Prodney’s Blog: Life and love in Petersham

I’ve spent the winter at Manor Farm and am finding it very much to my liking. As yard supervisor I make a point of doing my rounds which helps keep horses and humans on their hooves/toes and the operation running smoothly. I’ll check up on all the other members of the team in their stables, then maybe pop over to the tables outside the barn for a spot of lunch or to help out with any craft activities. All this wandering around helps prevent my old joints getting stiff too.

Sometimes I’ll stand beside the mounting block to signal that I’d be happy for a rider to accompany me into the park, though this tactic has so far met with limited success. I may have to work on this.

One unexpected bonus has been meeting new girl Belle, such a fine filly! Actually a large mare, to be accurate. As she is a newcomer to Park Lane I felt it my duty to show her the ropes and make sure she didn’t get chance to develop any bad habits. What may have started as duty has become a pleasure, and even at 41 years old I think she knows I’m a bit of a catch. She does seem to look up to me. Even if it is from above.

As you can see for yourself, she’s adept at scratching parts I can’t quite reach – and as she has teeth, she really does it rather well.

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