Rural Diversification Is Open To Anyone With Ambition And Drive

Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre, situated in the Staffordshire Moorlands has quickly become one of the best equine competition centres in the Midlands. The former 82-acre dairy farm was purchased in February 2001. The new owners, David Kinsella and Anne Pearn made the bold step of selling their 22 year-old established business and country home, in order to set up and develop this new rural business.

Their combined passion for horses and nose for business made them aware that the area lacked a friendly equestrian centre with good facilities, in which people of all abilities felt comfortable to compete.

Work was quickly undertaken, involving huge personal capital investment. The main barn was refurbished into 18 high quality stables, a horse-walker installed, shower room and tack room built. Outside three arenas were under construction along with the installation of an all weather gallop, cross country course and car parking facilities.
By August 2001 the new arenas where ready and the first affiliated dressage competition took place. This attracted interest and slowly the first liveries arrived. In such a short time, with the owners' driving ambition to make this business work, the centre has gone from strength to strength and by 2002, everyone's hard work culminated in the North West Regional Dressage Competition being held there, attracting riders of all abilities from all over the country.

Any rider visiting the Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre has the benefit of an excellent professional staff who will offer assistance, advice, support and lots of hard work to encourage and develop their skills and indulge their passion for horses. The centre is now undergoing some exciting new changes.

A new development for 2003 has been the purchase of a Cold Water Hydrotherapy Spa imported from Australia, for the treatment of lower leg injuries in horses. (One of only 6 in the country). The spa has had exceptional results in tendon and ligament injuries, joint conditions, healing of wounds and bone damage.The spa has been housed in yet another renovated farm building.

Beaver Hall is currently applying for a rural diversification grant to yet further the expansion of the centre to offer a further range of services for horse and rider .The expansion programme has been warmly received by David Holmes Chief Executive of British Dressage who quotes "British Dressage is growing rapidly & this is due in no small part to the increasing number & quality of facilities available which make our sport one of the most accessible equestrian sports. We are fortunate indeed to have owners such as yourselves who are willing to share in the development of our wonderful sport- a sport which is now more than ever attracting a wider range of people from so many different backgrounds."

The grant will help towards the plans for the refurbishment of another building to include 10 rehabilitation stables, consultancy rooms, a new café and viewing area, toilet facilities and extra parking.The centre will closely work with one of the top equine physiotherapist in the country offering a full range of treatments along with the revolutionary spa treatments.

David and Anne are immensely proud of what they have achieved in such a short period of time. They are passionate, enthusiastic and determined enough to carry through this rural diversification, bringing money and employment into the area. By providing a lively and innovative equestrian environment they have made a positive addition to the local rural and business community

Beaver Hall is now sponsoring Lee Pearson, a triple Paralympic gold medallist at the Sydney Games, and his dressage horse of the year 'Blue Circle Boy' with preventive treatment in the spa.

http://www.beaverhall.co.uk

article by Ben Lewis
Press Officer
Social Care Team - Health Minister Jacqui Smith
Dept of Health media centre

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