The British Equestrian Foundation
The British Equestrian Federation is the recognised governing body of horse sports in the UK.
Through its 16 members, the BEF represents and works to promote the interests of the 4.2 million riders and carriage drivers in Britain.
It's mission statement is:
" More people, more horses, more places, more medals."
The BEF is also the founder and driving force behind the 2012 Olympic legacy project, Hoof.
The BEF was one of the first national governing bodies to look at how the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games could be used to develop long-term benefit for the UK and London in particular.
The Legacy for London Advisory Group, led by the founding Chairman of the London 2012 Olympic Games bid, Barbara Cassani, includes leading experts in the equestrian world, such as Tim Stockdale (top show jumper), Mike Etherington-Smith (Olympic Eventing course designer for Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008, and Sports Director of British Eventing), Julian Marczak (Chairman of Association of British Riding Schools) and Desi Dillingham (then Chair British Dressage, now Chair of the British Horse Society).
The group’s brief was to investigate ways of significantly increasing the level of equestrian activity in London as a result of hosting the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
The group took as its starting point Lord Coe’s promise “to stage an inspirational Games that captures the imagination of young people around the world and leaves a lasting legacy”.