“Someone described dementia to me as, ‘it’s like a rhino hitting a bookcase – all of your experiences are on that bookcase and sometimes things fall off so you lose that memory’, but because ponies are so deeply entrenched it gives the opportunity to reach that person. That’s the power of it”
Park Lane Stables in London has raised more than £1m to buy its home and safeguard its future following a crowdfunding campaign
The London-based charity has until 25 February to raise the £1m needed to buy its Teddington home and continue to provide its vital services to the community
The stables has now been listed as an asset of community value, while the momentum picks up pace to reach the £1 million target
The 2021 New Year Honours List included a number of worthy recipients from the equestrian world
“He doesn’t remember Sunday but every time I mention it, he gets that smile. He knows something good has happened”
“The driving force is also to send out that positive message. Things will be better”
A run of bad luck has meant that only four out of the five ponies at Saxon Group RDA is currently able to work and a major loss of income during the pandemic has impacted the group’s ability to pay for their keep
Keen to get involved with volunteering in the equestrian world? Take a look at these ideas of where to get started, with information on how charities are navigating volunteering during the coronavirus pandemic...
“We all end up smiling and I think the horses do too – they probably think they could do better!”
The fund will go towards riding centres struggling as a result of the pandemic
‘Horses helped me realise I could do things, that it was ok to be different’
While visitor centres are closed and events cancelled, activities including sponsorship, donations, and art sales could help raise vital funds with support from the public
The £50,500 pot was split between 10 charities – six of which were equine
‘He was handsome when he arrived and just as handsome the day he left us.’
‘He now makes decisions, not just choices, and this is a result of his bravery and dedication on horseback’
