On Saturday 28th September, 2019, Brixtonites are invited to trek down to Ham Polo Club to cheer on Brixton’s only Polo Team and help other young Londoners make history.
Hosted by Ronke Phillips from ITV London, this third annual fundraising event at Ham Polo Club is in aid of the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton.
Phillips told Buzz:
“I am so proud to be a patron of Ebony Horse Club. I’ve watched the charity and its incredible members go from strength to strength over the years. It’s been a gamechanger for the young people of South London – especially when you see the positive impact the club is having.
“Not only do young riders have the opportunity to learn new skills by training for, and taking part in, the polo match, it is also a fantastic day to invite guests to come and support the club, and celebrate in the success of the young riders.”
Susan Collins, Chair of Trustees at Ebony Horse Club, added
“Last year’s event raised enough money to pay for nine children from low income families to get the chance to be around horses.
One day, they might be on our polo team, or even winning a race at Goodwood! Whatever happens, we’re there to help, support and make sure they have better futures.”
Here’s the story behind the event:
At 1.10pm on 1 August 2019, 18-year-old Peckham student, Khadijah Mellah,became the first jockey to ride in a race in Britain wearing a hijab.
Minutes later, she made history again by registering a fairy-tale victory riding the winner, to win the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood.
The unlikely story of Khadijah Mellah’s journey started life thanks to Ebony Horse Club inBrixton – a community riding centre in South London, which is dedicated to improving the education and aspirations of young people through horses.
To celebrate the end of the season Ham Polo Club are hosting an unusual day of polo in aid of the South London charity.
An unlikely team of young people from one of London’s most deprived areas have been honing their polo skills and will put them to the test on the hallowed grounds of Ham. Young members from Ebony Horse Club will face off against a team of the Brixton charity’s staff and volunteers.
After a brief pause to tread in the divots, two teams of polo pros will take to the field in what promises to be an exhilarating exhibition match.
Just a short hop from Richmond station, Ham Polo Club is London’s last remaining polo club a beautiful setting for a unique event that both polo aficionados and polo newbies will enjoy.
Gather your friends for a welcome drink and then enjoy lunch in the clubhouse, or alternatively you can bring your own picnic.
Event details
Location: Ham Polo Club, Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 7AH
Date: Saturday 28th September
Time: 12.00 – 5.00 pm
Tickets: Start from £20 (children under 12 free)
On sale now here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ebonyhorseclub/272909
About Ebony Horse Club
Ebony Horse Club is a community riding centre in Brixton, South London, dedicated to improving the education and aspirations of young people through horses.
Ebony Horse Club was founded in 1996 by former Director Ros Spearing, OBE, when children were transported by minibus to riding centres around London
The community riding centre can be found in one of the most deprived communities in England – Coldharbour. London’s Poverty Profile published in October 2015 by Trust for London and the New Policy Institute underlined Coldharbour’s status as having one of the highest proportions of children and young people living in poverty, within the top 10% of 624 wards in London.
The community riding centre in Brixton is an Olympic legacy project and was supported by a number of funders including Sport England and the British Equestrian Federation. The community riding centre was officially opened by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall in 2011
In the five years since the riding centre opened, over 1,000 children have learnt to ride in Brixton
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and Her Majesty The Queen made a further visit in 2013, and HRH, The Duchess of Cornwall visited again in February 2017.
Ebony Horse Club is a charity which relies on the support of philanthropic individuals, companies, and trusts to make riding accessible to local children and young people.
Website: www.ebonyhorseclub.org.uk
Twitter: @EbonyHorseClub
Facebook: Ebony Horse Club