A FAMILY hoping to build a centre of equestrian excellence are urging horse riders from across Worcestershire and Herefordshire to register their support for the ambitious scheme.

It's been a nail-biting two years of blood, sweat and tears for the Leightons, who have at last won planning permission to build the centre at their smallholding at Pencombe, near Bromyard.

But they still face an anxious wait before they know whether Defra has awarded them a grant under the farm diversification scheme, which is vital if they are to turn their dream into reality.

Plans for the venue include indoor and outdoor arenas, a viewing gallery, caf, and shower and toilet facilities.

Jenny Leighton, mum Vicky and Jenny's stepfather, David Evans, are appealing for people to e-mail them and write to them to support the scheme.

"We are crossing everything and hope that Defra looks favourably on our plans, which we first submitted in June," explained Jenny.

"They asked us to resubmit the scheme and we have spent hours on business plans and other matters to fulfil the different criteria they are asking for. There is nothing like our planned centre for at least 30 miles - I think Solihull is the nearest - and we know there is massive support locally for the project.

"It will be good news for Bromyard too, as our visitors will use the facilities in the area such as shops, pubs and hotels, and we will be creating new jobs. We are so excited but everything depends on Defra now."

The family live on an 18-acre registered holding where they keep sheep and grow apples. Vicky breeds Australian Shepherd dogs and has won several times at Crufts.

Although Jenny is now an accomplished horsewoman, she only got back into the saddle six years ago after riding as a child. She is now a successful eventer and show jumper and hopes to attain advanced level at dressage.

Jenny bought her first event horse, Java, with a small legacy from her uncle. Now she wants to compete in dressage competitions on her exciting new horse, Proton.

She also hopes to bring on young horses in the future for showing.

"Although I was bought up in Herefordshire, I worked away in Southampton for the last few years," said Jenny.

"When I came back here, I was staggered at the lack of facilities which I needed to continue my training. I wasn't the only person to bemoan the fact there were no facilities close by. I always wanted my own business - my mother and stepfather needed to diversify, so we got cracking on the scheme."

Despite the many hassles they've had along the way, Jenny says the family were determined to fulfil their dream.

"Once we get the bit between our teeth we don't give up," said Vicky.

"We realised we had to diversify a while ago. Foot-and-mouth was dreadful as we were under restrictions. This is the perfect project and it's is good for everybody. We have had tremendous interest from horse societies and clubs who want to use the facilities when they are built. People will be able to hire the venue, too."

The centre will have jumping, competition and training facilities and Jenny hopes to run a variety of clinics and seminars, which they hope will attract top names such as three-day eventer and Olympic star, Leslie Law.

And, Jenny insists, it will be a very friendly environment.

There will be Pony Club competitions through to affiliated and non-affiliated competitions in dressage, show jumping, western riding, driving and showing.

The venue will also be available for hire, and for dog shows too.

Despite her success, Jenny admits she really learnt everything "back to front".

She learnt how to prepare show hunters and did lots of work in-hand with them before she ever sat on their backs.

"I have helped at a show yard at Bredenbury since I was 18, so I knew how to handle a horse before I started riding one again properly," she added. "But my experience at the yard was invaluable. When I bought Java, my wild eventer, we did very well and have had several wins."

Java has now retired and Jenny bought Cromwell, a seven-eighths thoroughbred chestnut.

Last year, Jenny bought her yearling Proton, which she would like to show under saddle and as a dressage horse.

"He is my dressage hopeful and I would love to get to the nationals on him. But my ultimate goal is to compete at the Horse of the Year Show with Proton."

Jenny says that if they get the grant in October, the centre should be up and running by August next year.

"Everyone is lined up, the builders are raring to go and we will turn our hands to anything to fulfil our dream," she said.

"We have already had dozens of e-mails and letters of support, especially from disabled people for whom the centre is ideal. But we need more.

"It's a huge project but one that we know we will be of benefit to riders all over the country as well as to Bromyard and surrounding areas," added Jenny.

You can e-mail the Leightons with your support on BECentre@aol.com