Grove House Stables Equestrian Centre in Misterton, North-Nottinghamshire is a family owned and run business established in Misterton in 1991. Since then, the owners Andrew and Libby Stennett, their children Jack and Harriet and the team of dedicated staff have seen the Centre grow into a reputable BHS and ABRS approved riding school and training centre. The Centre has recently been re-recognised as Investors in People - a status it has held since 1999.

All its clients, from the age of 4 to 70+, benefit from a team of caring, professionally trained and experienced instructors, teaching within purpose built facilities. The Centre's team and wide variety of horses allows it to offer quality training to both the career and the recreational rider.

Over 60 children ride and have fun each week within the Clubmark recognised Pony Club Centre. The Centre also offer a British Equestrian Vaulting Club, which combines riding with gymnastic skills. This is held on Tuesday evenings and is currently developing this exciting pastime at the centre.

Prior to setting out to on the Clubmark journey, the Centre, like many other clubs in a similar situation, faced its own share of challenges:

• Limited access to funding for individuals from low income families
• Need to develop and maintain links with local schools and Council Sports Development Officers
• Lack of recognition of facilities, resources and coaches by non-equine external organisations such as the local council
• Opportunity to develop and manage coaching/certification progression process

As part of the accreditation process, Andrew Stennett focused his action on developing relationships with a range of local development officials, who could provide much needed advice, help and support. The Centre works with local schools, colleges, local council sport development officers and training organisations to provide a wide portfolio of equestrian qualifications and sporting opportunities. These include BHS NVQ courses levels 1-3; BHS Stages 1, 2 and 3 and teaching qualifications. Many local school pupils are finding success and enjoyment with our programmes for 14-16 year olds.

Not only did the Centre benefit from improved organisation and support in relation to procedures and practice - staff have attended various local coaching development courses/training. These relationships continue to develop to achieve Grove House's aim of increasing the Centre's recognition from other professional organisations such as local schools, local councils etc.

When Andrew Stennett watched Kevin Costner's inspiring film ‘Fields of Dreams' which is about achieving his dream of building a baseball pitch, it prompted him on a quest to build his own field of dreams in the form of a purpose built equestrian centre. 18 years of hard work and effort from his team has seen Grove House Stables Equestrian Centre develop into a well-known and popular venue that has now earned the well deserved accolade of Clubmark.

Andrew Stennett of Grove House stables comments,

"In order to maintain the progressive nature of our organisation's development we use the Clubmark Scheme. Britain is a leader in equestrian sport and schemes such as 'Clubmark' will help individuals develop their potential within a secure and structured learning environment. Making sport available to the younger members of society, and encouraging them to commit to continued participation in physical activity is absolutely vital and I personally feel that being part of a club can also play an even wider role in the personal development of young people."