Croft End is riding high

AN Oldham equestrian centre has been named a flagship enterprise by the British Horse Society.

Croft End Equestrian Centre is one of just 18 riding centres in the country to get the top “outstanding high performance” stamp under a new inspection regime carried out by the British Horse Society (BHS).

The horse charity, which promotes welfare and safety in the horseworld, carries out spot checks on riding establishments.

A proud Pat Shepherd, owner of Croft End, said: “On the last visit, inspectors said we were a flagship for the BHS.

“If we were a hotel we would be six-star.”

Croft End, in Knotts Lane, Bardsley, was established by Pat 16 years ago, and she runs it with her sister, Carole Lyon.

Carole added: “We are thrilled to bits that the standards we try to maintain are recognised.”

With 64 horses and ponies on the yard, the equestrian centre is approved by the BHS as a training centre and riding school.

A new grading system puts the spotlight on nine different areas related to training, horsecare and rider safety, and Croft End was awarded the top highly commended rating in every area.

The centre has 35 students aged between 16 and 19 and offers training only available in a few places across the country.

The nearest are Myerscough College near Preston, and Reaseheath College in Nantwich.
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