New Lodge RDA wins £3k Community Fund

Scoring the most votes, New Lodge RDA is to receive the highest value Natwest Community Fund of £3000.


Hilary Crawford, manager of New Lodge RDA explained, “After being shortlisted by our local Chislehurst Branch, our bid for funding was left for online voters to decide”, adding, “I’d like to thank everyone that voted and particularly to the British Equestrian Federation’s HOOF-Ride London Olympic Legacy project for their encouragement.”

In informing members of the HOOF-supported London Horse Network, votes were cast and Chair of the LHN, Jodie Maile said, “It was a great way for the newly-reformed LHN to support a member”, adding, “Offers were even made from fellow member, Littleton Equestrian Centre to helping New Lodge RDA source hay at a better price than their local rate as this is what their win will be spent on!”

David Gadsby, London representative of the BEF added, “HOOF is all about bringing people into the equestrian community and encouraging them to continue their association with our sport but this can only be achieved if equestrian establishments are able to survive. The HOOF-supported LHN is helping to develop centres with fund-raising, training and marketing workshops and this award also highlights just what can be achieved by the equestrian community working together.”

New Lodge RDA provides a service for children and adults with physical and sensory special needs and learning difficulties with a team of horses, ponies and volunteers helping to provide lessons six days a week to approximately 100 regular riders.

Hilary added, “I really feel as if Christmas has come early for New Lodge RDA and we’re really looking forward to the New Year as we have two new horses on the team and are even hoping for a runner in the London Marathon.”

If you would like to volunteer or support New Lodge RDA directly contact Hilary at Hilary.crawford@virgin.net or Tel 0208 851 6447.

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.”

Londoner's called up for last chance to volunteer for Olympics 2012

As the closing date for volunteering for the London 2012 Olympic Games looms, Londoner’s, in particular, are being encouraged to sign up before it is too late.


By signing up before 27th October 2010, ‘Games Makers’ or volunteers can still opt out or apply for paid roles but if they fail to complete the online application process now they could miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime altogether.

Jodie Maile, chairperson of the London Horse Network, supported by the British Equestrian Federation HOOF Ride London Olympic Legacy project, has made contact with the Network members to encourage them to sign up saying, “By volunteering, people from London will have a real opportunity to be a part of the Olympic Games and it will inspire them to continue to develop the legacy the Olympics will bring for equestrian sport in our capital city and beyond.”

While the application process includes sections for people to both input their experience level and the kind of roles they would like to undertake, the London Horse Network has also been asked to inform the process to ensure that the city’s equestrian community is fully represented.

Tim Hadaway, Director of Equestrian Sport for the Olympics, explains, “Equestrianism is a specialist sport and by allocating roles appropriately, we will be able to provide the riders, the horses and the volunteers with an unforgettable experience, and it'll be great to have as many local people from the London equestrian community sharing in that too.”

To volunteer or for more information please visit http://www.london2012.com/

Get off the sofa and into the saddle with new campaign from HOOF

Enter a competition to win five riding lessons at http://www.hoof-in-town.com/index-competition.php 

 

Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation’s legacy to the London 2012 Olympic Games today launches a new campaign – Hoof it to Health – to get people off the sofa and onto horse back as one of London’s healthiest outdoors sports for any age or fitness level.

The new online video for the campaign explains the benefits: http://www.hoof-in-town.com/health/video.php

“Horse riding can burn as many calories as jogging, tones and strengthens your core muscle groups, is a great way to get fit and at the same time, enjoy the psychological benefits of being outdoors in partnership with a horse,” says Lynne Munro, Chair of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Therapeutic Riding.

“Riding is proven to help everyone but also benefits people with physical and mental challenges. Every step a horse takes, the rider must rebalance their body resulting in continual muscle, posture and balance adjustments even in walk. Once a rider is able to move up a pace, they not only continue to tone muscles in this way, the whole cardiovascular system gets working.  We have many examples of people whose fitness, strength and mental abilities have been vastly improved through horse riding.” Concludes Lynne Munro.

Andrew Finding, Chief Executive of the British Equestrian Federation says;” We are building a lasting legacy to the London 2012 Olympic Games for the equestrian industry by investing in expanding riding facilities in selected London riding centres and through this campaign, to get more people off the sofa and into horse riding as a great way to get and keep fit.”

Hoof has teamed up with the Riding for the Disabled Association www.rda.org.uk/ and Vauxhall City Farm www.vauxhallcityfarm.org to launch this campaign in the heart of London. Vauxhall City Farm runs a Riding Therapy Centre working with RDA to enable people with disabilities to ride and also offering riding to disadvantaged children in the local community. It is also a British Horse Society approved centre and a Pony Club centre.  Hoof is also a partner of Go London – the Change 4 Life campaign.

In addition to this campaign, Hoof is working to make riding in London more accessible through financial investments to help riding schools develop their facilities and offer more riding opportunities to Londoners.

For more information on Hoof, visit www.hoof-in-town.co.uk



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.



Ebony Horse Club Receives Funding Boost for new Riding Centre in Brixton

Brixton, London: South London’s pioneering horse riding charity, Ebony Horse Club, has been awarded £600,000 towards the cost of building a riding centre in Brixton, South London. Ebony has transformed the lives of hundreds of local children during its 15 year history. Many of the children are from ethnic minority backgrounds making it the biggest provider of its kind in the UK.

