We are a Riding for the Disabled Association centre
Because it’s what you can do that counts
We daily see how being around horses enriches the lives of children and adults with disabilities or learning difficulties.
Whether on the autistic spectrum, visually impaired, or a full-time wheelchair user, we offer activities that can help improve confidence, skills and self-esteem, set within a supportive and friendly environment. All sessions are run by qualified RDA, Pony Club, and natural horsemanship coaches most of whom are volunteers.
Some of our young RDA visitors have even become permanent members of the Park Lane team, where they now help a new generation follow in their footsteps.
To find out more about the options listed below, email us at theteam@parklanestables.co.uk
RDA horse riding
One-to-one and group RDA sessions for children and adults with disabilities and learning difficulties. Sessions usually last for 30 minutes. Volunteers are on hand to support riders unable to ride unassisted. Adult two hour session comprise an hour riding and an hour taking part in horse care and stable duties.
RDA riders can also join rides throughout the week.
Equine therapy
A one-to-one or family session with a qualified therapist and horse. Equine therapy helps people to unlock their senses, emotional challenges and confidence. Horses provide a therapeutic and calming presence that helps build strength and connection of those around them. This is a unique, engaging and mind opening form of therapy and it brings endless benefits.
Tea with a pony
When we worked with our architect on the renovation of the Stables in Teddington, at the centre of those plans was providing a relaxing social space where we could invite people to afternoon tea, and a pony cuddle for those who wanted it. We regularly play host to community initiatives to provide gentle interaction for people who feel vulnerable or isolated, or who may be dealing with dementia. Our ‘cuddle door pony’ is always on hand (hoof?) looking on and welcoming scratches from any of our visitors who want to say hello. This can be very special for visitors with dementia, who often leave us with a polaroid of them with the pony and a lock of pony hair to remember the day.
Carriage driving
A fun activity for anyone, including those whose disability means they are unable to ride. Our specially adapted carriage means that even full-time wheelchair users can enjoy carriage driving in Bushy Park in complete safety. The next best thing to riding.
We offer 30 minute driving sessions where participants can work towards proficiency certificates and enter competitions.
In 2024 our fabulous carriage horse Sam won the RDA Equine of the Year award and was shortlisted in BBC Radio London’s Make a Difference award
Our Carriage Driving Team won a Highly Commended Award at the national 2019 Carriage Driving Awards, and won Driving for the Disabled Group of the Year in 2022.
The carriage was commissioned by local company H&L Motors, specially to meet our needs, and given to us as a gift.
This generous act has meant that RDA members who are full-time wheelchair users can also experience the magic of horses.
Pony visits
We also regularly organise pony visits to hospitals, care homes, children’s homes and schools, so that people who can’t get to us in person can benefit from meeting a pony too. We’ve seen faces light up so many times as one of our ponies walks into a ward or care home, and our trained therapy ponies take it all in their stride.
About the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
The RDA has around 500 riding centres in the UK benefiting 39,000 disabled children and adults. Their President is Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, who refers to Park Lane Stables as ‘the pavement ponies’.