'We're heartbroken' - disabled riding school evicted despite fundraising drive

An urban riding school that specialises in giving opportunities for people with disabilities is being evicted from its stables despite successfully meeting a £1 million fundraising target set by its landlord, an outcome that has left those involved "devastated and heartbroken".

Park Lane Stables in Teddington, south-west London, has been served an eviction notice for the end of May, when its lease expires.

It had been given until February 25 to raise £1m to buy its premises outright after its landlord informed the charity of plans to sell.

A huge fundraising push, with more than 30,000 individuals donating including from within the racing industry, meant the target was reached a week before the deadline, with £1.3m raised.

Park Lane Stables says the landlord is now demanding £1.35m to match an alternative offer from a Newmarket-based buyer for the premises.

Several celebrities gave voice to the fundraising campaign, including actor Rob Brydon, who responded to the latest development by tweeting: "Shocked to hear this news, surely this can't happen?"

Legally, charities are not allowed to overpay to such an extent above a valuation, which PLS sought independently, so the riding school will be temporarily relocated to Manor Farm Stables in Richmond.

Park Lane Stables says it is following official guidelines that dictate trustees are responsible for protecting a charity's money and assets, and that the price paid for property should be fair or even discounted.

The urban riding school primarily caters for children and adults with disabilities and learning difficulties

Natalie O'Rourke, who has worked at the riding school for 13 years and was at the centre of the fundraising campaign, said: "We're heartbroken and devastated. We didn't expect this to happen, we have to stand strong for the vulnerable people who rely on us, so we need to stand up and fight to find a solution.

"We were told in writing the price, but they've moved the goalposts. We're trying to act in the correct manner, we've done all our due diligence and followed the charity commission guidelines. We just can't pay what they're asking for. The offer is in writing and they're prepared to pay £1.35m and we're not in a position to do that - we'd be overpaying by hundreds of thousands of pounds."

The lowest of the three valuations was £600,000 and the highest £840,000, which was offered. The charity felt it could, legally, go up to £1m – but says it is not being allowed the chance to negotiate.

O'Rourke added: "We thought there'd be some negotiation, as there normally is, when we put the offer, but they came back and said they were not negotiating at all."

Although the news has hit everyone involved hard, O'Rourke said the riding school was in a position to relocate just two miles away and is confident the move will not disrupt the crucial service they provide.

She added: "All that matters is the people that come here and I didn't want there to be a break in the service for them. We're just getting back to it [after Covid] and I couldn't go back to them and say we're shutting.

"We've taken this lifeline to go to a different location, and they're not losing out on their therapy. They need us and they need the horses."

Ed Bracher, chief executive of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) UK, added: "The priority here is to ensure that the disabled children and adults who benefit from Park Lane RDA's activities can continue to do so.

"It is sad that the charity cannot remain at the original site, but we support their work to make sure they can secure an alternative venue from which to operate. This will ensure that they can continue to be a thriving and important local asset."

A spokesman for the owner said on Thursday: "We are acutely aware of the importance of the service provided by Park Lane Stables and the benefit of that work to the community.

"While we regret the personal circumstances that have forced us to seek new ownership for the stables, we will continue to work to seek an acceptable resolution for all parties involved, and remain committed to supporting the continued services on site while the situation is ongoing."

Read more:

The urban riding school facing an uncertain future – and why we must help it

'It's like winning the Grand National' – £1 million raised to save riding school

Inside the inner-city riding school changing lives in Liverpool

'I witnessed drugs, crime, violence – horses helped me escape that reality'

'I'm petrified for our future' – Liverpool's inner-city riding school in turmoil

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