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