Foundation News March 2011

NATIONAL EQUINE FORUM 2011
Emile was invited to speak at this years National Equine Forum held at the Royal Society in London W1. Speaking to an audience of over 300 guests Emile explained the work the Foundation is involved in and how the Foundation has grown since its beginnings in 2006. Showing also a short film made by 'FEI TV' last autumn following a project in Manchester, Emile made a strong impression showing and recived much admiration and support for the work he is doing. Emile also meet HRH Princess Ann who attended the Forum and was able to discuss with her the work of the Foundation.

INDEPENDANT PARTNER TO THE BHS
Emile is delighted that the Foundation has become an independant partner of the BHS. This will give the Foundation a stronger position when applying for funding and support and also enable us to work together and achieve much more. The BHS has been very supportive from the beginning and we look froward to continuing to work closely with each other.

STRICTLY COME DRESSAGE
A great success and thank you to all who took part and came along and watched. Despite the weather the Costumes were amazing and competitors spirits were not dampened!! The Gala Evening was full of entertainment and drama and highly amusing at times thanks to some of our ACTS which appeared! The arena looked fab with a Valentines feel about it ( a quick change after Christmas postponement!) Artists Sally Martin, Rachel Lamb, Judy Boyt and Amy Goodman also displayed their work which looked wonderful.

A presentation was made to Juliet Langdon Down by Emile of the Painting of  'TOTILAS'.  This stunning painting by Artist Sally Martin was brought by husband Don at the Equestrian Art Exhibition in London as a surprise!  Sally had very kindly donated the painting and it was auctioned on the preview evening.  Lucky Juliet!

Amusing comments were made by our panel of judges Emile, Anna Ross Davis, Steven Geer and Tanya Larrigan who were at times lost for words!?!

Photographer Danny Berta

Thank you to MYOPLAST/EQUITOP our main sponsor and to all the other sponsors who gave generously. Also to Amy Goodman for donating her lovely painting to our winner and Special Thanks once again to Ian and Vicky Thompson Winfield for allowing us to hold the event yet again at Oldencraig.

It was also great to see riders from Ebony Riding Club come and perform a Pas De Deux on horses they borrowed from Chessington Riding Centre (having only sat on them the week before). The Foundation has helped the Club since 2007 and Emile was delighted to be able to present another cheque on the evening to help funding and give delighted twins Shanice and Sheneta Reid rosettes for their performance.

Photographer Danny Berta

Thank you also to all our professional riders who appeared during the evening - Anna Ross Davis and her team, Marcia Wakefield, Erin Orfold, Moatview Riding Club, Leanne Wall, Julie and Holly Hubble.
2011STRICTLY CHAMPION OVERALL was Vicky Lacey riding her 22 year old Splash of Colour. Accompained by friends Vicly gave an out standing performance of Mary Poppins. Having made the trip over form the Isle of Wight Vicky was delighted with her win and all her prizes!!
(more photos on facebook page as well)

FRIENDS OF THE FOUNDATION
You can now become a friend of the Foundation and show your support. Following much interest in commiting to supporting the work Emile hopes you will join the Friends group which will support the Sponsor a Child to ride campaign please contact us for more information and an application!

EVENTS
As you can see we have many new projects and fund raising is vital!! Please if you are holding an event /show prehaps you could run a raffle for the Foundation or any other fund raising event you would like to hold that would be great!!! Any ideas very welcome.

In the meantime we hope to hold a Garden Party/ Art Fair with Auction in the Spring and a Ball later in the year we will keep you posted.

Visit our facebook page for up to date information!