Not long ago we didn’t have a future. Now, with the trust placed in us by all who supported us, we’ve been given not just the ability to buy our home, but to plan ahead with confidence.

Last month, Park Lane Stables held its first AGM, and Natalie revealed some of those plans. “In past years we always seemed to be fire-fighting (appropriate really, given we were based in the old fire station stables)” said Natalie. “The landlord’s decision to sell the building was just the latest of a series of challenges which threatened to drag us under. But somehow we prevailed, thanks to a lot of dedication from within our team, frequent floods of tears, and an avalanche of amazing support from the public.” 

“After we finally secured Park Lane Stables in December 2021, we were at long last in a position of security from which we could plan for the future. And that’s a big responsibility!”

What’s happening in Teddington now?

We’re stripping centuries of paint from the old fabric of the building to ensure that we reveal any structural work needed. We’re also drawing up plans to refurbish the Stables to make them more comfortable for horses and humans alike. Everything we do will be in keeping with the building’s history, and its location in a residential street. (We love our neighbours!)

What can we expect to see at Park Lane Stables in the future?

Externally it won’t look much different, but of course it will be cleaner and structurally sound. And the ‘wall of bricks’ bearing the names of 1200 supporters will finally become a reality.

Inside we’ll be making changes to reflect the future work of the charity. “Central to this is our belief in horses for all”, says Natalie. The famous ‘cuddle door’, where passers by are greeted by a pony looking out onto the street, will continue to be a central feature. Anyone is welcome to come to say hello to us and the pony on duty that day, no appointment necessary. Internally there will be a quiet room for people curious to spend time observing horses with no obligation to touch.

Our carriage driving will also be based here, and we can’t wait for the day when our wheels are turning again in Bushy Park.

Will all your previous activities be resumed then?

Our priority has always been the Park Lane family of participants, RDA members, Pony Club members (and the overlap between these two is fantastic for all involved), and the groups who come to us to help with their mental health, wellbeing and rehabilitation. These include local schools, but also long-term carers of some of our RDA participants who derive such positive respite from the time they spend with horses.

The events of the last 18 months have resulted in increased demand and we’re already busier than we’ve ever been. But we are wary of changing too much to respond to this. It would need more horses, more staff and volunteers, more equipment. Would we still feel like family to our visitors, or would that essential magic be under threat? We want to preserve that at all costs, so any changes we make will be slow and measured.

These are issues we’re currently working on, and we’ll post updates as they happen. If and when we’re able to welcome more of you to ride with us, we’ll announce it through our monthly Pony Express newsletter (see below) and on social media.

If you do visit us you can be sure of a true Park Lane Stables welcome.