Techies showcase systems to spur on London’s equestrians

You might know your fetlocks from facebook but how to make the latter help the former became part of a technology workshop hosted by the London Horse Network at the prestigious 6 Mitre Passage building near the O2.

Internet marketing expert, Christina Jones, carefully guided the audience through the power of facebook and explained, “The aim was to show the members how to get more bums in saddles, improve their connection with their clients and generate more a better bank balance using the biggest social network in the World.”

Director of Stable Management, Ian Phillips also joined in the computerized debate with a demonstration of bespoke software that not only assists in lesson planning but also offered a powerful tool for daily administration, to record keeping to providing statistics when seeking funding.

Somewhat outnumbered by technophobes, the meeting, supported by Hoof, the Olympic Legacy project of the British Equestrian Federation, nonetheless drew an audience of interested members of the London Horse Network.

Newcomers to the network, Gail Jupp from Golds Green Riding School said, “It was nice to be part of a friendly group all familiar with the challenges one faces in the equestrian industry but to also leave with new ideas.”

And Gail’s daughter, Katie, added, “I realised there were many opportunities I’d never have thought of and although we’ve used facebook before we’ll now use QR codes for vouchers and coupons.”

Martine Dawlings, administrator at Trent Park Equestrian Centre, compared the software booking system to the diary system currently employed at this, the largest equestrian centre in London.

Martine explained, “I couldn’t get over how simple the computer system is and I can really see its value for any size of equestrian establishment for invoicing, veterinary tabs, lessons etc”, and admitted, “It would certainly ease the updating methods compared to our current paper lesson-booking system that takes time as you copy around a hundred names from the old hand-written sheet to the new!”

Vauxhall City Farm is already an exponent of Stable Management and Linda Hinds said, “I needed some convincing at first but I couldn’t live without it today and it is invaluable for identifying trends.”

However, since the meeting Vauxhall City Farm has set up a facebook page and Linda says, “We were so proud of ourselves and it really was as simple as Christina said but I hope we’ll be able to take this further with interactive workshops later on in the year.”

Both Ian and Christina offered their services for such and Ian added, “Using technology is all about having the confidence to try so it is like turning the tables on the instructors who are more used to encouraging riders to push their boundaries!”

Although the London Horse Network may be busy with promotional activities surrounding the London 2012 Games, London representative of the British Equestrian Federation, David Gadsby, indicated hope and said, “One of the key strengths of the London Horse Network, chaired by volunteer, Jodie Maile, is that not only has it been able to obtain the services of industry experts such as Christina and Ian, but that it responds the feedback from network members.”

If you would like to join the London Horse Network or are interested in learning how you can help drive equestrianism forward in the capital, contact Jodie Maile at jodievm@aol.com.

Or, to find your Regional Hoof Network, contact your BEF Regional Representative via www.bef.co.uk.

Christina Jones can be contacted at christina@internetmarketingthatworks.info or visit www.internetmarketingthatworks.info.

Ian Phillips is a director of www.stable-management.co.uk and www.southerncreative.co.uk. Mobile - 0781 805 5691.

Public Relations Fellow leads London Horse Network into magic of Marketing

A leading public relations professional, Jane Howard FCIPR, FPRCA, introduced members of the London Horse Network to the magic of marketing at a meeting held at Ebony Horse Club, Brixton, on 30 January 2012.

A horse-rider herself, Jane used analogies from within the audience’s equestrian experiences to help them understand how to use public relations and marketing to reach their aims.

Supported by Hoof, the London 2012 Legacy project of the British Equestrian Federation, the London Horse Network aims to increase participation and professionalism in equestrian sports in the capital with marketing and pr one of a series of ‘toolkits’ identified as being of value to the members.

The informative and pro-active day covered the basics of marketing and PR, SWOT analysis, the Elevator Pitch, opportunities for marketing and the must haves to writing a good press release.

Network member, Alison Window of Mount Mascal Stables, a riding school in Bexley, said, “I am always looking for new and interesting ways to promote our sport. Jane’s holistic approach to PR really gave me a better and broader understanding. I shall certainly be trying to benefit my business by putting her knowledge into practice.”

