Baschurch riding school closes after 30 years

Prescott Equestrian Centre in Baschurch was ceasing trading and will be replaced with a development of 19 homes.

Previous owner June Haydon, 67, died last year after a four-year battle with cancer.

Speaking prior to her death, she had said she had found trading conditions challenging in recent years because of the recession.

Three Riding for the Disabled groups were based at Prescott's and had to find new homes when the closure was announced.

Carla Howarth, country chairwoman of the Riding for the Disabled Association in Shropshire, said: "Riding for the Disabled has three groups at Prescott Riding School which we have been trying to find homes for.

"I think I can successfully say we have done and we have managed to re-home them now.

"Two groups are all set up and running. One is at Stoneyford in Shrewsbury and the other is at Berriewood Farm in Condover.

"The third group has been running for 40 years and have found a home at Walford College at the equestrian centre there.

"We are absolutely delighted that they are able to go there.

"We are indebted to Prescott and to all the other riding schools that endorse us as we rely heavily on the horses which are owned by these organisations.

"We understand Prescott's needs to move on and all three groups wish them all the best.

"It is a new era. Each groups has its up and downs.

"Over the eight groups we have in Shropshire we have about 200 riders a week. We do that solely on the reliance of our great volunteers.

"It is a thriving organisation and we hope we provide a good service to around. It is entirely self-funded."

Last weekend hundreds of people flocked to the riding school to grab a bargain as everything was sold off – from horse rugs to children's wellies.

Mrs Haydon took over Prescott Equestrian Centre in December 1986 after her father purchased the business for her.

Over time she developed the business to become a successful equestrian centre and lived in Prescott House with her five children – Andrew Haydon, Angelina Haydon, Emma Barton, Oliver Haydon and Zoe Griffiths.

She later married her husband Bob Pearson in May 2012.

The last equestrian event at the centre was being held today, the same day as the riding school ceases trading.

Shropshire Council approved plans to demolish the centre and turn the site into new homes last year.