“I can talk to anyone now”

Online equestrian channel FEI:Ride came over to Petersham recently and filmed a 7 minute feature in which Natalie talks about how she came to find herself in south west London, and some of the volunteers and staff from the team explain how they came to be involved.

The ethos of both Park Lane Stables and the RDA is “to celebrate what people can do”, which is one of the reasons why the team includes people with additional needs. “It’s important that participants who visit us recognise that the people they meet are just like them, and maybe they could even join the team one day”, says Natalie.

Louis first came to Park Lane as an 8 year old participant struggling with school because of his autism. Now an apprentice on the team, he describes how his confidence has grown. “I can talk to anyone now.”

Do watch! It gives a good sense of why Park Lane Stables is special, both to those who work as part of the team, and who visit us. And spot just how many times Prodney manages to get himself in front of that camera. (He thinks we don’t notice.)

Thanks to Jonathan Caicedo (director) and Clarissa Grey (interviewer and producer) of FEI:Ride for the film and for letting us share it.