Ebony Horse Club

  • Award Entered:
    London Legacy Award
  • Parent Organisation:
    -
  • Project Host Nation:
    Brixton
  • Overview of Project:
    Horse riding and horse care and outdoor activities are provided to 60 young people 8-19 years old regularly throughout the year and 60 more take part in intro to horse-riding days. Every year the top 10 riders travel to ride for four days in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. The membership is 80% ethnic minority (mainly Black British, Afro-caribbean, Mixed race, African) and 40% male. In the 13 years the club has taught 250 young people from Coldharbour ward to ride . Young people attending the club for 2-6 years. It has also given hundreds more the opportunity to try riding for the day with their summer projects. Two club members have gone on to train at the Britsh Racing School in Newmarket and then on to work with in horse-racing.We also receive funding and support from Top British rider Emile Faurie who has represented Britain in the Olympics. The club has been very successful in integrating children with autism, ADHD, hyper-activity and challenging behaviour. The club takes children to horse -riding all over London by mini-bus.

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: 23 Jun 2009 - 20:53 BST

Ebony Horse Club is an outstanding provision, offering children and young people access to activities seldom available to families living in deprived, inner-city areas like Brixton. Coldharbour ward has consistently high levels of poverty, crime, unemployment, single-parent house-holds, domestic violence and ill-health. Ebony is an oasis in this harsh landscape, from which springs hope, community, confidence and success. It has been a joy to witness the transformation in the lives of children who participate in Ebony, not least the older members who themselves have progressed to FE and careers in horse-riding and youth & community work. Well done to Ros, whose tireless commitment and energy have kept this wonderful provision going from strength to strength. Well done, also, to Shannel and Aaron, past members and now youth workers, the children and many others who contribute to the success of the club.

: 23 Jun 2009 - 00:07 BST

Ebony Horse Club is an excellent project in the heart of Brixton. Their members have the opportunity to learn new skills not only in horse riding also other activities such as canoeing,african drumming and fencing. As a parent of a former member of Ebony Horse club who has trained at the British racing School and is now in full time employment at a racing yard,I myself have seen my son and members of club flourish in activities that have been offered to them. The club has presentation evenings which makes each member feel valued and part of a community.Once a member has reached an age of post secondary school,with the support of Ros Spearing they are able to complete training in local youth work and most go on to become youth workers in and around South West London.I,Myself wish Ebony Horse club all the best in the future and hope the club runs for many many years.

: 22 Jun 2009 - 10:21 BST

horse riding in Brixton!!! well I can say that it doe happen Ebony Horse happens in the inner city, it enables youth a chance of diversion from inner city problems such as crime(guns/knives/drugs/violence) and gives them responsibility and self control. As an inspiration the volunteers who work for this project believe that it does and has made a change in many of the youths involved and has also set many youngsters free to pursue other career not just horse riding due to a rise in self confidence that riding has given them and the ability to take on responsibilities outside of their previous experiences. Ebony is a project well worth supporting, from a social view point, physical fitness, animal care, sporting and community aspect.

: 20 Jun 2009 - 08:12 BST

The Ebony Horse club was the inspiration behind new Milton Keynes based charity, Ride High, which aims to help disadvantaged children by teaching them to ride and care for horses. It was Ros Spearing's comment that not once in 13 years had she observed bad behaviour when the children were around the horses that convinced me to set up Ride High. After just 2 months of operation we are seeing remarkable results - children who arrived disruptive and aggressive are now attentive and a pleasure to be around. Without Ebony, Ride High wouldn't exist.

: 19 Jun 2009 - 14:54 BST

Good Luck and Well done to the Ebony Horse Club. Having had the privellege of once being a member of the Ebony Horse Club and now being a Youth Worker at the club I see the endless commitment parents, the community, and staff put into the Club. If it wasnt for clubs like Ebony who see the importance of growing there own Youth Workers, and providing an excellent service for the local young people, projects these great wouldnt exist. The experience Ebony Horse Club bring to Brixton is Life Changing!

: 18 Jun 2009 - 13:08 BST

Ros and the team work so very hard to help the kids in the club and other associated get a chance. Ebony regulary make the trip up to Newmarket to the BRS and give the chance for inner city kids to see the countryside and get close to the racehorses. This good work needs to continue.

: 17 Jun 2009 - 20:43 BST

I lead a children's charity nearby to Ebony Horse Club and I can personally vouch for the good work that Ebony does. It is an outstanding experience for everyone involved. Jackie Nunns, Kids' City, SW2

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