Camilla opens new London riding centre

By Katy Islip

General news

03 November 2011 10:50

Young riders showed off their skills for the Duchess of Cornwall as she opened an inner-city community riding centre in London.

The Duchess visited Brixton last week (October 26) to formally open Ebony Horse Club Community Riding Centre, which helps young people in one of London’s most disadvantaged areas enjoy the benefits of riding and spending time with horses. 

The riding club, of which the Duchess is president, was founded 15 years ago by Ros Spearing, but previously had to transport riders to other stables as it did not have its own facilities. The new Brixton centre has stabling for eight horses, a paddock, riding arena, classroom and offices, and will enable 150 children a week to ride.

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.”

The £1.7million cost of the centre was raised by the club, with help from supporters including Sport England and a £200,000 grant from the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) as part of its Hoof Olympic legacy project.

Andrew Finding, BEF chief executive, says: “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.”