Danescroft Equestrian Centre is galloping to success

Promoter George Stewart has announced details of a £97,000 redevelopment at the centre on Waterloo Road which will attract horse professionals from throughout Ireland.

A new state-of-the-art sand fabric surface has been laid in the competition arena with new spectator facilities and a judges’ box added as well as 120m of fencing erected.

The redevelopment of the equestrian centre has been made possible by investment from the Local Action Group, Lagan Rural Partnership, under the Rural Development Programme.

Mr Stewart explained: “This has been a very successful and sustainable farm diversification project. We are already providing a range of services to the equine sector locally with livery and training facilities including a horse bath, but the upgrade of the competition arena, new spectator and judge facilities will attract many more horse professionals from throughout Ireland.

“I want to thank the Lagan Rural Partnership for their financial support, without them the redevelopment of our facility would not have been possible. We now have a very niche equestrian centre which I believe will help sustain existing rural business infrastructure and attract more visitors to Lisburn and the surrounding rural area.”

It was George’s extensive experience of the equine industry and his country-wide involvement in show-jumping, training, breeding and exporting horses which led to him establishing the Danescroft Equestrian Centre more than 30 years ago. Today the facility, in a readily accessible rural location just outside Lisburn City, is widely used by professional equine enthusiasts, horse owners, clubs and associations alike.

Regularly equestrian shows are hosted at the venue targeting the commercial equine market and providing equine dealers an excellent facility in which to showcase their horses.

Local Action Group Chairman Alderman Allan Ewart commented: “Lagan Rural Partnership is delighted to have been able to assist Danescroft upgrade its facilities to meet the growing demands of the local equine industry. This business expansion will encourage more visitors to the Lisburn area and will contribute to the economic growth of the region.”

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