A RECORD number of landowners across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are investing in equine projects as the outlook for farming remains uncertain.

Dozens of people have contacted Defra for funding, under the Worcestershire Rural Enterprise Scheme.

Mark Hall, the scheme's facilitator, said: "We held an event at Guinness Park Farm, in Leigh Sinton, which is home to Diana and Philip Ralph who have a thriving equine enterprise.

"Seventeen people turned up to learn more about the scheme, the majority of which were keen to progress with a grant application. We have been inundated with enquiries from people who want to start livery yards and other equine businesses.

"It is certainly an extremely popular way for farmers to diversify."

The Rural Enterprise Scheme is one of several under the umbrella of the England Rural Development Programme. This covers a wide range of potentially eligible activities, ranging from projects that are aimed at producing commercial return for the applicants, to those where the primary aim is to provide social or environmental benefit and there is little or no economic return to a private individual or business.

Guinness Park Farm offers horse accommodation, indoor schooling facilities and riding lessons. Now, with the help of Defra funding, it has expanded to offer an outdoor arena.

The equine enterprise at Guinness Park has grown from farm diversification into a viable business. It employs five people as well as safeguarding the future of the 250-acre farm which grows wheat, barley, oil seed rape and potatoes, as well as having enough grassland to support a flock of 340 ewes.

"We are relatively small-scale farming in today's industry," explained Philip.

"With Diane's experience and love for horses we took the decision in 1991 to convert one of the farm buildings into an indoor menage.

"Thirteen years on, the equine enterprise is our main money-spinner. We are dedicated to offering top class facilities and providing a quality service."

Diana said that, last year, the couple identified the need for an outdoor menage to complement the existing enterprise.

This was particularly welcomed by the Riding for the Disabled Group which regularly meets at the farm. Children from Manor Park School, in Worcester, get untold pleasure from the weekly riding lessons that are run by Diana and fellow instructor Amanda Smith, plus a host of volunteers

"Funding was a concern until the Worcestershire Rural Hub informed us about the Stimulating Rural Enterprise in Worcestershire project. With the assistance of Mark Hall, we decided to submit an application to Defra.

"Without it, we wouldn't have been able to build the menage which is an extra safe place for these youngsters to ride."

The business is so successful that the Ralph's son is currently learning how to teach riding at Hartpury College, in Gloucestershire, so that he can take up the reins of the family business.

Mr Hall says another event is due to take place at the end of November which will give people the opportunity to have a short sharp look at equine diversification and how to go about applying for Defra funding.

Stimulating Rural Enterprise in Worcestershire is a partnership project funded by defra and sponsored by the Pershore Group of College and the Worcestershire Rural Hub. For more information call 01386 553701.