Get Involved presenter Rachel Wyse visited the Ebony Horse Club, in Brixton, and Mount Mascal Stables, in Kent, and found a very different picture.
Around 4.5m riders are thought to take part in equestrian activities in the UK, according to the British Horse Society, with those living in the city participating in equal numbers with those in rural areas.
Watch the video
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Press invitation to the inaugural ‘Introduction To Eventing’ day at London’s Deen City Farm with London 2012 cross-country course designer Sue Benson
PRESS INVITATION
to
THE INAUGURAL ‘INTRODUCTION TO EVENTING’ DAY
at
LONDON’S DEEN CITY FARM
With
LONDON 2012 CROSS-COUNTRY COURSE DESIGNER
SUE BENSON
MONDAY 9TH APRIL 2012
10am-3.00pm (approx finish)
Deen City Farm Riding Stables, Merton Abbey, London. SW19 2RR
Watch the competition, meet Sue Benson, discover how the Olympic legacy is coming alive.
RSVP: Anna Bruce at eventerprise pr
Tel: 07970 285781; email: annabruce101@googlemail.com
to
THE INAUGURAL ‘INTRODUCTION TO EVENTING’ DAY
at
LONDON’S DEEN CITY FARM
With
LONDON 2012 CROSS-COUNTRY COURSE DESIGNER
SUE BENSON
MONDAY 9TH APRIL 2012
10am-3.00pm (approx finish)
Deen City Farm Riding Stables, Merton Abbey, London. SW19 2RR
Watch the competition, meet Sue Benson, discover how the Olympic legacy is coming alive.
RSVP: Anna Bruce at eventerprise pr
Tel: 07970 285781; email: annabruce101@googlemail.com
The inaugural ‘Introduction to Eventing’ day at Deen City Farm celebrates Sport England funding being secured by the British Equestrian Federation’s Olympic Legacy project, Hoof, and the London Horse Network..
This city farm offers pony rides from £1, and provides numerous opportunities for people, who would otherwise never have the chance, to get close to horses.
Linking to the Olympics, this funding has assisted Deen City Farm Riding School in the purchase of portable cross-country style fences so as to give new riders a better chance of understanding the challenges of the Olympic discipline of eventing.
London 2012 cross-country course designer, Sue Benson, will be in attendance to spur the riders on and congratulate them on their performances as dressage, show jumping and cross-country disciplines are attempted - as well as to offer an insight into the challenges she has faced in designing the cross-country test for the Olympics.
Sue will be joined by David Gadsby, London representative of the British Equestrian Federation who will be available for interview on the day, as will volunteer chair of the London Horse Network, a Hoof- supported initiative which helped facilitate Deen City Farm accessing funding.
London-born Jo Henbrey, BHS II SM, the inspirational yard manager and instructor at Deen City Farm will also be on hand to discuss the ambitions and achievements of Deen City Farm Riding School.
This city farm offers pony rides from £1, and provides numerous opportunities for people, who would otherwise never have the chance, to get close to horses.
Linking to the Olympics, this funding has assisted Deen City Farm Riding School in the purchase of portable cross-country style fences so as to give new riders a better chance of understanding the challenges of the Olympic discipline of eventing.
London 2012 cross-country course designer, Sue Benson, will be in attendance to spur the riders on and congratulate them on their performances as dressage, show jumping and cross-country disciplines are attempted - as well as to offer an insight into the challenges she has faced in designing the cross-country test for the Olympics.
Sue will be joined by David Gadsby, London representative of the British Equestrian Federation who will be available for interview on the day, as will volunteer chair of the London Horse Network, a Hoof- supported initiative which helped facilitate Deen City Farm accessing funding.
London-born Jo Henbrey, BHS II SM, the inspirational yard manager and instructor at Deen City Farm will also be on hand to discuss the ambitions and achievements of Deen City Farm Riding School.
No stranger to success, on their first outing beyond the farm gates, the Deen City Farm dressage team consisting of three ‘homebred’ riders took the bronze medal at the Team London Riding School Dressage Championships last year.
And, despite having just a small stableyard, Deen City Farm’s Tarron, a horse rehomed to the farm by the Blue Cross charity, was a favourite among competitors there.
The Easter Monday event will have a bespoke format to allow for the restricted facilities and equines available but will nonetheless offer an experience worth kicking on for.
We look forward to welcoming you and your photographers.
Direct contacts: Deen City Farm, 39 Windsor Avenue, Merton Abbey, LONDON SW19 2RR. Tel Jo Henbrey 0208 543 5858. Joanna.henbrey@deencityfarm.co.uk. co.uk www.deencityfarm.co.uk/Catalyst_Site/0E_Find_the_Farm/0E_Find_the_Farm
For more details regarding HOOF, visit www.hoof-in-town.com or contact Anna Bruce at evenerprise pr on 07970 285781 or email annabruce101@googlemail.com.
