Deborah Meaden kicks off her role as Hoof Ambassador at the Longines Global Champions Tour
Friday 07 June 2013
Top level showjumping captured hearts and minds at the London 2012 Games, including that of Deborah Meaden, from Dragons Den.
One year on the celebrations continue and horses are back in the capital for a real show at the Longines Global Champions Tour where Deborah is making her debut in her newly appointed role as Hoof Ambassador for the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF’s) legacy project.
On arrival Deborah toured the event and stables with CEO of the BEF Andrew Finding, before talking through the intricacies of showjumping whilst walking the course with Olympic Gold Medallist Ben Maher pacing out the distances and assessing the best lines. This was followed by a pit stop to check out the mechanical horse, Henry, featured on the Hoof trade stand, which has attracted a variety of famous faces including Peter Phillips the event organiser, Ben Maher, Nick Skelton, and Scott Brash.
The new Hoof Ambassador demonstrated a great admiration for elite level riders, but also a deep understanding of how riding can benefit everyone no matter what their ability or experience level. Deborah commented, “I first experienced the riding world at age six, and there was no turning back, it got into my life and under my skin”.
Deborah has reignited her passion for horses and is determined to inspire others to get back in the saddle after feeling the benefits both mentally and physically; “It gives me the space I need, it makes me better, better at business and better at my job.”
Hoof has been developed with the aim of capturing the inspiration from the Games and driving people back into the saddle and then reaping the infinite benefits. The Hoof website www.hoofride.co.uk is a signposting tool for prospective riders pointing them in the direction of local horse riding centres, as well as information on health and fitness, a beginner’s toolkit and much more.
For those new or returning to riding Take Back the Reins, a 7 week course of riding lessons has been rolled out in Hoof approved riding centres across the country to provide people with confidence they need to get back into the saddle. Having had time away from horses Deborah is determined to keep them in her life; “It is not a case of finding time for riding, it is a case of making sure I have time to ride, I can’t believe I ever let riding out of my life.”
