Horse Riding as Therapy

Stefan lives in a council house in the Coldharbour ward of Brixton, which is one of the poorest and most deprived areas of Britain, a place where guns, gangs and drugs are the norm. Stefan struggled at school. He was disruptive and difficult in class and teachers had all but give up on him. Then he discovered riding.

The therapeutic benefits of being on a horse have long been acknowledged, take riding for the disabled for example. Stefan found his salvation in the form of Ebony Horse Club in Brixton.This unique community project provides underprivileged children with the chance to ride, learn about horse care and go on educational visits.

Through various donations, Ebony covers the cost of transport, equipment and riding lessons for around 40 8 -18 yr olds from this area of Lambeth. It uses horses and riding to teach five key social skills: punctuality, regular attendance, commitment to improvement, team work and preparing for an exam. Crucially, the club works with families and schools to transfer these skills into the home, the classroom and the playground.

For the vast majority of its former members Ebony has paved the wave for a better future. Interestingly 40 percent of the clubs members are boys, the kids having no preconception about riding being for girls. Every October the club holds an awards ceremony. Prizes are given out, including the Nathan Foster trophy for the member who has found school difficult but has demonstrated significant progress in riding and the clubs other activities. Stefan received this award last year from HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.

At the moment Ebony does not have its own facilities. Children are transported via minibus to the various stables around the capital. But this is about to change. Ros Spearing who founded Ebony, hopes to raise the funds for an Ebony Horse Club in South London. Plans for the Riding school have been approved and planning permission granted. All that remains is the 1.4 million required to build it. 

For children like Stefan, who may not have been dealt the best hand in life, the benefits of riding are clear and tangible. The sport has opened doors and given them the opportunity to choose a different direction to their peers.

If you think you can help with raising funds for the Ebony Riding School. Please get in touch

Extract from the Times Educational Supplement, Dec 2008