Big funding boost for Albourne Equestrian Centre

West Sussex County Council has awarded £5,400 to Albourne Equestrian Centre and work has already begun to install new toilets and a viewing area that are both fully accessible to disabled people.

Megan Hughes and Lester Quenault, owners at the equestrian centre said: “We are so happy to have received the funding.

“We have many regular riders here who have disabilities, and it is going to make a huge difference to their visits.

“We hope it will encourage many more riders to join us too.”

County Councillor and Chailey Heritage School Governor Peter Griffiths, who supported the bid, said: “I am a great supporter of any project that enhances the community and am excited to see Albourne Equestrian Centre expand to offer more accessibility for users.

“Riding is a good active sport that can benefit all members of the community, no matter what their circumstances are.

“The new facilities at Albourne will make the centre more accessible, particularly for RDA members and I hope local people will join me to help spread the word about what a great contribution it is to the community.”

Support to secure the funding also came from the local branches of The Pony Club, Riding for the Disabled Association, and Horseheard CIC.

Funding was granted through West Sussex County Council’s Community Initiative Fund – a scheme that has provided vital funds to community groups and organisations across West Sussex since it was started in 2006.

The improvements to the Albourne centre will benefit young and disabled people in the Mid Sussex area, along with members of the community with an equestrian interest.

A spokeswoman for the centre said: “The new facilities will make Albourne a better place for people to enjoy the sport in safe and comfortable surroundings, and help to attract new and retain existing members and customers.

“Ultimately this will have a long lasting benefit to secure the sustainability of Albourne as a community facility.”

Albourne Equestrian Centre, in Henfield Road, was established in 1993 as a Riding School, Livery Yard and Show Centre.

Call the centre on 01273 832989 or visit www.albourneequestriancentre.co.uk