Gill Barham, Regional Development Coordinator for the BEF in the East and East Midlands – the latter yet to have sourced a volunteer chair for its own Regional Hoof Network - also attended the day.

Coming to the capital and to the Ebony Horse Club – a recently completed community riding school, part-funded by Hoof - Gill noted, “I was so impressed with the Ebony Horse Club and by the dedication and tenacity of the staff there who have to continually raise funds to support all the great activity that they offer there to so many children from this deprived area.  And I was also thrilled to see the London Horse Network in action and experience the support the members have for one another.”

Volunteer Chair of the LHN, Jodie Maile, explained, “A wide range of the equestrian industries were present including riding schools, freelance coaches, and discipline representatives from British Dressage and British Equestrian Vaulting, yet Jane demonstrated that the techniques she showed can be used to help any business flourish."

And indeed, as an outcome of the meeting, British Dressage is to offer ‘An introduction to dressage’ at Mount Mascal Stables, to demonstrate how the sport seen on the TV, or thought to be inaccessible, is something anyone can take part in or be involved with.

“This is a simple example of how PR – creating and managing reputations – should work”, said Jane, a founding Fellow of the Public Relations Consultancies Association and a visiting lecturer at Greenwich University, adding, “I thought the Network group was terrific: thoughtful, interested and interesting and it was a pleasure to be able to apply my professional skills to contribute to the sport that is my hobby.”

To find out more about equestrianism in London visit www.hoof-in-town.com or contact Jodie Maile at jodievm@aol.com

Scrubs up well – London horse stars on Strictly Come Dancing

What more could a girl want than for Strictly Come Dancing's Brendan Cole to leap on top of her? 

But it was actress and singer, Holly Valance to benefit as Brendan used Purdey, a 16hh, 12 year old part-Arab mare with which to be Holly's 'knight in shining armour', rescuing her so she could perform a spectacular rumba after her usual professional partner, Artem Chigvintsev had to bow out due to a back injury, with a clip of Brendan's 'rescue' being shown on Saturday's show.

Sister Mary-Joy Langdon, founder of Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, which offers riding and horse activities chiefly to disadvantaged and disabled people, said, "Brendan was charming and knew exactly how to handle Purdey." 

Perhaps Brendan will also be a knight in shining armour for the centre which relies on charitable donations and volunteer support with Sister Mary-Joy saying, "I was really impressed with the BBC which donated £200.00 to the centre." 

The centre is part of the British Equestrian Federation's Hoof Olympic Legacy project and Sister Mary-Joy added, "We now realise just how much more potential there is for the centre to reach out to the community and be of benefit to equestrianism in London too and really hope to find people with fund-raising or marketing skills and planning or project-management experience will be able to support the centre on a voluntary basis." 

You can donate to WSPC through the website www.wormwoodscrubsponycentre.org

For information about Hoof, the BEF Olympic Legacy Project, visit www.hoof-in-town.com where you’ll also find Sister Mary-Joy Langdon’s top tips for fire safety.  For further editorial opportunities relating to HOOF, please contact Anna Bruce at Eventerprise PR anna@annabruce.co.uk or Tel: 07970 285781.

For more details regarding Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, email wspc@btconnect.com www.wormwoodscrubsponycentre.org

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

Emile Faurie visit to Vauxhall City Farm

Central London families muck in with Emile Faurie at Vauxhall City Farm

Twenty London families were able to receive free horse riding and stable management lessons led by Britain’s Team Gold Medalist from the recent European Dressage Championships, Emile Faurie, over the October half term holidays.

Funded by Westminster Council’s ward budget programme and in partnership with the Emile Faurie Foundation, London families were given the opportunity to learn how to ride and look after horses for free at Vauxhall City Farm.

David Gadsby, London representative for the British Equestrian Federation said, “At the BEF we are generating a legacy from the London 2012 Games and welcome this wonderful initiative thanks to Westminster Council. This is an opportunity for new riders to meet an Olympian, and to realise that riding, and just being around horses, is something everyone can enjoy. Even inthe centre of London it is possible to truly escape into another world.”

