FEI and Reem Acra give Christmas treat to children from inner city London horse charity

Source: (edited) FEI News Release

A group of children from one of London’s most disadvantaged borough’s got an early Christmas treat today (Wednesday 15 December), when they were invited by New York/Hollywood fashion designer, Reem Acra and the governing body for horse sport, the FEI, to attend one of the sport’s premier events in London.

Britain’s leading dressage rider Laura Bechtolsheimer (centre) and Shetland pony foal Minty with members of the Ebony Horse Club from Brixton during the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage™ qualifier at the London International Horse Show in London, with Lisa Wells (far right), Reem Acra, Director of Special Events and Sponsorships (Photo: Phil Mingo/FEI)

The London International Horse Show at Olympia, venue for the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage™,is one of the most glamorous events on the FEI calendar and is attended by members of the British Royal family and other high profile celebrities.

Today, children from the Ebony Horse Club charity got a chance to experience some of that glamour - from one of the best seats in the house.

International fashion designer Reem Acra, new sponsor of the FEI World Cup Dressage™, invited the children to experience the magic of world-class Dressage whilst enjoying dinner in the sponsor’s hospitality suite.

The group also met one of the UK’s leading Dressage riders Laura Bechtolsheimer, who recently won three silver medals at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky.

"Coming here tonight is the best Christmas present ever", said 15-year-old, Ronny Jacome. “I felt like royalty for the night and feel really privileged to have met Laura (Bechtolsheimer) who was so encouraging to us.”

Reem Acra added:”We were delighted to be able to give these children a wonderful experience like this, especially in the lead-up to Christmas. The work that Ebony Horse Club does is truly inspirational and we were pleased that we could support them in some small way.”

Earlier this month, the Ebony Horse Club won the FEI’s prestigious Alltech Development Award at the Federation’s General Assembly in Taipei. The charity aims to improve the life skills, education and aspirations of children and young people growing up in deprived communities in Brixton, South London by encouraging them to take part in horse sport.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by jay hughes on December 16, 2010 at 2:54pm

I continue to see the evidence mount that exposure to equine sport among at-risk youth communities brings out the best and noblest aspects of humanity. There is something so special about a horse, pony, donkey or mule that it is transformative. I have witnessed the absolute transformation of children with autism and serious physical impairments as they experience a joy that is transcendant. This is only anecdotal in my case, but I know what my eyes have seen and the laughter my ears have heard. I applaud Ms. Acra for her enthusiasm for the sport and the good that she brings to the world through her generosity. She is right on and I among others intend to carry this forward. Horses change the world. Please let me know how I can be of further service. Would love to create more fellowship in this adventure.

Happy Holidays to all!

Jay

Charleston,SC

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