The Equality Standard for Sport is owned by the 5 Sports Councils through the Sports Councils Equality Group (SCEG) and assists sports organisations to widen access and reduce inequalities in sport and physical activity from under-represented individuals, groups and communities.
The BEF’s Director for Sports Development Mark Jeffrey’s said, “It is great news to have received the Intermediate Level of the Equality Standard and demonstrates the Federation’s commitment to Equality. We know there is still work to be done, but it is reassuring to know that we are heading in the right direction. A lot of hard work has gone into getting us this far and I would like to thank all those involved in helping us achieve this award.”
Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation’s participation programme, has been helping centres expand their reach through funding opportunities such as capital funding to support the development of equestrian facilities.
Most recently St James City Farm in Gloucester was awarded £5,750 to help fund a new stable block allowing them to accommodate different sized ponies to meet the demand in the local area.
Located in an ethnically diverse area, St James City Farm has been helping to introduce riding to children and adults that might not previously have had the opportunity to access horse activities, be it riding, volunteering or preparing them for a career in the horse industry.
The riding centre’s coordinator, Imran Atcha explained: “Our aim is to give young people and adults from the city a chance to learn all about the leisure, educational, volunteering and career prospects through horses, and the support from the British Equestrian Federation and others towards improving our facilities will help us achieve just that.
“We needed a variety of ponies in order to cater for different sizes and abilities of children and adults that come to us. The extra stables mean that many more children and adults will get a chance to get involved.”
St James City Farm has close connections with local primary schools and home education groups and the development of the new stabling block will help create further opportunities for the local community.
Over the last three years, the BEF has invested over £800,000, through Hoof Capital Funding, to riding centres and organisations to help increase participation in equestrian sports.
