Hazel Ackland, owner of Hill Farm Equestrian Centre in Chelmondiston near Ipswich, has announced the closure of her riding school after nearly a decade due to rising operational costs. Despite efforts to reduce expenses and personal financial contributions, the business became unsustainable amid increased prices for feed, veterinary care, wages, and declining lesson attendance. The riding school will close in October, with the centre continuing as a livery yard, and some ponies will be rehomed while staff face redundancy.

Ackland expressed deep sadness over the decision, emphasizing the importance of horse welfare and the impact the school had on her family and community. She highlighted the challenges facing the equestrian sport, fearing fewer people will have access to riding opportunities without local schools. Ackland urged the public to support local riding schools to help sustain the sport and noted that some former staff have progressed to work at Olympic-level yards.