A lot of sports are so expensive that outsiders are effectively excluded. I’m thinking ocean racing, Formula 1, high-end horse racing and polo.
On Saturday afternoon I was a guest at Ham Polo Club for lunch and polo to raise money for the Ebony Horse Club. It might be as well to make clear that it’s not the horses that are black. The Ebony Horse Club, a small charity in Brixton, has about 140 children who learn to ride and look after horses. They are considerably less fortunate than we are and get a new lease of life escaping to the EHC. It could just as well be ocean racing or Grand Prix but that’s impractical in Brixton. Actually keeping nine horses in Brixton isn’t entirely sane.
Patron, Ronke Phillips (Senior Correspondent, ITV News) spoke to us from her heart. As I cannot quite remember every word here is what she says on the website.
“I am so proud to be a Patron of Ebony Horse Riding Club. It may be a small charity but its impact on youngsters in the local community is immeasurable. The difference the contact with horses makes to each and every child is an absolute pleasure to witness. The look of satisfaction on the children’s faces as they are riding; the discipline and self-respect they attain, and the contact with people and places they would never otherwise come into contact with, is what makes Ebony such a unique and special place.”
After lunch there were two games of polo. Members of the Ebony Horse Club played in the first with more elan and enthusiasm than expertise but, as Ronke told us, their time with Ebony often leads to equestrian employment with some spills on the way; second from left, above, has a broken leg.
A very heartwarming post today. May we see one, or more, of these young equestrians taking part in international events one day.
Loved reading about Ebony; you mentioned ocean racing – have your read about Greig City Academy? Suggest typing into website. something along the lines of ‘Scaramouche, London Academy yacht’ and see what comes up. References are in brief (I was lucky enough to find myself present at a full, inspirational, presentation by students and well as masters, with all the back history) in 2016 . Full of admiration for the vision of Jon Holt as well as the quality of the students.