Founded in 2006 by one of the UK’s leading equine sportsmen, The Emile Faurie Foundation is a unique collaboration of schools, riding establishments and fundraisers whose aim is to help as many children as possible experience the joys and benefits of horsemanship.

Having reached the top of his game, during his visit, Olympian Emile talked to the young people about his achievements with horses to inspire them to reach for their goals.

Emile Faurie, said: “I am delighted that The Foundation has teamed up with Vauxhall City Farm to provide children and their families with the opportunity to ride and care for horses.

“I am grateful to Westminster City Council for their financial support and it was great to visit the farm.”

Cllr Melvyn Caplan, Westminster Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Transformation, said: “This is a fantastic example of how Westminster’s ward budget programme can provide unique opportunities for all members of the community.

“I know the families of Tachbrook thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Vauxhall City Farm and taking part in this fun activity together over the half term holidays.”

Linda Hinds, riding manager at Vauxhall City Farm, said: “This is a great opportunity for us to reach our local community, introduce them to the farm and let them enjoy our oasis in the middle of the city.”

David adds, “Many equestrian centres and city farms cater for disabled and disadvantaged riders and Emile’s visit will help increase awareness of the many opportunities there are within our sport - volunteering to viable careers in and out of the city.”

The scheme is being funded by the Tachbrook ward budget.

Ward budgets were first introduced as a two-year pilot in 2008. A total of £50,000 was allocated to each of the 20 wards within Westminster for 2010/11 and also for 2011/12.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Photos are available from the following photosales website where you can view and buy if you wish.
Please visit www.buyaphototms.co.uk and in the keyword search box enter wl20110677 or vauxhall
Thanks for your interest.

Chris Berry
Multimedia Editor Photographic
Trinity Mirror Southern
89 Eastworth Road
Chertsey
Surrey
KT16 8DX.
Tel : 01932 561111

This press release is brought to you by HOOF, the British Equestrian Federation’s legacy project for the London 2012 Games. Vauxhall City Farm 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.

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.

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.

Hoof in the Ranconteur on Equestrian Times

Full story:
   
http://np.netpublicator.com/netpublication/n37076560
   

Vote for RDA Centre to win £6000 Natwest Award

With just two weeks’ left for votes to be cast in the annual Natwest Community Force Awards, your chance to support New Lodge RDA Centre, Near Eltham is nearly over.

Founded 30 years ago, New Lodge RDA provides a service for children and adults with physical and sensory special needs and learning difficulties and currently has 12 horses and ponies and a team of volunteers helping to provide lessons six days a week to approximately 100 regular riders.

Thanks to votes cast last year, New Lodge RDA benefitted hugely from a £3000.00 award last year, helping to pay for tack and equipment for a new horse.

Now bidding for £6000.00, manager, Hilary Crawford explains, “New Lodge started 30 years ago and many of the fixtures and fittings are original.  We’ve raised £5000 already towards the £20,000 required to repair the pot-hole filled driveway and replace old post and rails but adding another £6000 to these funds through the NatWest Award will really help get work underway.”

Members of the London Horse Network, an Olympic Legacy project of the British Equestrian Federation have already added their support, and David Gadsby, London representative of the BEF explains, “New Lodge really brings many London boroughs, including that of the Olympic Park in Greenwich, together spreading its work to many children and young adults and drawing volunteers from across the region.  Visited by Lord Sebastian Coe and Lee Pearson CBE earlier this year, the centre demonstrated how the London Olympics has inspired the centre – funding sourced through the London Horse Network enabling volunteers to help train youngsters to reach the RDA National Championships this year.  And, winning this funding will mean all those at New Lodge can be proud of their facilities, not just the work within the centre, and create a safer environment from which to support their community.”

Whether New Lodge is part of your local region or not you can add your votes online by visiting communityforce.natwest.com/project/2343 - you just need to register and verify your email address to vote.  But hurry, voting ends 23rd October 2011.