Bounce Back Loan helps St Leonards Equitation Centre

The pandemic has been particularly challenging for farmers over the last few months, with many struggling with rapidly changing demand from restaurants, shops and supermarkets.

In addition, the necessary nationwide lockdown measures have meant that additional income streams such as tourism, which many farmers rely upon, have suffered badly.

Andy Reeve who owns St Leonards Equitation Centre was facing an uncertain future with no cashflow as lockdown hit.

Based in Cornwall’s Tamar Valley, St Leonards was established as a riding centre but has also opened a number of cottages on its grounds for tourists.

Fortunately, a Bounce Back Loan of £50,000 from Barclays has allowed it to keep its horses fed and pay the bills.

Read next: Rural workers more at risk of losing jobs from coronavirus, new report finds

Andy said: “I established St Leonards over 40 years ago as a riding centre to offer tuition to adults and children, but we also welcome tourists to stay in our four cottages all year round.

“We’d already had a challenging winter because of bad weather, and when the lockdown began in March we had to suspend all business. With no cashflow, we were facing an uncertain future.

“Fortunately, we got a Bounce Back Loan that allowed us to keep our horses fed and pay for our silage bills months in advance, and the money has also meant that we’ve been able to make some significant improvements to the cottages.

“The wonderful weather we enjoyed in Cornwall during the months under lockdown also allowed us to repaint the whole property and make improvements to the stables.

“We recently re-opened for riding lessons and practice jumping, having implemented all health and safety measures, and are already seeing great interest from visitors.

"We’re also hoping to benefit from more people holidaying in the UK this summer, now that restrictions have been lifted, and we look forward to welcoming tourists to stay in our cottages!”