From making the headlines to news from the Park Lane family, read all about it here
Happy Christmas from Reggie!
This is a delighted Reggie saying thank you to everyone who has already supported us this winter.
2024 was full-on, but we want to share some of the stories behind the stats
As the year draws to a close we could tell you how busy we’ve been, how many sessions we’ve run, and how many participants we’ve welcomed but…what comes to mind is individual stories. So we’d like to introduce you to a few of them.
Shouldn’t every town have a cuddle door?
Walk down Park Lane in Teddington and it’s like any other leafy residential street – except that you’re being watched by a pony looking over the cuddle door at the Stables.
Help an individual, by gifting an RDA session
If you’d like to support us but also directly make a difference to an individual, why not gift an RDA session? Your donation will fund one (or more) sessions for a participant who would really benefit.
The day Natasha Baker came to visit
There was a real buzz at the stables when we welcomed a very special visitor – Paralympian equestrian Natasha Baker OBE…
Natalie wins the 2024 RDA Birt Spooner award
Each year the RDA recognises someone who’s made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the lives of disabled individuals through equestrian activities. And in 2024, that person is Natalie.
Celebrating Full of Life with tea, cakes and ponies
We’re not always about riding, but we are always about horses. We wanted the social space in our new old home to be somewhere where anyone who needed it could come for tea, chat and a pony cuddle.
Home at last! What’s it been like to be back in Teddington?
“It took a couple of weeks before I realised that our new old home just felt great – like home! – that things were going really well and that both horses and riders/drivers had settled into their new routines.”
Any guesses as to what Natalie and Philippa are doing in this photo?
Back in 2021 during our fundraising campaign, donations poured in online, and locals drove past the Stables pausing to hand over money and pledge their support.
Sam is shortlisted for another award
Sam, our gentle giant of a carriage horse, is on a roll. After winning RDA Equine of the Year last month, he’s now been nominated for BBC Radio London’s Make a Difference award.
So much love at the RDA Nationals
July is RDA National Championships month, when teams of RDA riders and ponies from around the country meet up in Hartpury to take part in a series of competitions and challenges. We love this highlights video from the RDA.
Packing up in Petersham, next stop home!
Three years ago a fairy godmother in the unlikely shape of Pete McCormack threw us a lifeline as we were on the point of eviction from Teddington, by offering the use of his wonderful stables at Manor Farm. And now…
And the RDA Equine of the Year Award goes to…
Sam, our fabulous carriage driving horse! Read more about the awards and why Sam’s win is such a huge achievement.
We say goodbye to Park Lane’s oldest regular visitor
Pamela Binns loved horses all her life, buying her first pony at the age of 10. As a teenager she started an acting career that was to last over 60 years, and included working with two James Bond heroes – Roger Moore and Sean Connery.
Park Lane opens its doors – and a pony returns briefly to the cuddle door
Our open day in Teddington on Saturday 8 June was such a huge milestone! For the first time some of our neighbours and supporters got to see inside the new stables for the first time.
The hoarding is down – see photos hot off the press!
This morning the pavement hoarding has finally come down, so we’re able to share with you exclusive first photographs of our re-developed Park Lane Stables building in Teddington.
Return to Teddington, what happens now?
We would LOVE to be able to pack up our saddlebags and come home to Teddington immediately, but our return needs to be staged and gradual.
“We felt like Cinderellas – and we did go to the ball”
Over 400 guests gathered on Richmond Green in the evening sunshine of 10 May for the 28th Richmond May Ball.
New in our shop, tote bags and cards
We love these new tote bags and cards all featuring our very own ponies. With all proceeds going towards caring for our horses and delivering smiles for our participants, what’s not to like?
Running 10K for our therapy ponies
On Sunday 9 June we are once again running the Turks Head 10k, raising money to feed our 26 amazing therapy ponies. We are 100% funded through donations, and the cost of feed has increased dramatically.