Scrubs up well – London horse stars on Strictly Come Dancing

What more could a girl want than for Strictly Come Dancing's Brendan Cole to leap on top of her? 

But it was actress and singer, Holly Valance to benefit as Brendan used Purdey, a 16hh, 12 year old part-Arab mare with which to be Holly's 'knight in shining armour', rescuing her so she could perform a spectacular rumba after her usual professional partner, Artem Chigvintsev had to bow out due to a back injury, with a clip of Brendan's 'rescue' being shown on Saturday's show.

Sister Mary-Joy Langdon, founder of Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, which offers riding and horse activities chiefly to disadvantaged and disabled people, said, "Brendan was charming and knew exactly how to handle Purdey." 

Perhaps Brendan will also be a knight in shining armour for the centre which relies on charitable donations and volunteer support with Sister Mary-Joy saying, "I was really impressed with the BBC which donated £200.00 to the centre." 

The centre is part of the British Equestrian Federation's Hoof Olympic Legacy project and Sister Mary-Joy added, "We now realise just how much more potential there is for the centre to reach out to the community and be of benefit to equestrianism in London too and really hope to find people with fund-raising or marketing skills and planning or project-management experience will be able to support the centre on a voluntary basis." 

You can donate to WSPC through the website www.wormwoodscrubsponycentre.org

For information about Hoof, the BEF Olympic Legacy Project, visit www.hoof-in-town.com where you’ll also find Sister Mary-Joy Langdon’s top tips for fire safety.  For further editorial opportunities relating to HOOF, please contact Anna Bruce at Eventerprise PR anna@annabruce.co.uk or Tel: 07970 285781.

For more details regarding Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, email wspc@btconnect.com www.wormwoodscrubsponycentre.org

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall opens BEF-backed London Riding Centre

Today, 26 October 2011 HRH The Duchess of Cornwall visited Brixton, South London, to
formally open Ebony Horse Club Community Riding Centre, part-funded by HOOF, the Olympic
Legacy project of the British Equestrian Federation.

As inner London’s first purpose built riding centre for more than 30 years it will bring sporting
opportunities to young people in one of London’s most disadvantaged areas.

Founded by Ros Spearing, Ebony Horse Club has been bringing the benefits of horse riding to
young and troubled people for 15 years, but was limited by not owning its own facilities.

The Duchess toured the new centre which includes stabling for eight horses, a paddock, an
arena as well as a classroom and offices, built after Ebony Horse Club raised £1.7m, thanks
to key supporters including Sport England and, specifically, a £200,000 grant from British
Equestrian Federation.

Andrew Finding, Chief Executive BEF said, “The new facilities at Ebony are a key part of our
legacy plans; while we are excited about staging the Games it’s also important to remember
those for whom the horse can bring a great and positive influence. It’s wonderful to see the
support provided by so many, including those with their own equestrian interests, for those in
need. This is a very important part of our own Olympic Legacy.”

Local parent, Karen Reid, who has three children at the Club said, “The whole family has waited
so long to hear this news. Ebony has really supported my children especially my son, through
some quite difficult times. The children love going to the stables after school and at weekends.
It’s great that so many more children from the area will benefit and have access to this support.

While the open day demonstrated just how many individuals, families, companies and
organisations have supported and will continue to support Ebony, it is the tenacity of one
woman, Ros Spearing, that has turned a dream into a reality.

Ros says, “We now have a modern community riding centre that will help us to meet the needs
of many more children and young people. I am immensely grateful to all our supporters without
whom this new riding centre in the heart of Brixton would not be possible. The riding centre
has been in development for eight years and is a testament to the young people, all of whom
have inspired our work.”

Although not directly a memorial to a former member of Ebony Horse Club who was killed in a
gang-related crime, his absence was keenly felt by many of the long-standing supporters of the
Club, and for newcomers, this very real tragedy appeared a far cry from the community spirit
exhibited at the Club.

The Duchess watched displays of horsemanship by the Club members and commemorated her
visit - the third since she became President in 2009 - by unveiling a plaque.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The British Equestrian Federation is the recognised governing body of horse sports in the UK.
Through its eighteen members the BEF represents and works to promote the interests of the
4.2 million riders and carriage drivers in Britain.

