My horse, my horses . . (From Surrey Comet)

My horse, my horses . .

12:21pm Tuesday 20th July 2010 in

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By Community Correspondent Richard Sharp

A bit early for a pantomime horse perhaps but the crowds attending Hampton Hill’s first Summer Festival on Saturday 27th July were treated to the charms and frolics of ’Parky’ as he joined Vincent Cable MP and the Mayor of Richmond, David Marlow, to open the celebrations. In his opening speech, Vincent Cable reminded the crowd how H'Angus the Monkey had been elected mayor of Hartlepool in a victory for the mascot of the town's football team on a "free bananas" platform! He just hoped he wouldn’t be succeeded by Parky next time round in the Twickenham constituency.

Natalie O’Rourke, who manages the Park Lane Stables in Teddington, said “we were delighted to take part in the Festival and make so many new friends. ‘Parky’, aka Michael Hicks, loved the whole day and he managed to behave himself, well for most of the time anyway! I don’t think Vincent has got much to worry about!”

Another treat was in store when Natalie introduced her pony Trigger and joined the crowds at the Greenwood Centre’s ‘Hounds & Pets of The Hill’ competitions at the Holly Road Recreation Ground for pony patting and to give away vouchers for free rides at the stables. Then off the equine team went for a gentle trot along Hampton Hill High Street. Natalie was ably assisted by two of her pupils Jasmin Brewer and Jessica Basley.

Natalie continued, “Most of our rides are in Bushy Park so it was great to get out again and meet our very close neighbours in Hampton Hill and help with all the charity fund raising that went on last Saturday. We always welcome new riders, young and old, experienced or inexperienced.”

Park Lane Stables, Teddington is the UK’s third largest official pony club.

The Hampton Hill Festival was sponsored by the Parker Car Service with support from The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.