Under-threat horse centre 'not ready to give up'
BBCA rare breed horse riding centre which has been hit by a hike in costs warns it could face a battle for survival "if things don't improve".
Annie Rose, who owns Cumbrian Heavy Horses near Millom, said the centre was selling four of its horses to pay tax and other bills and is exploring different income streams to stay afloat.
Rose said that rising costs, which included feed, tack and staffing, had been "difficult to stomach" but she was "not ready to give up".
More than 250 riding schools have closed nationally over the last five years, according to the British Horse Society.
"In the 20 years we've been here, this year is the tightest to date," said Rose.
"Taxation is hitting anything and everything from tack to feed to rugs - absolutely everything we purchase, including staffing costs, is affected. It's difficult to stomach those added costs."
The centre also breeds rare Suffolk Punch horses as part of a breeding programme which has been impacted.
"It's really critical," said Rose. "I've had to do a GoFundMe to help with our breeding programme."
Asked how long the centre could continue if costs keep rising, she said: "Unless something changes, I think potentially another year, maybe two if I'm lucky. It depends how things pick up."
The centre has been operating in Cumbria for 20 years, offering experiences such as beach riding and holidays with heavy breed horses such as Scottish Clydesdales and English Shire horses.
It is currently looking into ways to bolster its income, including running new courses and starting a podcast.
"Any business owner at the moment will be looking at their overheads and costs and thinking: what can I cut or change to make things better?"said Rose.
"But in this line of business, because they're live animals, there's welfare issues.
"If I cut costs with staffing, somethings got to give - it means my welfare standards would drop and I'm not prepared to do that."
Rose said despite financial difficulties she was "grimly determined" to keep the centre running.
"I'm not ready to give this up – I love what I do, I remain utterly passionate and devoted to these horses."
Chief operation officer at the British Horse Society Sarah Phillips said: "It's heartbreaking to see how these financially challenging times are impacting so many equestrian businesses across the UK.
"We know that these rising costs are an increase in national living wage, national insurance, electricity, business rates and most recently, difficulties around hay shortages."