HOOF-Ride London supported charity wins FEI Award

HOOF – Ride London supported charity, the Ebony Horse Club, a pioneering horse riding charity in South London which brings horse riding to some of London’s most disadvantaged young people, has been awarded the Fédération Equestre Internationale(FEI), 2010 Alltech Award for Development.


A year on from the British Equestrian Federation’s Olympic Legacy project, HOOF-Ride London promising £200,000 of funds from its Sport England funding to help the Ebony Horse Club start building a bespoke riding centre in the centre of Brixton the charity’s work has become more recognised by the equestrian community.

Richard Johnson, FEI Director of Corporate Communications said, “With so many nominations from around the world, we were thrilled the Ebony Horse Club was this year’s special winners. It is a real testament to the dedication, determination and drive of this remarkable club winning this global award. The Alltech Development Award has quite rightly put a spotlight on the remarkable children and young people from this inner city project proving that sport has no boundaries.’’

Speaking at the ceremony in Taipei, Taiwan, where she received the award from FEI President, Her Royal Highness Princess Haya of Jordan, Ebony’s Director Ros Spearing said, “Over the last 14 years we have worked hard to bring the benefits of horse riding to young and troubled people in South London. Our charitable aims are to improve the life skills, education and aspirations of disadvantaged youngsters growing up in deprived communities in Brixton, South London. This award acknowledges and celebrates the power of sport to improve the lives of young people.”

Ros added, “Ebony is building a riding centre in Brixton which will allow many more local children to benefit from the Club’s activities. We are appealing for donors to come forward with the last £100,000 so that work can start on the £1.7m project in February 2011.”