THE owners of the Midland's newest equestrian centre say so many horses and riders are taking advantage of its facilities they hope to expand further.

It's just a year ago since Defra awarded Jenny Leighton, her mother Vicky and stepfather David Evans the grant which was necessary to turn their dream of creating a top equestrian centre into reality.

Now, some of the top names of the horse world are planning to run a variety of classes and clinics at Bromyard Equestrian Centre, Pencombe. Jenny says the support she received from riders in Herefordshire and Worcestershire was vital.

"Last year, we got the planning permission we needed for the centre to be built on our smallholding. That had taken a nailbiting two years. But we still faced an agonising wait until the autumn before Defra awarded us the grant under the farm diversification scheme.

"Then it was all systems go and I want to thank everyone for the support they gave us.

"Not only is the centre popular with local riders, we are getting people from as far away as Staffordshire, Birmingham and Hay-on-Wye who want to use the excellent facilities here."

The centre has indoor and outdoor arenas, a viewing gallery, shower and toilet facilities and Hatties Caf. The family now hopes to build a third 'warm up' arena for dressage.

"We created a tack shop above the gallery where we sell equipment and riding clothes and hope to introduce a made-to-measure service soon," explained Jenny.

"Hatties is surprisingly popular because we create nourishing home made meals and cakes. We use only local ingredients because it is important for us to support the community. I think people are pleasantly surprised to be able to enjoy such healthy, home-cooked meals after competing or attending a clinic."

There's a host of classes, competitions and clinics lined up for this autumn, including a visit from Nick Burton, the equestrian director of Hartpury College, who specialises in dressage. He trained with the legendary Carl Hester.

On Tuesday, September 27, the centre will host an unaffiliated evening dressage prelim and novice, and on Thursday, September 29, it will host affiliated dressage.

Jenny hopes to hold British dressage qualifiers at the centre, as well as show jumping competitions, western riding, driving and showing.

"But we are always open to suggestions and will be glad to do whatever anybody wants us to do here," added Jenny

The Leightons realised they had to diversify the 18-acre smallholding where they keep sheep and grow cider apples after the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

The only drawback is that Jenny, an accomplished horsewomen, has not been able to concentrate on her own eventing and dressage career.

"I have been so busy I have had to put my plans on hold, but we couldn't wish for more. Everything has gone to plan and we are providing the riding community with a service which they have wanted for a long time," she said.