Boost for East Midlands equine industry

Equine tourism in the East Midlands is to receive support courtesy of a six-figure grant.

The £300,000 funds, provided by the East Midlands Development Agency, will be allocated over three years, starting from this year. It will be used to create a network of toll rides supported by horse-friendly accommodation throughout the Welland area.

The project is being spearheaded by the Country Land & Business Association (CLA).

“The Welland crosses over several counties and the region is very horsey,” said a CLA spokesman.

Covering Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Rutland and Northamptonshire, the Welland spreads across 1,000 square miles and includes some of Britain’s most famous hunting country. Despite being home to less than 10% of the population of the East Midlands, almost a quarter of the region’s stables and kennels are found within the Welland area.

CLA East Midlands director Helen Woolley told H&H: “There is huge potential to capitalise on the area’s long tradition of equine activity.We want to develop an infrastructure that brings landowners, equestrian businesses and the tourism sector together.”

Read this news report in full in the current issue of Horse & Hound (22 March, ’07)

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