And, despite having just a small stableyard, Deen City Farm’s Tarron, a horse rehomed to the farm by the Blue Cross charity, was a favourite among competitors there.
The Easter Monday event will have a bespoke format to allow for the restricted facilities and equines available but will nonetheless offer an experience worth kicking on for.
We look forward to welcoming you and your photographers.
Direct contacts: Deen City Farm, 39 Windsor Avenue, Merton Abbey, LONDON SW19 2RR. Tel Jo Henbrey 0208 543 5858. Joanna.henbrey@deencityfarm.co.uk. co.uk www.deencityfarm.co.uk/Catalyst_Site/0E_Find_the_Farm/0E_Find_the_Farm
For more details regarding HOOF, visit www.hoof-in-town.com or contact Anna Bruce at evenerprise pr on 07970 285781 or email annabruce101@googlemail.com.
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
BEF bucks funds for Sport Relief
The British Equestrian Federation joined a host of sporting disciplines including BMX and Badminton to raise money for Sport Relief at Westfield Stratford City on 24-25th March 2012.
With a donation to Sport Relief in return for a chance to experience the feel of riding aboard Herbert the mechanical horse, so £950.00 was raised over the weekend.
David Gadsby, London representative of the British Equestrian Federation said, “Pro-active East London and Westfield Stratford City provided us with an amazing opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause, join in with other sports and encourage equestrianism within sight of the Olympic Park.”
Much of the success of the weekend was down to great team work with volunteer chair of the London Horse Network, Jodie Maile, helping to bring different equestrian disciplines and riding centres together.
Jodie explained, “Having representatives from British Vaulting, British Showjumping, Mounted Games and the British Horse Society was fabulous”, adding, “A London city farm is now seriously looking in to developing a riding project and of the 120 children and adults to try out the mechanical horse, several took information on riding lessons away with them.”
On the spot prizes were kindly donated by Waitrose, Pony Club, Trent Park Equestrian Centre, Aldersbrook Riding School and Local Rider, Eventing and Your Horse magazines, all adding to the celebratory feel of the Sport Relief event.
David added, “Particular credit must go to Martine Dawlings from Trent Park Equestrian Centre who talked herself hoarse from teaching the children and advising the parents and to Westfield Stratford, who could not have been more welcoming and have even invited us back!”
Myf Ryan, General Marketing Manager, Westfield UK said, “It was wonderful to see our shoppers interacting with the British Equestrian Federation, giving generously and ‘having a go’ – many for the first time. Having a mechanical horse in the centre was especially appealing for our younger visitors and we’d definitely like to work together again!”
Thankfully, Aivly Country Store, www.aivly.com kindly donated riding hats and so the stage is set for future riding roadshows as the Olympics approaches and beyond.
To find out more about BEF activities in London visit www.hoof-in-town.com.
With a donation to Sport Relief in return for a chance to experience the feel of riding aboard Herbert the mechanical horse, so £950.00 was raised over the weekend.
David Gadsby, London representative of the British Equestrian Federation said, “Pro-active East London and Westfield Stratford City provided us with an amazing opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause, join in with other sports and encourage equestrianism within sight of the Olympic Park.”
Much of the success of the weekend was down to great team work with volunteer chair of the London Horse Network, Jodie Maile, helping to bring different equestrian disciplines and riding centres together.
Jodie explained, “Having representatives from British Vaulting, British Showjumping, Mounted Games and the British Horse Society was fabulous”, adding, “A London city farm is now seriously looking in to developing a riding project and of the 120 children and adults to try out the mechanical horse, several took information on riding lessons away with them.”
On the spot prizes were kindly donated by Waitrose, Pony Club, Trent Park Equestrian Centre, Aldersbrook Riding School and Local Rider, Eventing and Your Horse magazines, all adding to the celebratory feel of the Sport Relief event.
David added, “Particular credit must go to Martine Dawlings from Trent Park Equestrian Centre who talked herself hoarse from teaching the children and advising the parents and to Westfield Stratford, who could not have been more welcoming and have even invited us back!”
Myf Ryan, General Marketing Manager, Westfield UK said, “It was wonderful to see our shoppers interacting with the British Equestrian Federation, giving generously and ‘having a go’ – many for the first time. Having a mechanical horse in the centre was especially appealing for our younger visitors and we’d definitely like to work together again!”
Thankfully, Aivly Country Store, www.aivly.com kindly donated riding hats and so the stage is set for future riding roadshows as the Olympics approaches and beyond.
To find out more about BEF activities in London visit www.hoof-in-town.com.
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.
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.
Monday, 6 February 2012
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
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
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
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
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
Monday, 14 November 2011
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
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
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