Prodney’s Blog: Big dreams, and playing host to the NHS
I’m currently splitting my time between supervising the ‘oldies’ in the fields, and keeping order at the Stables in Teddington.
I’m happy to report that my pony team have adjusted well to being in the heart of the community and are cheerfully clopping along the roads between us and Bushy Park. And Sam and our carriage regularly trot along Sandy Lane to visit a local residential home. Although not all motorists embrace our request to ‘pass wide and slow’, we’re lucky that most locals love seeing horses in the streets and are happy to slow for us.
We may have less open space now than we did in Petersham, but we get many more visitors stopping by, and visitors often means carrots or apples, so the more the merrier we say!
Natalie always dreamed big – like when she first met me, a Russian aristocrat, and set her sights on buying me. The cheek of it! (But I forgave her.) Later, when we set up Park Lane Stables together, she used to confide her dreams to me, which revolved around helping everyone she could through contact with horses. Riding was mostly what we did then, but it’s changing now that we’ve returned home – and have a big comfortable room where we, ponies and humans alike, can play host to local groups.
Last month we had an NHS day, after a Richmond Council initiative asked for suitable venues in the Borough, and we all just loved the idea. Many vulnerable people are nervous around doctors and clinical settings, and this informal event encouraged them to get advice from health professionals when they need it. Some of those with additional needs have spent so much time in hospital over the years that they often can’t face going to the doctor for anything else.
Clinicians came to the event in their ordinary clothes, so there wasn’t a white coat in sight (if you discounted the ponies). We had a therapy dog for visitors to stroke, sympathetic horses looking in over the cuddle door, tea, coffee and biscuits. What’s not to like about that? It gave our visitors the chance to ask advice over a cuppa. Much nicer that a GP surgery.
So yes, Natalie always did dream big, but it’s good to see some of those dreams coming true all these years on.
After all the excitement in Teddington it’s back to the field for haylage and mud, two of my favourite things.
Prodney is Chief Equine Officer (CEO) at Park Lane Stables, and achieved celebrity status following the TV coverage in 2021. And yes, he really is a bit of a star on YouTube and TikTok. Just search for Park Lane Stables and do follow us!