funded learning

Our vision
Stepney Bank Stables is an inner city resource working with people who would not normally be able to access or afford the opportunities we offer. The Stable's challenges preconceived ideas about stable's life by using the horse as a tool to educate and motivate. Its rich resource of volunteers, horses, staff and supporters gives everyone involved confidence and a broad range of skills that can be used when riding, in the stable yard and most importantly the outside world.

Training and Education
The Stables offers an opportunity for horse centred training with an emphasis on personal and social development that cannot be found elsewhere. In this unique atmosphere teenagers work alongside adults with learning difficulties to form a team with a common interest.

The trainees gain transferable employment skills in addition to "soft skills" through their involvement with our project and people. These include confidence building, self-esteem, motivation and an ability to work with others. They can experience working in a structured environment, accepting responsibility for themselves and others, acquiring attributes that will hopefully assist users gain access to further training or employment.

Whilst here trainees have access to qualified instructors, quite study areas and all the stables horses, ponies and equipment. This is a working yard so users gain real life work experience which can be complimented by accreditation wherever possible.

Children's Education Project Funded by Children in Need 2005-2008
This project employs a part time Education Worker for 8-12 year olds that live in some of the most deprived wards in the region. The motivational power of the horse is at the heart of this work providing opportunities for youngsters to develop socially and intellectually in a stimulating, fun, and structured environment.

Many emotional and behavioral problems stem from physical, social and educational needs being poorly met during early childhood. This can manifest itself in low self-esteem and lack of confidence in ones abilities. We aim to provide our youngsters with the confidence, skills and encouragement to develop positive attributes and play a more active and responsible role in the community.

The horse provides purpose structure and routine where it has not previously existed and a team with a common interest. Offering a comprehensive programme of events, activities, training and opportunities to volunteer is an ideal setting to encourage positive social and personal development.

The horse appeals to all ages and is the centre of exchange of teaching and learning. They provide enormous scope for personal development and confidence building. Apart from the fun, enthusiasm and sense of achievement riding and caring for horses provides it also helps users feel more positive about themselves.

Despite being a strange concept this has proven an extremely effective long term method for engaging even the most disenfranchised young people.

See about our Youth Work which is also funded by Children in Need.

Also have a look at The Stables on TV. This tells the tale of The Funky Fools and Horses Club which although part of our educational work is smashing fun!