Visitors to a unique equestrian centre in Newcastle upon Tyne, will be riding safer - and warmer - in the saddle this winter.

Staff at Byker’s famous Stepney Bank Stables have taken delivery of new clothing designed to make riders more visible in dark mornings and evenings and to keep out the cold.

The charity, in Newcastle city centre’s Ouseburn district, gives lessons to new and experienced riders, from children to adults, at its special stable yard and nearby indoor and outdoor arenas.        

Stepney Bank Stables also has an active project which uses horses to motivate, educate and pass on key social skills to the disadvantaged.

Because the horses must be taken from the stables on Stepney Bank - a well-used road - to the arena further up the bank, instructors have to be acutely aware of safety among traffic.

To help with this one of the centre’s keenest supporters has paid for specially made high-visibility vests and body warmers to be worn by anyone riding one of Stepney’s mounts.

Shaw and Co Solicitors UK are expert personal injury solicitors in Newcastle and have offices on the Quayside, just a stone’s throw from the equestrian centre, and have for many years been an active sponsor and supporter of Stepney Bank Stables.

In addition to helping with funds, the personal injury lawyers are available to offer free legal advice - particularly when issues arise in the complex area of equine law.

Boss Chris Shaw said: “We know from our own experiences as personal injury solicitors just how much more care must be taken for riders to be seen at this time of year when there’s traffic about.

“These vests are a simple and effective way of achieving that, and we’re glad to help raise awareness of horse and rider safety.”

Stepney Bank Stables is only one of several groups in the region whose horse riders are being protected by the equipment from Shaw and Co Solicitors UK, which is being provided free of charge.

Sara Newson who manages the day to day running of the centre and is also in charge of the children’s and young people’s projects, said the gifts were very welcome.

“They might seem to be a simple, everyday item, but in the darkness of winter something like this can be an important piece of clothing.

“We wouldn’t dream of sending someone out if they weren’t wearing the proper headgear. Things like high visibility vests should be considered just as important, especially at this time of year.”