I suddenly found myself being asked to give motivational talks at events by people who knew our story of saving Park Lane Stables against the odds.

I didn’t have much experience of public speaking before all this started, and it was a daunting proposition, but I did it because every event was a chance to tell more people about our work. As a charity, we rely on donations, so supporters are our lifeblood. As long as event organisers didn’t expect a slick, corporate-style presentation from me, I’d come to realise that ‘just’ sharing my passion for the Stables and stories of the lovely people we’ve helped were inspiring. Passion I can do. In fact, I can’t help myself.

The story of Park Lane Stables’ survival over the years is definitely one of overcoming adversity, of never giving up, of believing in dreams. And we have so many stories to share, of young people who have been written off by ‘mainstream’ society starting to believe in themselves and going on to achieve amazing things. Of the magical power of horses to gently help vulnerable people to start connecting with the world around them.

One of my earliest speaking engagements was a big conference in Stratford. I arrived to find a huge stage and sound engineers ready to fit my head mic, NOT what I’d expected. A lovely lady called Suzanne talked me through it, and it helped me to believe that I could take to that stage. I remember that David Gray’s Babylon was playing. Every time I hear that song now I get butterflies all over again! In the end it was such a lovely event, and really interactive. I surprised myself by how much I enjoyed it.

I recently spoke to a group of young people at a secondary school and they were delighted to hear that I went to a very ordinary school in Birmingham, that I hated every moment of it, but that it didn’t stop me reaching for my dreams. 

The bit I love best is when I can see that people are really interested, and when they just want to know more. “What happened next? Do tell us!” And when people come up to me afterwards and say that what they’ve heard has inspired them to pursue their own dreams, that’s the best reward of all.

All proceeds from speaking engagements go directly to Park Lane Stables, helping to fund our work. If you’re interested in booking Natalie to speak at an event, do get in touch with us to find out more. Email theteam@parklanestables.co.uk