HOOF supports Ebony Horse Club championships

HOOF Ride London went along to support the Ebony Horse Club championships - witnessing Shanice Reid score a hat-trick of wins (above). 

The Ebony Horse Club, currently trains 46 children from a deprived area of Brixton in horsemastership, each having access to 4 riding or stable management lessons per school term. 

BEF Representative for London, David Gadsby, says, "Starting as young as 8, the children must achieve certain standards to stay on the programme and it is this element that has led to Ebony Horse Club members achieving in many areas - some going on to careers in equestrianism or heading to University."

In fact the BEF is so impressed with the Ebony Horse Club, the 'HOOF' Ride London has pledged £200,000 to help the Club raise the £1.7million needed to have its own venue in the centre of Brixton.

Twelve seniors took part in this year's championships and were assessed with a written stable management paper, on their turnout, practical stable management skills including putting on a bridle and saddle, and riding - with some gaining extra marks for jumping, newly introduced into their lessons.

David adds, "I was pleasantly surprised by the maturity, discipline and high standards demonstrated by all the members and Shanice was a modest winner, her dedication enabling her to deservedly take the title for the third year running."