A BIT ABOUT US.......
The Letcombe Regis Riding Field is a unique, community equestrian facility for use by riders of all ages and abilities. Established in 1977 and located in a South Oxfordshire village in the heart of a vibrant, thriving, multi disciplined area of equestrian activity.
Planning permission has been granted to build a 50m x 30m all weather arena. This now provides the opportunity to build on the incredible success of the Olympics and provide an excellent communal facility to support present and future generations of aspiring riders.
WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO BUILD AND ALL WEATHER ARENA:
- to broaden participation in equine activity by enabling people to continue with, take up or return to equestrian sport and therefore ensuring it flourishes and thrives in an area with strong, broad and historic links to equine activities
- to enable both horse and rider to perform to the best of their ability and reach their full potential
- there is no such communal facility in the area
- to keep riders off our busy roads
- to provide a safe, year round area to exercise, train & school
- the riding field has limited use as it can only be used during the drier season. In the Winter months the ground becomes boggy and uneven causing horses to trip and slip
WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM YOUR SUPPORT?
- the large community of riders in the area of all ages, levels, abilities and disciplines including Riding for the Disabled groups (3 in the area)
- possibly Team GB! Lets build on the success of the Olympics, provide present and future generations with an excellent training facility and enable aspiring riders to pursue their passion and dreams
- young, nervous, new and inexperienced riders and riders returning to the sport
- young people lacking in confidence and self esteem
HOW WOULD THEY BENEFIT?
- riding promotes physical activity and is a healthy outdoor activity
- young, novice and nervous riders and horses would gain confidence and therefore progress faster
- an all weather surface gives security and confidence to both horse and rider and ensures they perform to the best of their ability with the least risk of injury
- consistent training, exercise and schooling is key for riders to develop their skills, achieve their potential and continue to compete at the highest level and raise the international sporting image of the nation. See below ‘Success Story’ of two of our young gold medal winning riders
- having an accessible, high quality facility would enable a programme of activities to be established across the year, such as training clinics, demonstrations and competitions for all levels, ages and abilities
- in a society where people are struggling more than ever with mental health issues, connecting with horses helps with general well-being, mental and moral development, creates strength of character and self discipline
SUCCESS STORY from Sara Bradstock – Alfie and Lily’s mother
All of Alfie's early competitive riding was centered on the Letcombe Regis Riding Club field and without it he would not have been able to put himself in the position to be asked to ride Monty, the pony on which he won his first European gold medal. Most of the children who compete internationally have enormous financial backing and it was incredible to find ourselves among them with a borrowed pony and only the Letcombe Regis Riding Club field to school and jump in. Since then, Alfie has won another gold medal and was the first junior ever to ride for team GB in both eventing and show jumping in one year. He now works for Graham and Tina Fletcher and is looking likely to have a successful career as an International show jumper. Lily, his younger sister was sidelined from an injury from 12 - 16 but she too managed to get on the British team to compete as a junior, which was actually even more remarkable considering she had spent several years in Great Ormond Street unable to walk, let alone ride. Ponies played an enormous part in her recovery and again the Letcombe Regis Riding Club field was invaluable in providing a safe space for her to ride and jump with only one working leg.
There are many young people with equestrian aspirations who are not as lucky as Alfie and Lily but it is amazing to think that none of it would have happened without the Letcombe Regis Riding club. However, as the British winters seem to get wetter and wetter, an all weather arena is necessary if other young riders are to be supported in their equestrian ventures. The field is a great opportunity for anybody in the area to be able to enjoy, whatever their level of riding, and I hope that everybody will support the riding club in their efforts to raise the necessary funds.
Both Alfie and Lily would be happy to share their invaluable experience and give lessons once the arena is built.
WHAT WE WILL DO WITH THE MONEY RAISED FROM YOUR SUPPORT
The money raised will be added to the £21,000 we have raised so far.
Our total project cost is £39,229 which includes the cost of materials, surface, plant hire and labour.
Thank you for your support.