Meet the man who is helping to teach young people that ‘anything is possible’ after securing a job with an Olympic gold medallist.
Adam Short cares for horses on the world stage in his role of Head Groom for current world number one event rider, Tom McEwen, who won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
It’s a passion he discovered after attending Stepney Bank Stables, in Ouseburn, as a young boy. Adam was quickly hooked and spent his childhood learning to care for and ride the horses.
And now the 26-year-old, from Chapel House, is helping other young people in Newcastle to build confidence and overcome any challenges they may face after being named as Stepney Bank Stables new charity Patron.
Adam said: “I’m so excited to be taking on this role. I can’t wait to support this charity in every way I can, the same way it supported me through my childhood.”
Adam has worked as a top-level groom for nine years and describes his role as being an Athlete Manager. He’s responsible for the wellness of Tom’s horses including managing their nutrition, farriery, veterinary care, physiotherapy and creating a routine that keeps them feeling relaxed and performing at their best, even at big, atmospheric events.
Stepney Bank Stables Manager, Sara Newson, said: “We’re so proud of Adam and everything he’s achieved. It was incredible to see him on TV during the Olympic medal ceremony and it demonstrates to our current cohort of young people that anything is possible if you’re prepared to work hard.
“Adam is the perfect role model as he is incredibly kind, hardworking and passionate about horses. Whenever he’s home he makes himself available to chat with our young attendees, sharing his experience and expertise.”
Adam Short in his new role
(Image: Stepney Bank Stables)
Stepney Bank Stables provides local children and teenagers with the chance to care for and ride horses – helping to increase their confidence and self-esteem and boost their health and wellbeing. It has been a much-loved fixture in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley for over 30 years.
Among the range of young people who volunteer at Stepney Bank are children who have struggled to remain in mainstream education but for whom the stables can provide a safe space and an opportunity to gain experiences and qualifications that will help them to successfully transition into adulthood.
For Stepney Bank staff, the positive impact that spending time with horses can have on youngsters – particularly kids who might struggle to communicate with others – is clear. In recent years mental health professionals have shown increased interest in working with and caring for horses as a form of therapy and support.
Sara said: “We know from experience that being around horses can be a fantastic intervention for young people – especially those suffering from anxiety or with neurodiverse conditions that can affect communication skills.”
She added: “We’re excited to work with Adam to continue to raise awareness of the huge benefits that horses bring to young people and to ensure that these benefits are accessible to young people living in urban areas.”