2024 was full-on, but we want to share some of the stories behind the stats
2024 will go down in our history as the year we returned home to Teddington. And we feel SO at home that it’s hard to believe that we only moved back in September!
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 ... when we think back what comes to mind is individual stories. So we’d like to introduce you to a few of them here. We’ve changed their names but they know who they are, and we’d like to thank them for being included in this article.
We host regular visits from groups from special education schools, and it is a joy to see the children start to open up and develop confidence as they become absorbed in interacting with the horses. Some of the children ride, but many don’t. All love their regular visits and we love having them!
Teacher Charlotte says: “All of the students enjoyed the stables and those who went riding were superstars, it was wonderful seeing Silas, Arlo, Oliver and Jodie really work on their skills and being regulated and engaged. You are so wonderful with them. Thank you for coping with us and our issues.”
Fifteen year old Mia was diagnosed with hypermobility at birth and lives with constant pain. This condition, where the joints are too flexible, requires physiotherapy to build stamina, but understandably Mia can get depressed and lack motivation.
Mia’s mum takes up the story: “The breakthrough came when we found out she could ride at PLS. Starting with just half hour once a week, nearly a couple of years later she is now able to ride regularly. No amount of pain stops her from being with the horses. She even gets up an hour early before school to come to the Stables. It’s not just her four-legged friends (especially her favourite, Dougie) but also the lovely people at PLS who have become an important part in her life, especially when things get tough. Thank you Park Lane Stables!”
Janos is also 15, and his autism and ADHD mean that he can get stressed and emotional when his surroundings become noisy and unpredictable. He sets very high standards for himself, and needs order and structure in his daily life.
His grandmother explains: “He is also intellectually curious, kind and considerate – and very adventurous! Park Lane Stables is proving the perfect home for this mix to thrive. The amazingly caring and professional team help him with his worries and self doubts, calming and encouraging him further each week, at all times exercising another of their superpowers, flexibility!”
Janos had not ridden a horse before coming to the Stables but took to it immediately. His skills have developed so much that he now leads groups of riders, and is an inspiration to less confident participants.
He summed up his own feelings recently when he told Jo that he loved to come riding with her because “it’s so peaceful.” For Janos, riding and PLS is just what he needs to offset the challenges of dealing with a world that can feel chaotic.
Martin is 86 years young and used to care for horses in the army, but today his world has contracted as it does for so many elderly people. A kind neighbour knew of his past with horses and recently brought him along to Park Lane Stables. Martin hadn’t seen a horse for decades, but the years and worries fell away when he met new pony Princess in Teddington, and firmly declared that he was in love.
Natalie says: “He’s fallen in love with Princess and wants to visit us every week. She’s given him something to look forward to, and a purpose again. And, honestly, what could possibly be better than that?”
Riley started coming to Park Lane Stables with the help of funding from Hounslow local authority, and it’s proved a marriage made in heaven! He has gone from strength to strength, gained so much confidence and self-esteem, and both adores the horses and shows a natural affinity with them. What’s amazing is that he had had no contact with horses before visiting us but has discovered that he adores riding.
His mum says:
“He took part in a regional competition at Penniwells RDA Centre and amazingly won his group section and qualified for the National Championships in Gloucestershire. He won 2 rosettes and a medal which made him so happy. The team at Park Lane are so proud of him.”
We certainly are and can’t wait to share the next chapters of Riley’s story!
