About Us

We are a Horse Activity Centre specialising in offering varied services to the Community irrespective of abilities or disabilities Our mission is to encourage and enable students of all abilities through the medium of the horse to relate to and become involved socially with a common interest. The newly gained knowledge and experience can lead to an independent person with added skills appropriate to their needs and abilities. The use of the horses and ponies along with the skills learned on the yard empower students with a variety of life skills enhancing their real life opportunities and development. The full integration of all has been our mission since 1993 when "The Stables" first opened their doors and this will remain and be updated as necessary, We aim to provide education and independence skills for all members of the Community. "The Stables" has an anti-discrimination policy and is currently managed by a Management Committee and a group of Trustees as required by the Charities Commission to ensure our membership The Centre offers a full integration style for all, irrespective of abilities. It is supported by trained professionals who are always available to complete reviews and risk assessments for the suitability of the Centre to fulfil and develop the individual's independent needs. Therapeutic needs are managed by support from Physiotherapists specializing in these activities and can suggest any adaptations and aids that can facilitate the student to acquire and develop their skills. The use of horses can be used to develop basic skills - for instance numeracy and literacy can be gained by such things as how many horses are in the field, how many buckets of food do we need to make, where is a certain pony's stable. Many development opportunities in real life situations are often more appropriate than class room settings which would not have achieved these skills. Educationally we are researching the most appropriate qualifications that will be relevant to our students, (NVQ, NPTC) equipping students with the necessary qualifications to be recognized in the work force. Funding is often an issue for adult learners and we are researching opportunities with the "Skills for Life" team maintaining constant communication with them and seeking their suggestions. "The Stables" began in 1993 with the original concept of running a fully integrated Riding Centre for all abilities, irrespective of their emotional, physical or financial needs. The original committee realised the advantage of using the horse as a treatment and therapy for many people's needs. "The Stables" empowers students with skills to match their peer groups and families. Over the years we have seen changes in students with communication difficulties as they use the horse as their means and identify a need to pass information on regarding the horse's needs - socially growing and being valued in their community. Basic skills have developed for many, where school curriculums have not been successful. Realising many different ways of learning and approaching needs has been a natural development for staff and students alike. Staff attend any current courses felt appropriate to enhance their skills and add to the provision of the Centre. In the team we have qualified therapists, physical and behavioral, social workers and registered managers and assessors for NVQ and possibly NPTC. Training is vital to equip our students with qualifications that up until now have prevented them from being a contender in the workforce, which is their right.