Ebony Horse Club is one of many equestrian establishments in the city to be benefitting from
the support of HOOF, a legacy project inspired by the London 2012 Games which aims to attract
funding, improve standards and increase participation in equestrian sports from all sectors of
the community.

For details about HOOF, the BEF Olympic Legacy Project, visit www.hoof-in-town.com.

For further editorial opportunities relating to HOOF, please contact Anna Bruce at Eventerprise
PR anna@annabruce.co.uk or Tel: 07970 285781

For more information on Ebony Horse Club and interviews with spokespeople
please contact: colleen@colleenharris.co.uk or call Colleen on +44 (0)7802 296 737.
www.ebonyhorseclub.org.uk

Emile Faurie visit to Vauxhall City Farm

Central London families muck in with Emile Faurie at Vauxhall City Farm

Twenty London families were able to receive free horse riding and stable management lessons led by Britain’s Team Gold Medalist from the recent European Dressage Championships, Emile Faurie, over the October half term holidays.

Funded by Westminster Council’s ward budget programme and in partnership with the Emile Faurie Foundation, London families were given the opportunity to learn how to ride and look after horses for free at Vauxhall City Farm.

David Gadsby, London representative for the British Equestrian Federation said, “At the BEF we are generating a legacy from the London 2012 Games and welcome this wonderful initiative thanks to Westminster Council. This is an opportunity for new riders to meet an Olympian, and to realise that riding, and just being around horses, is something everyone can enjoy. Even inthe centre of London it is possible to truly escape into another world.”

Founded in 2006 by one of the UK’s leading equine sportsmen, The Emile Faurie Foundation is a unique collaboration of schools, riding establishments and fundraisers whose aim is to help as many children as possible experience the joys and benefits of horsemanship.

Having reached the top of his game, during his visit, Olympian Emile talked to the young people about his achievements with horses to inspire them to reach for their goals.

Emile Faurie, said: “I am delighted that The Foundation has teamed up with Vauxhall City Farm to provide children and their families with the opportunity to ride and care for horses.

“I am grateful to Westminster City Council for their financial support and it was great to visit the farm.”

Cllr Melvyn Caplan, Westminster Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Transformation, said: “This is a fantastic example of how Westminster’s ward budget programme can provide unique opportunities for all members of the community.

“I know the families of Tachbrook thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Vauxhall City Farm and taking part in this fun activity together over the half term holidays.”

Linda Hinds, riding manager at Vauxhall City Farm, said: “This is a great opportunity for us to reach our local community, introduce them to the farm and let them enjoy our oasis in the middle of the city.”

David adds, “Many equestrian centres and city farms cater for disabled and disadvantaged riders and Emile’s visit will help increase awareness of the many opportunities there are within our sport - volunteering to viable careers in and out of the city.”

The scheme is being funded by the Tachbrook ward budget.

Ward budgets were first introduced as a two-year pilot in 2008. A total of £50,000 was allocated to each of the 20 wards within Westminster for 2010/11 and also for 2011/12.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Photos are available from the following photosales website where you can view and buy if you wish.
Please visit www.buyaphototms.co.uk and in the keyword search box enter wl20110677 or vauxhall
Thanks for your interest.

Chris Berry
Multimedia Editor Photographic
Trinity Mirror Southern
89 Eastworth Road
Chertsey
Surrey
KT16 8DX.
Tel : 01932 561111

This press release is brought to you by HOOF, the British Equestrian Federation’s legacy project for the London 2012 Games. Vauxhall City Farm is one of many equestrian establishments in the city to be benefitting from the support of HOOF, a legacy project inspired by the London 2012 Games which aims to attract funding, improve standards and increase participation in equestrian sports from all sectors of the community.

The British Equestrian Federation is the recognised governing body of horse sports in the UK. Through its eighteen members the BEF represents and works to promote the interests of the 4.2 million riders and carriage drivers in Britain.

For details about HOOF, the BEF Olympic Legacy Project, visit www.hoof-in-town.com. For further editorial opportunities relating to HOOF, please contact Anna Bruce at Eventerprise PR anna@annabruce.co.uk or Tel: 07970 285781.