Keysoe International equestrian centre expansion plans unveiled

Keysoe International was formerly known as The College Equestrian Centre

An equestrian centre is hosting a public engagement meeting about its major expansion plans.

The event at Keysoe International in Keysoe, Bedfordshire, took place on Tuesday.

The business wants to build an elite yard home to the "very best athletes and horses" in show jumping and dressage, and an animal welfare centre.

The site was used by equestrian teams training for the 2012 summer Olympics and Paralympics.

Keysoe International said the site, set among 570 acres, was known around the world and was "putting north Bedfordshire on the map".

Existing facilities include an indoor arena and an all-weather cross-country training arena.

Managers said its proposed Future Elite Yard, for show jumping and dressage, would also provide state-of-the-art facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool to keep horses in peak condition.

There are ten trained miniature therapy ponies that offer emotional care on and off site

Owner and chief executive Sarah Stoute, who acquired the site in 2020, said her vision for the centre was to exist not for financial gain but for the benefit of the local community.

She said: "The future is more than just riders. We want to share the site with as many people as possible."

Keysoe International also hopes to cater for children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities, such as ADHD, autism and physical disabilities.

The cafe is open seven days a week and provides a space for people to watch the horses

It is expected that more than 300 new jobs will be created across a range of different sectors including hospitality, animal assisted therapy, alternative education provision and equestrian, alongside nearly 30 apprenticeships.

Keysoe International hopes that with increasing events and competitions, more visitors will be attracted to the local area from further afield.

The centre said the engagement meeting was an opportunity for people to share any concerns and learn more about the future development plans.

It said it wanted feedback on its project before drawing up plans at a later date.