By Jess Baker
Just 15 minutes from the heart of Allora, a former horse stud has been transformed by new owners into an equine rehabilitation centre.
Angie Innes and Darren Seibel purchased Goodwood Park – now Goodwood Equine – in April last year, with hopes to provide a sanctuary for horses recovering from injury or surgery, or in need of rest and rejuvenation.
“We felt there was a need for a rehabilitation centre here,” said Angie.
“There’s a bit of a grey area for people who don’t want to travel far with horses that have just had surgery, or who aren’t confident they can take care of their horses after surgery alone.
“Or maybe they just want their horses to stay closer to where they’ll have to get check-ups.”
Facilities at the equestrian centre include 24 large undercover stalls, sheltered paddocks (both shared and individual), an eight horse variable speed free walker and a newly constructed arena, making it an ideal temporary home for horses that require special care.
“We can take outside horses now, but we still have intentions of getting a cold water spa or an aqua treadmill,” said Angie.
“Come September, we’ll also be open to outside horses for breeding… but our main attention is going to the rehabilitation centre.”
Angie said she and Darren had planned to have the rehabilitation centre completed in a few short months, but construction was delayed due to the unexpected effects of Covid-19.
Today, nine months into the pandemic and nine months after purchasing the property, all that remains is the addition of a cold water spa or an aqua treadmill.
“Covid has really slowed things down for us because we couldn’t get the materials we needed when we needed them,” said Angie.
“But we started lessons a few months ago, which along with breeding and tidying up, is keeping us busy.”
Lessons and training began at Goodwood Equine unexpectedly, said Angie.
“After building an arena to put our horses in, we had friends over to come and ride in it,” she said.
“They suggested we start using it for lessons and I like helping people, so we started.
“It’s grown by word of mouth, and now we have lots of local clients from Clifton, Warwick and Crows Nest.”
Angie runs lessons all week long – including weekends – for groups, pairs and individuals looking to gain confidence riding.
For more information, or to discuss the services offered at Goodwood Equine, contact Angie on 0447 769 152.
