Disabled riders from Park Lane Stables qualify for national championships
By Oliver Monk 31st May 2024
Several riders from Park Lane Stables (PLS) have qualified for the disabled rider national championships after achieving first- or second-place 14 times in a recent regional competition.
Riders and horses from PLS attended two regional championships organised by the Greater London region of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
The first, held at Diamond Centre in Carshalton on 28 April, saw four riders and three horses reach the first- or second-place required to qualify for the association's National Championships in show jumping, including:
- 30cm course - Lillie Allen - Frenchie
- 60cm course - Josiah Barter - Dougie
- 60cm course - Louis Woolf - Cherry
A second event on Wednesday 29 May at the Arrow Centre, near Dartford, saw yet more success for Park Lane's talented riders.
The Dartford championship included the unique Countryside Challenge, where competitors have to walk a course, carrying out various activities along the way, simulating a ride in the countryside.
Activities include navigating around obstacles, riding on a simulated road, picking an apple, opening a gate and posting a letter.
- Visually impaired led or with a side walker - Daniel Wren - Abella
- Led or with side walker - Amber Harrison - Dougie
- Led and with a side walker - Phillipa George - Prinny
- Independent rider - Annalise Varlet-Mathon - Dougie
Not content with his top two placing in Charshalton's competition, Josiah Barter picked up his second win along with three other riders in dressage:
- Grade 6 walk - Annalise Varlet-Mathon - Reggie
- Grade 7 walk - Amber Harrison - Dougie
- Grade 7 walk - Coco Beck - Jack
- Grade 7 walk and trot - Josiah Barter - Reggie
As well as riding activities, Sunday included an Arts/Crafts category, with the following qualifying:
- Sculpture - Philliipa George
- Art - Virginia Clarke
Manager and founder of Park Lane Stables Natalie O'Rourke said: "We had an absolutely amazing day and I am bursting with pride for our ponies, team and participants.
"It was a huge challenge for our participants to ride competitively in a different environment and they all rose to the occasion.
"The volunteers all got up at 4:30am to scrub and plait the ponies and drive to Dartford, what a way to celebrate National Volunteers Week with a day of teamwork in the sunshine.
"We will be taking nine participants and six horses to the National Championships in July. If anyone would like to sponsor our trip do get in touch."
PLS is currently based in Petersham while their original Teddington site is renovated, with work expected to be completed in the next few weeks.
Thank you to Rebekah Morgan for providing the photos used throughout article.
Ms Morgan, who has autism, has worked hard to become an RDA Group Coach and achieve her British Horse Society Stage 3 qualification since joining Park Lane in 2015.
Those looking to sponsor PLS' trip to the RDA National Championships can find out how to get in touch here.
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