The Duchess of Cornwall chose a British Equestrian Federation-supported charity as her first appointment since breaking her leg just two weeks ago.
Hosting a lunch at Clarence House on Wednesday 21 April for supporters of the Ebony Horse Club, of which she is President, Her Royal Highness apologised for her diminished stature and joked, “I’m afraid your patron hasn’t got a leg to stand on.”
The Duchess, a patron of the BEF continued, “I could not be more thrilled that these two very special organisations are working so closely together – to help Ebony realise its dream of building a riding centre in south London – and that this remarkable project will form part of the equestrian community’s London 2012 Olympic Legacy.”
The Club provides riding and stable management lessons to help improve the life skills, education and attainment of some of the most disadvantaged children and young people growing up in Brixton by providing access to riding and mentoring.
Through the HOOF Ride London project, the BEF has pledged some £200,000 towards the Club and in addition helped in the arrangements for the reception at Clarence House that included current supporters and potential new donors from business, media and equestrian sectors as Ebony Horse Club bids to raise £1.7million to build a stables and educational facility in the heart of Brixton.
Chairman of the BEF, Keith Taylor, read out a message of support from the President of the FEI, Princess Haya of Jordan, and as his conclusion quoted Toni Robinson, saying, "Horses change lives. They give our young associates confidence and self-esteem. They provide peace and tranquility to troubled souls -- they give us hope."
With a plethora of support from entrepreneurs to charitable foundations equestrian support for a charity of this kind is relatively recent.
Clare Balding, Jemma Kidd, Dane Rawlins, Emile Faurie, representatives from the Warwickshire Hunt and horse breeders were among those present, who were unanimously passionate about the work of the Club.
Using horses to teach five key social skills; punctuality, regular attendance, commitment to improvement, team work and exam preparation so many of the over 300 children to have grown up with Ebony have gone on to achieve beyond their expectations.
“Ebony gave me my reference for my first job”, explained Mussei Kidane who is now a volunteer youth worker for the Club while studying Marketing, Advertising and Business Law at University, adding, “Even my brother who was kicked out of a few schools doesn’t get in to trouble now as Ebony has really helped him and Ros Spearing (the founder and director of Ebony) would go to his school meetings.”
Photographs are available via the Press Association – Getty Images.
To find out more about the BEF London Olympic Legacy, HOOF-Ride London visit www.hoof-in-town.com
Donations can be made online at www.ebonyhorseclub.org.uk – or send cheque to Ebony Horse Club, The Loughborough Community Centre, 105 Angell Rd, London, SW9 7PD.
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