The Foundation was set up in 2006 by one of the UK’s leading equine sportsmen, Emile Faurie, to remove one of the barriers to a sport that can enrich the lives of everyone who participates – at whatever level.

We aim to show children how enjoyable and fulfilling equine sports and careers can be, and to help them follow their dreams - developing personal and social skills along the way.

We have currently funded 4 schools across England, and Scotland, with a further 2 being funded during 2009. Our aim is to extend our reach throughout the UK in the run up to the 2012 Olympics.

Schools can send groups of 10 or 12 children each week during term-time, for a course of lessons at selected BHS approved riding establishments. These courses cover the care of the animals, as well as riding instruction and an introduction to the variety of competitive sports involving horses.

The children experience the fun and freedom of horse riding, and gain a real sense of achievement having mastered the challenge of learning to ride or care for the ponies they meet.

If you are interested in becoming involved, either as a school, riding establishment, sponsor or fundraiser, please contact us today.

Schools that have already benefited from donations from the Emile Faurie Foundation:

Buile Hill High School, Salford, Manchester: A year’s course of lessons for 60 children throughout 2007-2008 and hopefully to continue funding in 2009 at Ryders Farm, Salford, Manchester.

Ebony Horse Club, Brixton, London: Funding the autumn term riding for 30 children from one of the most deprived areas in the UK.Also funding a course of lessons for one of their youth workers. Emile is visiting the Club in September to see their plans for a riding school on site and to give them his help and support.

Greenwich School Sports Partnership – Eltham Green College, London: Funding for the year 2008-2009 for 6 selected students from Specialist Sports College for underprivedged children to ride at Willowtreee Equestrain Centre in partnership with British Equestrian Federation to help raise awareness of riding in London in the build up to 2012 Olympic Games.

Trojan Project, Glasgow, Scotland: In the process of helping to fund this project which helps older children with behavioural problems and that may have been involved in crime to work with horses involving the Mounted Police force.

Vauxhall City Farm, Lambeth London: Course of lessons provided for Sam Martin from Vauxhall Farm as he is hoping to represent Nigeria in 2012 Olympic Games. Also to provide funding for local children to have lessons at Vauxhall Farm.

July 2008 - Emile presented a cheque to Ebony Riding Club Brixton for £2,000 to pay for 30 children to have a course of lessons.

The Club is run by Roz Spears and helps underprivileged children in some of the poorest areas of London. The children were invited to Hickstead by Dane Rawlins and were thrilled to have Emile present the cheque in the international arena.