Cumbrian Heavy Horses, a rare breed horse riding centre near Millom, is struggling to survive amid rising costs affecting feed, tack, staffing, and taxation. Owner Annie Rose revealed the centre is selling horses to cover bills and has launched a GoFundMe to support its Suffolk Punch breeding programme. Despite these financial pressures, Rose remains determined to keep the centre running, emphasizing the importance of maintaining animal welfare standards and exploring new income streams like courses and a podcast.

The challenges faced by Cumbrian Heavy Horses reflect a wider trend, with over 250 riding schools closing nationally in the past five years, according to the British Horse Society. Rising expenses linked to increased living wages, national insurance, electricity, business rates, and hay shortages are putting significant strain on equestrian businesses across the UK. The British Horse Society expressed concern over the impact of these financial difficulties on the sector’s sustainability.