Save our Stables!

Lo Wu Saddle Club is a non-profit-making riding school operating out of premises leased from the Government Property Agency (GPA). In November, 2005, the GPA informed us that our lease would be terminating in January, 2007 as the land is required for expansion of Lo Wu Correctional Institution (the prison next door).

Please help to save our stables! Any little you can spare will help.

If we cannot find new premises, this will mean that our club will have to shut down. More importantly, with the preparations for the 2008 Equestrian Olympics, there will be no space in the Hong Kong Jockey Club riding facilities for our horses. We fear that if our club is shut down, some of our 40+ horses and ponies may have to be destroyed. We are therefore hoping to establish new premises as a matter of urgency.

As a non-profit organisation, we cannot afford rent at a commercial rate. However, two fields that we currently use are on Government land and we believe it would be possible to relocate there. We have drawn up plans for our new stables and think they will give our horses good facilities and a good quality of care. We have applied to the Government for a short-term tenancy of the two fields and await the outcome.

The timeframe for our move is incredibly tight. We are waiting for news about our two fields, and have to plan and build a stable, liaise with different Government departments, fundraise and move horses, all by January 2007! We sincerely hope that the Government will expedite the various permits and approvals required for our move.

More importantly, we are urgently seeking sponsors and donors for our move. We estimate that a new stable will cost around HK$3.5 million (US$500,000). While we hope to raise some (about half) of this money through our riders, we are also seeking funds from the public. We need this money as a matter of urgency so that we can be ready to start construction work once the necessary permits have been obtained.

Forward Planning: If you are planning to visit Hong Kong for the Equestrian Olympics in 2008, make your experience complete and book some rides at Lo Wu now! We’re only a short hack from the planned Olympic cross-country course. Pay now and your support will help save the stables – you'll also get a discount!

Please help to save our stables! Any little you can spare will help.

Why not become a Friend of Lo Wu or join as a member? Please send cheques little and large, made out to "Lo Wu Saddle Club Limited" to Lo Wu Saddle Club, Ho Sheung Heung, New Territories, Hong Kong.

For further details, contact Jackie by email or on (+852) 2673 0066.