A special kind of Walk & Talk in Bushy Park

Our recent Bereavement Walk & Talk in Bushy Park offered something a little different, as participants had the opportunity to meet five horses and members of the team from Horse Rangers.

The idea came about after Shona, one of our Community Outreach Coordinators, met Horse Rangers at a local event and began chatting about our Walk & Talk programme. After hearing about the support we offer bereaved people, they suggested that our walkers might enjoy spending time with their horses.

Horse Rangers is a local charity that supports children and adults with disabilities through hands-on activities with horses. Their horses are highly trained, gentle and accustomed to meeting people of all ages and abilities.

Ahead of the walk, participants were reassured that meeting the horses would be entirely optional. The Walk & Talk would continue as usual, with anyone preferring not to take part free to head straight to the café afterwards. However, the event proved extremely popular: eighteen people joined the walk and every participant chose to stay and meet the Horse Rangers team and their horses.

As walkers gathered around the horses, there was a real sense of connection and enjoyment. One attendee shared that they had never been near a horse in their 67 years and that the experience had “made their day”. One volunteer reflected afterwards: “It was very moving to hear how affected some of the walkers were by having close contact with these magnificent animals and especially being able to touch and stroke them.”

We are very grateful to Shona for making the introduction, and to Laura and the Horse Rangers team for generously giving their time and helping to make the day so memorable.

Upcoming Busy Park Walk & Talks autumn and winter dates for your diary:

If you missed this special event, there will be other opportunities to meet the Horse Rangers horses during one of our Walk and Talks. Walk & Talk offers a friendly, supportive space to connect with others while enjoying a gentle walk in beautiful surroundings. To find out more or book your place, please email [email protected].

The Bushy Park Walk & Talk takes place twice a month, on the first Thursday and third Friday of the month.

November

Thursday 5 November & Friday 20 November

December

Thursday 3 December & Friday 18 December

Alain Bakas

We will never be able to thank the team at Princess Alice Hospice enough for the love, care, dignity, and compassion they showed our papa and our whole family. They cared for my papa for a month, and then welcomed him back again for his final 8 days before he passed on 3rd April 2026. Every single member of staff became like family to us during the hardest time of our lives. Their kindness, patience, support, and genuine compassion will stay in our hearts and minds forever. They not only cared for our papa with dignity and respect, but they also supported all of us emotionally every step of the way. We are so grateful for everything they did for our papa and for the comfort they brought him in his final days. Thank you again to the entire team for the incredible work you do every day. You are truly special people, and we will never forget you.

Darek Kubik

The shop in Claygate on Parade is well run and stocked place. The manager Mrs Roheana is helpful and friendly person...well done

Nicola Jeebaun

So grateful for the kind and caring team at Easher. They supported us so much while spending our last days with mum Will always be grateful From the Greenaway family

Stephen Nicholson

I'm deeply grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. Their warm and helpful staff made a significant difference during a difficult time after losing my grandfather to prostate cancer in July 2017. The bereavement team and therapy offered were invaluable in helping me cope with the loss and navigate my grief. I'm thankful for their kindness and dedication. Massive shout out to Lynne my bereavement councillor who was incredible with me, I’ll never forget you.

Jo G

My Mum was there for 3 weeks before she passed away in Nov . The staff and level of care was amazing, she was loved by the staff. They couldn't of done more for her. Myself and my sister were also supported. We donated a large memorial feather in our Mums memory. It's such a shame that most if their funding comes from donations.

Robert Crapnell

1st class care for my wife, I will never forget the care and attention. My will has provsion to say thank you.

Ruby Bhurji

My dad passed away in jan 26th 2005. The staff was amazing. So supportive through our difficult times. They really looked after dad. They always had a smile on their faces. So grateful for everything they did for dad and us. Just want to say a big thank you and keep up with all the hard work you all do.

Rosanna Stech

The call out night service team of Princess Alice were amazing with my Granny in her last few days. She was able to stay in her own home and have their amazing team look after her when we called them. I would like to especially say a big thank you to Camilla who was always so cheerful, professional and put us at ease when we really needed it. She would remember our family members names despite being called out to a number of houses every evening and was always a reassuring voice when she answered the phone. She made a real difference to my Granny’s end of life and I wouldn’t have wanted her to be under any other care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Popular pages

Walkers enjoy a special encounter with Horse Rangers at Bushy Park

Upcoming Busy Park Walk & Talks autumn and winter dates for your diary:

Caring words from our community...