One of those charities was Stepney Bank Stables, a fantastic inner-city stable based in the Ouseburn Valley that some readers (of a certain age) may remember from the CBBC show The Stables, which aired in the early 00s.
Stepney Bank Stables operates a valued youth programme just around the corner from our home in Hoults Yard so as part of our commitment to making our local area a vibrant place to grow we wanted to safeguard the organisation’s future and contribute to the welfare of the horses who rely on the stables for care and shelter.
As an events company, we’re no strangers to pressure. From tight deadlines and last-minute changes to the unpredictability that comes with live events, our industry is often seen as one of the more stressful professions out there and research has shown that spending time around horses is a great way to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and increase beta-endorphins!
That’s how we found ourselves swapping our Gantt Charts for wheelbarrows, and clip boards for lead ropes. We went in expecting a good team day out and we left with a deeper appreciation for calm, presence, and connection and some surprising insights into stress management.
There’s something instantly grounding about being around horses. Their size demands respect and attention, but their energy invites calm. Unlike the fast pace we’re used to in events, horses operate on their own time. They respond to the energy you bring, if you’re tense, they’ll feel it. If you’re calm, they’ll mirror that back.
Our team spent the day grooming, mucking out stables, leading horses, and learning from the stables’ staff about all of the projects that they offer to make the benefits of contact with horses accessible to young people in disadvantaged urban areas in the North East.
One of the most profound takeaways was the importance of being fully present. You can’t check emails or juggle a to-do list when you’re leading a 500kg animal across a stable yard. What struck us most was how quickly our internal pace began to match the rhythm of the environment. Tasks that, on paper, might seem repetitive like brushing a horse or cleaning a stable became unexpectedly meditative, reminding us that “productive” and “valuable” don’t always mean “fast” and “urgent.”
Working together in a completely different context allowed us to see new sides of our team members. With no deadlines (other than the horses lunch time) we could focus on great conversation and a shared experience. It brought us back to something simple, human, and connective, which, in our high-pressure world, is easy to lose sight of.
We came back to the office the next day feeling lighter, calmer, and more in tune with ourselves and each other. It was a reminder that stress is not just something to “manage,” but something we can actively rebalance by creating space for presence, learning, and connection.
As we continue to plan, coordinate, and deliver unforgettable events for our clients we’re also remembering the quiet lessons that we learned in the company of the ponies. Sometimes, to work better together, we need to slow down, regroup and, occasionally kick a hay bale or two.
Read more about the ten charities that we are supporting in our 10th anniversary year here at www.beaconhouse-events.co.uk/ten-years-ten-charities/
You can get in touch with the team about your idea for your next event by emailing info@beaconhouse-events.co.uk or calling 0191 691 3456.