BEF bucks funds for Sport Relief

The British Equestrian Federation joined a host of sporting disciplines including BMX and Badminton to raise money for Sport Relief at Westfield Stratford City on 24-25th March 2012.

With a donation to Sport Relief in return for a chance to experience the feel of riding aboard Herbert the mechanical horse, so £950.00 was raised over the weekend.

David Gadsby, London representative of the British Equestrian Federation said, “Pro-active East London and Westfield Stratford City provided us with an amazing opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause, join in with other sports and encourage equestrianism within sight of the Olympic Park.”

Much of the success of the weekend was down to great team work with volunteer chair of the London Horse Network, Jodie Maile, helping to bring different equestrian disciplines and riding centres together.

Jodie explained, “Having representatives from British Vaulting, British Showjumping, Mounted Games and the British Horse Society was fabulous”, adding, “A London city farm is now seriously looking in to developing a riding project and of the 120 children and adults to try out the mechanical horse, several took information on riding lessons away with them.”

On the spot prizes were kindly donated by Waitrose, Pony Club, Trent Park Equestrian Centre, Aldersbrook Riding School and Local Rider, Eventing and Your Horse magazines, all adding to the celebratory feel of the Sport Relief event.

David added, “Particular credit must go to Martine Dawlings from Trent Park Equestrian Centre who talked herself hoarse from teaching the children and advising the parents and to Westfield Stratford, who could not have been more welcoming and have even invited us back!”

Myf Ryan, General Marketing Manager, Westfield UK said, “It was wonderful to see our shoppers interacting with the British Equestrian Federation, giving generously and ‘having a go’ – many for the first time. Having a mechanical horse in the centre was especially appealing for our younger visitors and we’d definitely like to work together again!”

Thankfully, Aivly Country Store, www.aivly.com kindly donated riding hats and so the stage is set for future riding roadshows as the Olympics approaches and beyond.

To find out more about BEF activities in London visit www.hoof-in-town.com.