ccgoose
New User
Many of you will have heard that a number of equestrian centres across Herts have been closed pending sale to housing developers, claiming they are just not profitable anymore for the owners. I'm just a bit sick of people thinking the only answer is to sell out and so the equestrian community loses out yet again. Don't get me wrong, if someone waived a few million quid at me i might just do the same. But life isn't all about money is it? Why do these people not ask for help sooner or do something to stop the business going broke? So here's a thought and i know it's a far reach.....how about we try and get something done ourselves?
I propose that we approach one of these centres, and see if we can reach an agreement with them to either purchase the site or rent it off them. The centre should then be run as some sort of charitable trust or something where all funds earned go straight back into keeping the centre going. BUT and here's the key....the centre cannot just be for equestrian use. The general public in their infinite wisdom deem equestrian sports as elite sports, therefore we need to open or convert the centre / site open to other community groups. There are enough community groups etc that are struggling to find a home or decent facilities and so by bringing more groups in to use the centre, this should help keep the revenue coming in.
I realise this is a completely mad idea and god only knows if we can achieve it, but unless we do something we will have nothing left. My other half enjoys dressage and now our nearest centre is probably Wing or Addington which is just a ball ache and well over an hour travel time with the horse box. I work full time and we currently have 3 horses to attend to, however, i have also run my own business aside to my full time job whilst assisting my other half with her horses and even the dog so anything is possible if we are organised enough.
Would be great if people could help me at least sound this idea out, let me know of any potential sites or give me some honest feedback. We're all adults here who are passionate about the sports we love, so let's see if we can do it. If any of you are near St. Albans you will have heard of James Hannaway and The Odyssey Cinema that has opened recently, almost an entirely public funding project thanks to local businesses and the general public.
Thanks
H
I propose that we approach one of these centres, and see if we can reach an agreement with them to either purchase the site or rent it off them. The centre should then be run as some sort of charitable trust or something where all funds earned go straight back into keeping the centre going. BUT and here's the key....the centre cannot just be for equestrian use. The general public in their infinite wisdom deem equestrian sports as elite sports, therefore we need to open or convert the centre / site open to other community groups. There are enough community groups etc that are struggling to find a home or decent facilities and so by bringing more groups in to use the centre, this should help keep the revenue coming in.
I realise this is a completely mad idea and god only knows if we can achieve it, but unless we do something we will have nothing left. My other half enjoys dressage and now our nearest centre is probably Wing or Addington which is just a ball ache and well over an hour travel time with the horse box. I work full time and we currently have 3 horses to attend to, however, i have also run my own business aside to my full time job whilst assisting my other half with her horses and even the dog so anything is possible if we are organised enough.
Would be great if people could help me at least sound this idea out, let me know of any potential sites or give me some honest feedback. We're all adults here who are passionate about the sports we love, so let's see if we can do it. If any of you are near St. Albans you will have heard of James Hannaway and The Odyssey Cinema that has opened recently, almost an entirely public funding project thanks to local businesses and the general public.
Thanks
H