London Horse Network puts funding as priority

The first meeting of the London Horse Network under new chairman, Jodie Maile, identified funding as the Network’s priority.


Facilitated by the British Equestrian Federation’s HOOF-Ride London project to create a legacy for equestrian sport in response to London as home to the Olympic Games 2012, the Network brought together professionals from riding schools and livery yards to instructors, charity-run city farms and RDA centres as well as representatives of funding organisations and government bodies responsible for developing sport in the city.

Jodie said, “A short discussion session to identify the key needs of the Network demonstrated a wealth of experience a valuable insight into the differing approaches of the Network members to combat similar challenges.”

With accessing funding identified as one of the priorities of the network, the meeting moved on to talks from Mary-Ann Horne of the Emilie Faurie Foundation, Kelly Smith of the Pro-Active Network and Katie Couchman of the Mayor’s Legacy, outlining funding available through the initiatives they represent.

“It is a good start”, remarked Jackie Cheeseman, manager of Mudchute Equestrian Centre, generous host for the meeting and a fine example of a well-presented, professional facility in the heart of the city.

BEF London Representative, David Gadsby, then proposed an action plan following the outcome of this first meeting and said, “Although the plan is for the Network to meet quarterly to both review progress and identify future projects, HOOF-Ride London will set up a series of workshops. Helping the Network file viable applications for funding will be a matter of priority.”

Network members were then invited to put themselves forward to lead, particularly, the funding project.

David concluded, “Organisations seeking funding need to be in it to win it. Day-to-day business pressures aside, much of the funding identified is only available for a limited time so it is imperative that the members work together and take ownership of the network project for their aims to be achieved.

“I am confident there are people within the Network with ample expertise to do just that”, he added.