This blog was started to share Prodney’s astute observations about Park Lane life. As our Chief Equine Officer he also graciously welcomed guest blog posts from Natalie and others. We hope you’ll enjoy reading his, and their, insightful articles in the pages below.
To honour Prodney’s memory this page will now include monthly ‘The horse’s mouth’ features by his pony friends at Park Lane.
Prodney’s Blog: the camera loves me
By Prodney
Every film, photograph and selfie benefits from including an A list celebrity, and unlike some celebs who may be a bit snooty, I’m happy to be involved in all photo shoots with no copyright implications.
How my work in mental health and love of horses led inevitably to Park Lane Stables
By David Bagott
Volunteer David Bagott is a familiar figure around the yard, whether driving the carriage, riding out with a group of participants, or just mucking out. But what led him to Park Lane Stables in the first place? In his new blog he tells his story.
The inside story of a motivational speaker
By Natalie O’Rourke
After all the media attention in 2021, I suddenly found myself being asked to give motivational talks at events by people who knew our story of saving Park Lane Stables against the odds.
Prodney’s Blog: I like to test drive all the activities in the yard
By Prodney
I’ve overheard myself being described as ‘free-range’ by members of the team, as if I’m some sort of chicken. I can tell you I won’t be laying eggs anytime soon (although given my Russian heritage they’d be Faberge ones if I ever did).
Prodney’s Blog: As CEO of Park Lane Stables I’m still prepared to get my hooves dirty
By Prodney
The humans have been saying their fingers were too frozen to type this week, but honestly, someone needs to do the admin around here. Needs must. Though how they expect me to do it when I don’t even have fingers is beyond me.
Why do horses grin?
It can be easy to assume that a horse baring its teeth is threatening to bite, and while this can sometimes be true, often there’s a much happier reason.
Prodney’s Blog: After 42 winters, I know a thing or two about the cold
By Prodney
Humans do make me smile, you’re just not equipped to deal with ‘weather’. A few flakes of snow and you disappear inside fleecy layers. You get excited by fresh clean snow but hate it melting. And you moan when your plans are disrupted by travel delays.
Prodney’s Blog: I’m up for adoption – but not going anywhere
By Prodney
Well, this is a novelty, apparently I’m in the shop on the website and am maybe being manhandled into a shopping cart even as I write this.
What did Shirley and Thomas from China, and Jihee from South Korea, make of Park Lane Stables?
Shirley, Thomas and Jihee were all students of Sports Industry Management at Loughborough University. After Natalie gave a talk about the work of Park Lane Stables, they came to visit. This is their account of the lasting impressions they took away.
Prodney’s Blog: Well, well, it seems that Natalie’s book is now available in paperback
By Prodney
I’ve heard talk of it being ‘a perfect stocking filler’, and given my starring role in the story I’d like to see it in the Christmas haynets of as many foals as possible too.