When Stepney Bank Stables first opened 30 years ago, they had two donkeys and a pony.
The riding lessons started off on a small scale but their popularity grew at a massive rate as the stables became established over the years.
Growing out of Byker Farm, now known as Ouseburn Farm, the 200-year-old stable yard that was already on site became the epicentre of what would become Stepney Bank Stables.
In the year 2000, the project took a massive step forward, as an old warehouse in the area was reworked into an indoor riding arena, which accompanied the outdoor equivalent that was already there. This meant that riding was no longer constrained by the weather and opened up a lot more opportunity at the site.
Around this time, when roughly 20 horses and ponies were at the Stables, CBBC decided to create a docudrama series based there, simply titled 'The Stables', which opened up the eyes of children around the country, who then came to visit when they were in Newcastle.
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The last few years have been challenging for the Stables, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and now the cost of living crisis, as their bills have skyrocketed this year. However, they still get high numbers of young people in for lessons and also to volunteer so they have been able to continue with their work.
Sara Newson, the centre manager at Stepney Bank Stables talked about the work that the staff do with young people, and the positive effect that being around animals has on their mental health and behaviour.
She said: "In terms of what we do with young people, on weekdays we provide alternative provision for children who have been excluded from education, getting them involved in the stables and interacting with the animals. Studies have shown that being around horses can massively boost children's mental health so it is clear that this has an effect.
"We also try to train people for potential future employment in the equine industry, which is in desperate need for staff. We've just had a recent visit to Doncaster Racing College to show the children the types of opportunities they could have in the racing industry too.
"On the evenings and weekends we get volunteers from a mix of backgrounds, such as places like Byker and Walker due to how close they are. They get taught useful social and employment skills and learn to put the horses needs ahead of their own."
Sara who first visited the stables herself when she was just 10, added: "There is one young person in particular who hadn't been to school in two years at 14, and the change in them has been dramatic. It is seeing the growth and change in a child's behaviour that makes this job so worthwhile."
The North of Tyne Combined Authority, along with generous members of the community, have recently given Stepney Bank Stables a £6,400 cash boost, with North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll having this to say after a recent visit.
“Stepney Bank is clearly a special place. It’s a stables, of course, but it’s really all about the kids – their lives, their futures. Somewhere young people can be themselves, learn and share new skills, and form lasting friendships. Somewhere they feel safe.
“I'm so glad we could contribute some cash to support Sara, her team, and the invaluable work they're doing here.”
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