Disabled riding centre saved

Thursday, 02 July 2009

By Lucy Purdy

A RIDING centre in High Barnet which provides a much-cherished service for people with disabilities, as well as the able-bodied, has vowed to keep going despite a cut in funding.

The Stables, in Barnet Lane, uses horses and riding to provide people with life skills, empowerment and greater independence, regardless of their abilities. There are currently five students with learning disabilities, including autism and Down’s syndrome, who work at the centre throughout the week, mucking out stables and taking care of The Stables’ 24 horses and ponies.

For the past few years, The Stables has been run by volunteers and two management staff funded by Barnet Council. Budget cuts meant this was withdrawn – but staff have pledged to keep it going.

Trevor Ross, who has helped manage The Stables for about seven years, said: “When we heard we had lost the money, we thought it was the end. There has been a lot of stress but now we have worked our way through and we believe we can keep it going.

“Our whole ethos is to mix disabled and non-disabled people together. Sometimes it is quite magical how being with the horses helps people. It helps with social interaction, fosters a sense of responsibility and means the students can see their own worth and value. It also helps develop their muscles and improve balance.

“We’re absolutely ecstatic and very excited about this. Parents and carers are pleased as well. They love the centre so much. We hope to be able to continue for all our current users and, hopefully, develop it to provide an enhanced service for the disabled and non-disabled public.”

At the weekends staff provide riding lessons, sometimes to whole families at a time. Find out more about The Stables at www.thestableshorseactivitycentre.org.uk

Email: lucy.purdy@nlhnews.co.uk

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1 comments on this news item

Posted by : sarah primo, barnet | Friday 23/Oct/2009 | Report this comment

the stables horse activity centre was where i started to learn to ride five years ago at the age of 10 and from then i have grow from strenght to strenght with out them i didn’t think i would have started to riding in the beganing and now i am out there competing in dressage and jumping.

i would say that the stables is proble one of the best place to learn to ride.

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