Welcome to TAG Youth Club! What a fun day
TAG is a fantastic charity based in south west London providing youth clubs for children and young people from 8-25 with additional needs and disabilities. A parent-free zone where young people can take part in a wide range of activities, make friends, and just be themselves. So we were delighted to welcome a group from TAG for a day at the stables in Teddington.
Some children had visited us before, most hadn’t, and got chance to ride a horse or help drive the carriage. Twelve participants of differing abilities and experience took part, met the horses, learned their names, and picked up horsey facts and tips from the Park Lane team. They headed off on horseback through the streets to Bushy Park accompanied by our volunteers for a sunny stroll beneath the lime trees.
Frankie pulled the carriage through the streets of Teddington, driven by David and proud guest drivers from TAG.
And of course any visit to the stables wouldn’t be complete without some grooming and mucking out, and we had no shortage of willing volunteers.
Tracy Bridges is TAG’s Business Manager and came along on the day. She commented: “The team at Park Lane were all fantastic! Everyone was so patient with our group and really tailored the experience to each individual.
The slow rhythm of the horses seemed to have a calming effect on some of our young people, I particularly recall one young lady looking so at peace whilst riding the horse I thought she could fall asleep! Luckily she wouldn’t have fallen further than into the arms of the volunteer walking alongside her.”
Big smiles were the order of the day and nothing ever beats the pleasure we get from seeing a child smile in wonder when they first interact with one of our horses. It makes every bit of hard work worthwhile! We look forward to welcoming TAG again in the future.
TAG is just one example of a charity committed to making better the lives of children living with disabilities (do read about their inspirational work on their website). We’re able to provide days like this thanks to the funds raised by our supporters. If you’re able to contribute, just head to our Donate page. Together, lots of small amounts help us make a difference.