Much of our recent focus has been on the process of securing the Park Lane site, but we thought it was time we gave you an insight into what we’ve been up to daily and weekly, during the busiest few months we’ve ever had. Behind the scenes it’s been business as usual for the Park Lane team, except more so!

In the five months starting October 2021 we have welcomed a record 382 participants (RDA members and others with additional needs) attending 1699 sessions. To put this into perspective, our previous record was 346 participants during the whole of 2019.

What does ‘a session’ mean?

This varies widely as it’s dictated by the needs and abilities of our participants. While some can ride unaided and in a group, many need one-to-one sessions, and all need supervision by a trained coach. Volunteers lead the ponies, and act as side walkers to support participants unable to ride unaided.

Carriage driving in our wheelchair-adapted carriage offers an alternative to riding for participants with complex physical disabilities.

Stable management activities provide a supportive environment in which to learn new skills and share them with new friends

“Ellie has been suffering from dizzy spells but after her lesson with Verity, she said ‘mummy, when I was riding Bobby, I didn’t feel dizzy at all’.  Horses are so amazing! Therapeutic in ways perhaps we don’t know about yet.” – Ellie’s mother

We now have two trained hippotherapists, so have been able to increase the number of 30 minute therapy sessions drawing on the natural movement of the horse. These generally require four side walkers to support the participant as well as the therapist, so the number of sessions we can offer will always be limited.

“Thank you so much for enabling Aisha to access horse riding. I know it can be physically demanding to support her during these activities but it has such a magical impact and has supported her mental wellbeing considerably. Her response to the horses is like nothing I’ve seen her do before!” – Aisha’s teacher

• 80% of sessions involve riding, 10% are stable management/yard activities, 6% carriage driving, and 4% hippotherapy

• We used to do one afternoon of carriage driving, now it’s 3-4 afternoons most weeks

We match activities to each individual’s needs

Some come to us weekly for 30 minutes, others more frequently and for longer. We try to provide a routine to help participants to steadily gain in confidence. Many sessions are one-to-one, and the number of people we can welcome is limited by the availability of volunteers, the number of specially trained ponies, and access to an arena. We are constantly on the lookout for horses with the right temperament for this training, especially as some of our most loved ponies are now enjoying well-earned retirement.

“Mummy I love Park Lane cos all the people are kind, the ponies are gentle and you can be just who you are and that’s fine.” – Peter (age 5)

Do you only cater for RDA and participants with additional needs?

Well, yes and no. We have to prioritise those who need us most. But that doesn’t ‘just’ mean those with physical disabilities. Vulnerable adults, young people in children’s homes and special schools who may have mental health issues due to a difficult start in life, and carers – all can benefit from being around horses. We do also welcome riders without ‘needs’, but realistically our capacity for this is very limited at the moment.

“Pony Club has been great for Peter but also lovely for us to make friends with other SEN parents.” – Peter’s mother

Pony visits are great therapy too!

Not everyone who needs some pony magic to brighten their day can get to us, which is why we visit hospitals, schools and care homes occasionally. Sometimes that first encounter with a horse is the start of something rather wonderful – which is what happened after we visited a local children’s home. Read Lee’s story perfectly illustrates why we do this job

Names have been changed.

This is just a brief snapshot of what keeps us busy, and loving what we do. It’s all made possible by people like you, reading our stories and appreciating the impact that our work can have on adults and young people dealt a difficult hand in life. If you’d like to support us do head over to our Donate page. Every pound raised goes towards making a difference.