Uckfield 'Gatsby' party draws on Olympic inspiration

World-class dressage champion Emile Faurie will be hosting a Gatsby-style Sussex garden party this month to celebrate the tenth anniversary of a charity that has introduced thousands of underprivileged youngsters to riding.

The Emile Faurie Foundation (EFF), was revealed last month as the official charity of the 2016 Olympia Horse Show. The Foundation takes over the Bluebell Vineyard near the Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park from 6.30pm on August 17 for a sequinned night of bubbles, banter and bidding to raise funds for the cause.

South African born Emile helped to make history for British dressage as a member of the gold medal team in Rotterdam in 2011 riding Elmegardens Marquis (Max for short.)

He has also won represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games and three European Championships. In the past mainland European riders dominated the sport, but Britain staged a resurgence with a Gold Medal for Charlotte Dujardin riding Allegro at the 2012 Olympics.

The party, with a 1920s dress code, kicks off with a talk from the vineyard’s wine expert before a sit-down meal in the marquee.

An auction, led by Walls of Fame, will see work by artists Lydia Keirnan, Sally Martin, Graham Banks and Amy Goodman go under the hammer among a raft of equestrian-related items.

The party gets into its swing when The Select Syncopaters strike up their rhythms.

Money raised from the evening goes to help EFF’s collaboration of children’s homes, schools, riding establishments and other fundraisers whose aim is to demonstrate how fulfilling equine sports and careers can be.

Since starting in 2006 it has supported more than 30 projects and funded 10,000 children through riding lessons.

Many have gone on to pursue successful equine careers.

The party is supported by Falcon Feeds and Walls of Fame at the Bluebell Vineyard.

Tickets cost £50 per person and tables of 10 get 10% off.

For more information or to book tickets see the website: www.emilefauriefoundation.org.uk or email: [email protected]

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