PARK LANE STABLES FOUNDER IS NAMED GRASSROOTS SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Natalie O’Rourke, coach and founder at Park Lane Stables RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) in Teddington has been awarded The Sunday Times Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contribution to disabled people through sport, inclusive provision, and community leadership, it has been announced.
At the heart of Natalie’s work is the belief that confidence, independence, and wellbeing grow in environments where people feel safe, supported, and understood.
Through inclusive, participant-led sessions that harness the transformative bond between people and horses, Park Lane Stables RDA supports people of all abilities to develop physically, emotionally, and socially – while fostering a sense of belonging and joy and delivering life-changing outcomes.
“I’m totally overwhelmed to have won,” said Natalie. “The other nominees are incredible women carrying out amazing roles in their communities. This award is really for my team and for all the incredible women within RDA who show up every day for others.
“I’m so grateful my dad could be with me; he was the first to put me on a pony and has supported my passion for horses my whole life.
“The sessions we run at Park Lane Stables RDA aren’t just about learning a skill – they’re about creating moments of connection, and confidence, and a bit of pony magic that truly changes lives.
“Huge thanks to everyone who voted for me, and special thanks to those who believed in me from day one and continue to support me.”
CEO of the RDA Michael Bishop said: “Natalie’s achievement is thoroughly deserved and a credit to her leadership at Park Lane Stables”
“Her work exemplifies the very best of grassroots sport – high-quality, inclusive delivery rooted in safe, supportive community environments where the human–horse connection helps people build confidence, independence, and social connection.
“This award recognises not only Natalie’s dedication, but the real difference she, her team and nearly 14000 volunteers make to the lives of disabled people and their families.
“Across the UK, RDA supports 39,000 disabled people every year, and this recognition highlights how national impact is driven by skilled grassroots leaders, like Natalie, who bring our mission to life in local communities every day.”
“RDA congratulates Natalie on this well-deserved honour and celebrates the women, volunteers and communities whose commitment continues to change lives every day.”
About Riding for the Disabled Association
RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) uses the unique bond between people and horses to improve the lives of over 39,000 disabled people every year.
RDA is a pioneer in the therapeutic use of horses, a leader in disability sport, and the only major UK charity to focus specifically on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing disabled people and horses together.
With a 56-year history, RDA is a national charity at work across the UK. Our innovative programmes improve mobility, boost physical health and mental wellbeing, build confidence, and teach new skills. This is all made possible by a network of over 13,700 volunteers, 1,700 qualified coaches, 2,800 horses, and 450 local RDAs.
Park Lane Stables RDA is an award-winning RDA centre in Teddington, offering a wide programme of inclusive activities including assisted riding, horse care, carriage driving, and equine therapy. One of the few remaining urban stables, it has been at the heart of the local community since the 1830s, when horses were kept on site by the fire service to pull the fire wagon.
The charity is led by Natalie O’Rourke MBE, who has been recognised nationally for her outstanding contribution to disabled sport and community inclusion. In 2022, the volunteer team at Park Lane Stables RDA was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, highlighting the exceptional dedication that underpins the charity’s impact.