Barness Masham of Iltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their definition of the proposed equestrian centres of excellence; how many they propose to establish; what funds will be made available and for what purposes; whether there have to date been any applications for funding; and, if so, from whom. [HL674]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyIt is not for the Government to define the proposed equestrian centres of excellence. This is an initiative proposed by the British Equestrian Federation and therefore its reponsibility as the national governing body of the sport. In this regard the British Equestrian Federation has defined the purpose of the centres as regional leadership and co-ordination of competition and training for all members of the federation; setting high standards of competition and training through delivery and example; implementation of the best practices in equine science and sports medicine for riders; development, in conjunction with Riding Clubs and pony clubs, of the BEF regional riding club structure; host venues for the Regional Coaches in Residence, and will set high minimum standards in terms of facilities, particularly all-weather surfaces that are kind to horses.
The BEF has developed a facilities strategy as part of an overall strategic plan for 2001–04, which was recently presented to UK Sport and Sport England, containing proposals for the establishment of equestrian centres of excellence. The facilities strategy proposes to establish 11 centres in England, two in Scotland and two in Wales.
Any funds made available to support the centres of excellence will be determined by the appropriate home country sports council and the purpose of the funding would be based upon each indvidual facility application. To date there have been no applications for funding.