Finding confidence through horses: Josiah’s journey with Park Lane Stables

By Hannah Barter

We are not a horse family.

Before Park Lane Stables, horses were something Josiah loved from a distance rather than ever imagining they would become part of everyday life. But all of that was about to change. Josiah’s Mum shares his story.

As a neurodivergent young person, Josiah has often found the world overwhelming. Traditional environments and activities have not always felt accessible or predictable. When he first came to Park Lane, what mattered most was not just the riding progression or achievement. It was simply finding a place where he felt safe, understood and welcomed.

Park Lane became that place.

“For us as a family, Park Lane has been transformative”

What began as weekly sessions gradually grew into something much bigger. The calm routines, the patient staff and volunteers, and the quiet understanding of horses themselves gave Josiah confidence in ways we had not seen before. He began to take risks socially and practically that previously would have felt impossible.

Alongside the serious milestones have been the small, joyful moments that make up life at the yard. 

For example, Woody is convinced Josiah is actually called ‘Brentford’, thanks to their shared passion for football. It is a small detail, but one that perfectly captures the warmth, humour and relationships that make Park Lane feel like more than just a riding stables.

One of the most significant steps in his journey has been working towards the Young Equestrian Leaders Award (YELA). Through this, he has had the opportunity to volunteer weekly with the Household Cavalry Light Cavalry in Windsor. This has been a huge leap from the familiar setting of a London riding stables. Suddenly he was in a military environment, around very different horses, learning from professionals whose working lives revolve around equestrian excellence.

Watching him adapt to this setting has been a proud moment for us. He has learned to communicate with a wide range of adults, manage responsibility and build resilience. He is not just learning about horses. He is learning about himself.

“Equestrianism need not be dictated by background or postcode”

Another milestone was attending the residential course at the British Racing School. He was incredibly nervous beforehand. The idea of staying away in a completely new environment felt daunting. What made it possible was the encouragement he received from friends and mentors at Park Lane. That sense of belonging and peer support gave him the courage to go. He returned not only having completed the course successfully but with a new sense of independence and belief in his own capabilities.

Josiah is now working towards his YELA Gold award, something that once would have seemed unimaginable. Even more significantly, he has now been selected for the Pony Club Youth Advisory Council. This role matters deeply to him. He wants to ensure that young people who are neurodivergent, or who grow up in cities without the means to own a pony, feel that they can belong in a world with horses.

Park Lane has shown him that equestrianism need not be dictated by background or postcode. It can be shared by anyone with passion, given the right support.

For us as a family, Park Lane has been transformative. It has not only opened doors into the horse world but has provided Josiah with confidence, friendships and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the yard. The impact reaches into school, community life and his vision for the future.

We often reflect on how different his journey might have been without this space. Park Lane is so much more than a stables. It is a community that nurtures potential, celebrates difference and creates role models for the next generation.

Josiah is proud to be one of those role models now.

Everyone at Park Lane Stables feels privileged to be along for the ride on Josiah’s journey. His achievements are due to a lot of hard work and determination and we know he’ll go far. If you’ve been inspired by Josiah’s story and would like to help someone else take to attend sessions at the Stables, just head to our Donate page