A group of young women from Peterborough are set to benefit from opportunities in the horse racing industry thanks to a special project created by the council.
The authority’s Youth Justice service (YJS) teamed up with Frances Stanley, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and Julie Spence, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, along with the Deaf Association, Cambridgeshire Youth Justice service and Jonathan Jelley MBE JP, Chairman of Peterborough Council for Voluntary Services, to create ‘Stable Futures’. This project was set up to support young women who have experienced difficulties and are looking for education and career opportunities.
The partnership organised a recent ‘Stable Futures’ open day which was based at the British Racing school and The National Stud in Newmarket. It was designed to offer young people the chance to spend time with horses at their stables, getting to feed the animals and see how they are looked after.
It also showcased how the horse racing industry operates and was aimed at opening doors to new opportunities by highlighting the courses, career paths, and the wide range of roles available across the sector. You can watch a video from the event on the council's Youtube account.
John Gregg, Director of Children's Services at Peterborough City Council, said: “This project was organised following feedback from young women about their experiences within the Youth Justice service. The majority wanted more opportunities for girls and we have worked with partners to provide that. By engaging girls in the many different parts of horse racing, we hope they discover something that inspires them and offers a pathway to thrive, whilst the industry gains a broader and more diverse pool of young women.
“Of the eight girls that attended the open day, three have applied to a course at the British racing school and secured interviews, and another is set to apply for a course at the National Stud which is fantastic news. We will now consider whether we make the event a regular opportunity, open to both boys and girls from the Peterborough area."
One young woman who attended the open day, said: "I really enjoyed it and loved spending time with the horses, they are so kind and welcoming. It was also great to find out about the various courses and opportunities on offer."
Frances Stanley, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, said: "It had always been my intention during my Shrieval year to connect the horseracing industry with meaningful opportunities for young people. This Youth Justice Day in Newmarket showed what can be achieved when opportunity meets intent.
"With four out of eight girls already exploring courses, a 50% success rate, it is a strong start. Working alongside the Lieutenancy, we are committed to building on this and creating pathways into horseracing where young people are not only welcomed, but genuinely needed.”
Julie Spence, Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, said: "Stable Futures is a brilliant inclusive initiative that opens doors for young people who either already have a passion for horses or are just discovering it. It provides them with the chance to explore a rewarding career in the horse racing industry, unburdened from the feeling that their challenging experiences at school or in life might hold them back from pursuing inspiring and meaningful opportunities.
"Watching the young people interacting with the horses whether at the Racing School or The National Stud was heart warming and the fact several are already pursuing applications show that the day was a real success and confirms that this will not be a one off but an ongoing partnership."
Jonathan Jelley MBE JP said: “The work of Youth Justice in Peterborough is nothing short of transformative—creating real opportunities, changing lives, and building a stronger, more hopeful future for our young people. The success of Stable Futures is rooted in the remarkable foresight and wisdom of our then High Sheriff, Frances Stanley, whose leadership has been instrumental in making this vision a reality, with the distinguished backing of our Lord-Lieutenant. Together, they have helped lay the foundations for a positive and lasting legacy—one that I am certain will continue to inspire and deliver for years to come.”