Natalie O'Rourke, the lady running, is the owner of Park Lane Stables, a registered charity (Charity Number: 1161306) and has a son with Down's Syndrome.

She has training in sign language and actively seeks to offer opportunities to those with additional needs; amongst the Park Lane team is young man on the autistic spectrum, a deaf volunteer deaf and a lady whose depression and anxiety has been dramatically reduced as a result of her time here. 85% of the work they do is for the disabled and underprivileged children in the local community.

I started riding here just over a year ago and to say it is one of the best places I have ever ridden is an understatement. The ponies, staff, volunteers and kids are all so positive and such characters with Natalie no exception. She works tirelessly to provide opportunities to others giving so much of her time and herself. What she has left in the tank is given to running.

When I asked Natalie about entering a team to the Man Versus Horse event on June 10 I expected some hesitation however her response was "Absolutely ! I've always wanted to do that!". So with Nat's help and ponies, I have now organised a team to enter the 24 mile race made up of 3 riders (myself, included) and a team of 6 runners including Nat.

For those of you who think it is a given that the horses would win. Think again:

http://wholeearthfoods.com/wp-content/themes/wonderfuel/pdf/science-of-man-v-horse.pdf

...and for those who think that it's just a jolly then you've clearly not visited the Wales - think steep hills, deep valleys, water, mud and maybe the odd sheep!

Endurance riding is no easy task for man nor beast but rest assured that the event is well supported by vets who check the ponies at the start, middle and end of the race - thus giving the 2 legged entrants an advantage for a grueling race!

Please support our team and help the wonderful RDA work that Park Lane Stables, Nat and the many volunteers do. Thank you xx