After a year's work by volunteers helping to build temporary stables, classroom and an arena, the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Nagus Narenthira, celebrated the official launch in Mays Lane, Barnet, of the new home of an equine therapy centre which assists challenged youngsters.

Strength and Learning Through Horses provides up to 20 places a day for children and pupils who are facing mental health challenges and who are encouraged to interact with specially trained horses.

Greengate Stables became the new base of the charity SLTH after it had to move from Edgwarebury Lane at the end of last year.

A 30-acre Green Belt site on a lease from Barnet Council is now home to a team of nine horses trained in equine assisted therapy.

Around 500 young people aged from four to 25 from across Barnet and other London boroughs are being supported each year through alternative education programmes.

Long term the target is to cater for up to 700 youngsters a year who need social and emotional support and who can build the confidence to work with horses.

Horses mirror the anxious behaviour of humans, and their demeanour can help young people to identify and understand their own emotions and actions, and also recognise their strengths and build positive identities.

Councillor Narenthira -- seen above with the centre’s two chief executive officers Dr Jemma Hockley (left) and Rosie Bensley – was shown the centre’s new arena which was sponsored by Ascot Racecourse and Barnet Council.

James Froilan, SLTH’s yard manager and professional training manager, said the surface of the arena – a mixture of sand and fibre supplied by Martin Collins Enterprises –provided a soft texture that was ideal for equine therapy.

Measuring 30 metres by 60 metres, the arena is one of the biggest in North London and is considered an ideal all-weather exercise area.

In declaring the centre open – and welcoming visitors to a fun day for the public – the mayor praised SLTH’s initiative and the strong community support for their work.

She acknowledged the charity’s record in helping young people improve their wellbeing -- with horses becoming their therapists. 

“Many young people dream to be with horses and after your tireless work preparing the centre you will now be able to welcome many more to experience your innovative ways of teaching.

“You have created a safe space for young people to work with horses as part of what is an amazing community project.”

Councillor Narenthira was shown the temporary stable block – and was greeted affectionately by Ghost, a 14-year-old mare and former show jumper who is praised for her ability to teach young people to regulate their energy.

SLTH now needs to raise £300,000 to pay for the next phase of the project including the demolition of derelict stables on the site and their replacement with two barns to provide permanent stabling for horses and a sheltered place for young people to work during inclement weather.

Other priorities are to provide full disabled access and the rewilding of former farmland.