Horses are good for kids

SusannaF

SusannaF

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I spent some time with Ebony Horse Club in Brixton in 2010 for a chapter of a book I was working on. They've been organising riding lessons for local kids since 1994 and have graduates who have gone on to the British Racing School and equestrian colleges. Went back this month to see their brand new stables - heaven. Yard full of kids mucking out, 160 children taught a week, 200 kids on the waiting list. (and yes, before anyone asks, the horses get daily turn out). There was a little autistic boy having a lesson while I was there, and another boy spend the whole time pressed up against the gate, desperate to be involved. The stables are very much part of the community.

I just found these gorgeous photos that someone took of the centre here:

http://www.helenbartlett.co.uk/blog...hotography-in-brixton-at-ebony-horse-club.php

These kids live in one of the scariest parts of the UK and have all sorts of problems I never had to consider when I was their age. I think the horses do them the power of good.

Really lovely piece on them here from 2010: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/7748790/Ebony-Horse-Club-the-ride-of-their-lives.html
 
SusannaF said:
I spent some time with Ebony Horse Club in Brixton in 2010 for a chapter of a book I was working on. They've been organising riding lessons for local kids since 1994 and have graduates who have gone on to the British Racing School and equestrian colleges. Went back this month to see their brand new stables - heaven. Yard full of kids mucking out, 160 children taught a week, 200 kids on the waiting list. (and yes, before anyone asks, the horses get daily turn out). There was a little autistic boy having a lesson while I was there, and another boy spend the whole time pressed up against the gate, desperate to be involved. The stables are very much part of the community.

I just found these gorgeous photos that someone took of the centre here:

http://www.helenbartlett.co.uk/blog...hotography-in-brixton-at-ebony-horse-club.php

These kids live in one of the scariest parts of the UK and have all sorts of problems I never had to consider when I was their age. I think the horses do them the power of good.

Really lovely piece on them here from 2010: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/7748790/Ebony-Horse-Club-the-ride-of-their-lives.html
Click to expand...

Fabulous stuff. And beautiful pictures.
 
I agree, they are great therapy for mentaly and phisically disabled people, and for those who are troubled or lack respect. I know my daughter got through her teens with very little trouble beacuse she understood responsibility and that horses have to come first.

Dont they have Suffolk Punches at a prison somewhere in Suffolk? I am sure i saw a tv program about it and th some of the prisoners who were caring for the horses didnt want to be let out because they had bonded with the horses.
 
Magicmillbrook said:
I agree, they are great therapy for mentaly and phisically disabled people, and for those who are troubled or lack respect. I know my daughter got through her teens with very little trouble beacuse she understood responsibility and that horses have to come first.

Dont they have Suffolk Punches at a prison somewhere in Suffolk? I am sure i saw a tv program about it and th some of the prisoners who were caring for the horses didnt want to be let out because they had bonded with the horses.
Click to expand...

Yes, Hollesley Bay, but I think the farm has been sold by HMP service and the horses passed on to the Suffolk Punch Trust, alas.

Stepney Bank in Newcastle is another great community stable: http://www.stepneybank.co.uk/
 
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