Christmas miracle for Park Lane Stables as charity secures its Teddington home

After a whirlwind 12 months for Park Lane Stables, the charity’s ending its year in the best possible way ­­– with its future secure and exciting plans going forward

Park Lane Stables, Teddington, has secured “the only Christmas present any of us wanted” – its home of 13 years, “[full] control of its own destiny” and “[the ability] to make plans for the future.”

“The Park Lane site in Teddington has been a stables for over 200 years, and thanks to our amazing supporters it will now stay that way,” said Natalie O’Rourke, owner of Park Lane Stables.

Just over a year ago, the London-based charity, which operates as a Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and Pony Club centre, was told its lease – due to run out in May 2021 ­– wouldn’t be renewed. Despite hitting its enormous £1m fundraising target to secure the premises, celebrations were fleeting when the charity was outbid and the group was forced to leave, temporarily relocating to Manor Farm in Petersham.

“The legal process proved far more complex than we could’ve anticipated but we never gave up, and any frustration we may have felt has been swept aside by jubilation,” said a spokesperson for the charity. “The hospitality of our friends at Manor Farm Stables has meant we’ve been able to continue to do what we love best, sharing the magic of our wonderful horses with the patrons who are so much a part of the Park Lane Stables family.”

Natalie O’Rourke followed up: “We’re so grateful to our immediate neighbours and local community for their steadfast support, which has truly sustained us on our journey. Thank you to the incredible team of volunteers and trustees whose tenacity and optimism means we can continue to share the magic of horses with those who need it.”

The new year will see riding and carriage driving resume in Bushy Park. Yet, before the horses return to their home, the yard’s due to be refurbished and updated “in keeping with its proud 200-year-old history as an urban stables”. This includes a wall of bricks, each one sponsored by and bearing the name of a supporter.

Ed Bracher, Chief Executive of the RDA, added: “We’re delighted that RDA can return to Park Lane in Teddington, a venue that has come to mean so much to so many people – and inspired such an outpouring of support and generosity from the local community and beyond. We’re grateful to Manor Farm for taking in the group in their hour of need and ensuring that RDA activities could continue.”

For information about Park Lane Stables, visit parklanestables.co.uk