A riding club and nearby equestrian centre have bought new jumps and resurfaced indoor arenas after securing British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Hoof Capital funding grants.
Ackworth Riding Club near Pontrefract in West Yorkshire secured a Hoof grant for £7,000, which was matched by the club’s own fundraising.
Hoof capital funding grants are awarded by the BEF for projects that can prove they deliver increased participation in equestrianism.
The club, which has taken a 10-year lease out on an eight acre field in the village of Ackworth, has now been able to buy a set of cross-country fences and working hunter jumps.
In January the order for the showjumps, trailer and dressage markers is being placed with JSW Horseboxes based in Northallerton.
“At the moment we have to hire venues for training and competitions but from next spring we will be able to hold them in our own field,” said vice president Sharon Webb.
She organised the riding club’s grant application and encourages others to have a go “as it really helps.”
Ackworth is the biggest riding club in area four with 276 members, and the new facilities have helped boost membership.
“The field will enable us to cater for riders who don’t have transport,” added Sharon.
At Moorhouse Equestrian in Doncaster a Hoof funding grant for £19,760 has enable the centre to install new surfaces on its indoor arena and collecting ring.
The surfaces were completed two weeks ago by Fibrelok of Doncaster and “have given a new lift to the place” said Susan Hobson, who runs the centre.
At the joint grand opening ceremony on 13 December eventer Ben Hobday will be commentating at Ackworth Riding Club’s arena show cross competition.
The open show has prizes donated by Easibed, Blue Chip and The Pure Food Company.
