EASTERTON EQUINE ACTIVITIES CLUB BENEFITS FROM SPORTSMATCH
SCHOOLS and community groups will benefit from a cash grant to allow an Equine Activities Club to buy new equipment for gymnastics on horseback – including a fabulous new horse.
Sam, a 9-year-old bay gelding, has joined the stable at Easterton Farm in Blackford, Perthshire, thanks to a £10,000 sponsorship from Ross Offshore Consultancy Ltd – which was matched pound for pound by SPORTSMATCH.
His
arrival means that the recently formed club will now be able to increase the
number of “Have a Go” days it offers to schools and groups of disadvantaged 
children. This valuable work not only allows them to taste the
excitement of the unusual sport of equestrian vaulting, but teaches important
life lessons like team-work, and has been recognised as a great way of building
confidence in young people.
Ross Offshore Consultancy noticed the impressive work that the EEAC were doing and, on hearing about the loss of their biggest vaulting horse last Autumn, offered sponsorship towards the purchase of a replacement.
The other three vaulting horses at Easterton are also available for riding tuition and Sam will become an additional schoolmaster for more people to develop their riding skills under the expert eye of Pat Taylor seen holding Sam
Sheena Ross hands Ann Hunt and co-coach Kathryn Jeffress the cheque for £10,000
Funded by the Scottish Executive and administered by sportscotland, SPORTSMATCH was launched in 1992 to encourage businesses to sponsor community sport projects. Today, SPORTSMATCH partners a wide range of businesses of all sizes, matching their sponsorship £ for £ and publicly acknowledging their contribution to sport in the community.
The SPORTSMATCH award will allow much-needed equipment to be purchased at Easterton to enhance the experience of vaulters and riders alike. It will enable the Club to purchase gymnastic equipment, a large trampoline, vaulting equipment, equestrian equipment, a set of jumps, dressage markers, and talking headsets etc. It will also go towards running more coaching courses and training courses. The Activities Club appreciates the backing given by the Scottish Equestrian Association for the project and their assistance in gaining the Sportsmatch award.
School Group on Jupiter
Julia Bracewell OBE, Chair of sportscotland said, "Easterton Equine Activities Club is one of more than 1,000 sports groups throughout Scotland to have benefited from SPORTSMATCH. Our thanks go to Ross Off shore for this sponsorship. This is a great example of how businesses working in partnership with sports organisations and SPORTSMATCH can make a significant contribution to community sport, enhancing the lives of many young people in Scotland."
Kathryn and Sam have some fun
Ann Hunt MBE