The Club has been limited by not owning its own facilities and Sport England has invested £600,000 of National Lottery Funding in the project towards the £1.75m total cost of building the centre in Wyck Gardens in South West London.

Ros Spearing, Founder and Director of Ebony Horse Club said: "We have been providing horse riding for children in Brixton since 1996 and have been developing the riding centre for seven years. The new riding centre will enable us to reach three times as many children. The local community, Council and schools support the vital role that Ebony plays in opening up opportunities for local children especially those with special needs.

"We have now raised £1.2 million towards the new centre and we are awaiting news on a further £400,000. We are appealing for donors to come forward with the last £150,000 so that work can start on the building in February 2011. Our aim is to open by January 2012 in time for our role as an equestrian Olympic Legacy Project. Sport England has given us their support with this generous award which follows the tremendous support the British Equestrian Federation has given to Ebony. The new centre which will also provide mentoring and other sports will allow us to reach so many more children who at present are turned away."

Hannah Bladen, Sport England's Regional Lead for London, said: "The opportunity to go horse riding in state-of-the-art facilities is not something every Londoner has on their doorstep. That's why this centre will be an important addition to sports on offer in South West London. Sport England is delighted to be investing National Lottery funding to support Ebony Horse Club in getting young people taking part in, and enjoying, their sport."

Tessa Jowell MP for Brixton said: "My congratulations and admiration go to everyone at Ebony Horse Club who have argued, cajoled, persuaded and campaigned to bring an equestrian centre to Brixton.

"When you witness the fantastic way that Ebony Horse Club work with young people, the logic of bringing the riding centre to Brixton becomes crystal clear. I cannot wait to see this hard fought for centre become a reality in the months ahead."

Andrew Finding, Chief Executive of the British Equestrian Federation said: "When London was announced as the venue of the 2012 Olympic Games, BEF quickly realised its potential to encourage people of all ages to start, stay and succeed in our sport.

"Our legacy project, HOOF-Ride London, identified the unique opportunity that Ebony Horse Club represents. Through HOOF - Ride London, our moral encouragement and financial contribution, to support the opening of the Ebony’s bespoke facility in the heart of Brixton just ahead of the Olympics in 2012, will enable Ebony Horse Club to reach out to more children than ever before. This is just the start however, as Ebony Horse Club also has potential to link to many of our 16 member bodies, offering far-reaching benefits for all."

Derrick Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Lambeth Council said: "I can think of few organisations more deserving of the sort of financial support Ebony has managed to achieve. The centre will be a real asset to the local area and provide desperately needed new opportunities for our young people."

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 cannot wait to be able to go 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."

Martin Clark, Head, at St John The Evangelist Primary School, Angell Town said: "Since a group of children has been working with Ebony Horse Riding Club it has had a remarkable impact on their self-esteem which has resulted in a dramatic improvement in their achievement at school."



BEF urges London equestrian centres to access funding from Mayor's Skills Legacy worth £30 million

British Equestrian Federation is urging London’s equestrian centres to access a slice of over £30 million – and offering advice as to how to do so.


As part of the Mayor of Loondon, Boris Johnson’s key election promises, the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games must deliver a genuine grass-roots sporting legacy of increased participation in sport and physical activity amongst Londoners. “In total, in excess of £30 million is to be invested in grass-roots sport by the time of the Olympic opening ceremony”, says project manager, Katie Couchman.

To understand how to access this funding the BEF has therefore secured Katie Couchman as a speaker at the next meeting of the London Horse Network, to be held at Mudchute Equestrian Centre, Isle of Dogs, on 28th September.

BEF representative for London, David Gadsby explains; “This is a staggering figure to be put towards accessing subsidized training, and we’ll have to fight many other sports to secure it but I’m confident the London Horse Network can work collectively to put forward something that will benefit the individual and the industry as a whole.”

Established as part of the BEF HOOF-Ride London Olympic Legacy, the London Horse Network aims to combine the expertise of riding centres and instructors to individual horse owners and riders and to connect them to external agencies, to develop the sport, improve standards and secure funding for the region.

Under the new leadership of Jodie Maile, the London Horse Network will also hear from Kelly Smith, Pro Active London Equestrian Relationship Manager at the meeting. Jodie explains, “Kelly will address the audience on how to link into Country Sports Partnerships, with a particular emphasis on creating links with schools so that equestrian centres can not only make the mid-week, daytime more profitable but also to create a lasting legacy, introducing scores of new volunteers into our sport and could inspire others into equestrian careers.”

A few spaces remain and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis with those interested invited to contact Jodie Maile.

David concludes, “This meeting will be a great opportunity for the London Horse Network and I hope it will not only encourage equestrian enthusiasts in London to get in touch and join the Network but also inspire other professionals with equestrian links to offer their advice and services to the Network so that the Legacy of the London Olympic Games is seen for decades to come.”

If you would like to join the London Horse Network, or offer your expertise to the Network, contact Jodie Maile at jodievm@aol.com or Tel 07815 670035.

For more information on HOOF-Ride London visit http://www.hoof-in-town.com/