London-based riding school receives £25,000 grant

Mount Mascal stables in London has received £25,000 in capital funding from HOOF, the Olympic Legacy project of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).

The stables, which are located within the London borough of Bexley, invested the money into completing a £78,000 roof.

Mount Mascal is the largest riding stables within the M25 and offer a wide range of services, including riding lessons. It has 50 horses, full livery services, stabling and 70 acres of pasture.

John Window, director of Mount Mascal Stables explained why the roof was required.

“The outdoor school surface was too deep in the summer and too wet in the winter. So, for much of the year, our riders were limited to sharing the indoor arena, while the outdoor space stood idle and empty,” he said.

“We were so thrilled to be awarded funding and very grateful to HOOF. This is the first time we’ve ever received any financial help and it is absolutely marvellous.

“With 2012 just around the corner now, we are looking forward to encouraging new fans of our sport, inspired by the Olympic Equestrian events in Greenwich, to convert from spectating to participating.”

A spokesman for the BEF added: “Mount Mascal’s bid showed how a relatively small investment could broaden the range of people riding, improve standards and help change the elitist view of equestrianism, which meant it fitted well into the funding criteria set by Sport England.”

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