Equestrian Loan: Helping a Young Couple Secure Their Dream in Wales

When a young couple in Wales were given the unexpected opportunity to purchase the small equestrian property where they kept their two showjumping horses, they turned to UK Agricultural Finance for an equestrian loan. The site included a well-built stable block, a sand school/arena, and a few paddocks of grazing, perfectly suited to their equestrian lifestyle.

While the property was not yet a commercial enterprise, the borrowers had a clear vision: to continue using the land for personal equestrian purposes initially, and look for future opportunities to commercialise the property. Importantly, the opportunity to buy the site presented a rare chance to secure a permanent base for their horses, and the couple were determined not to miss it.

Understanding the Borrowers

Both borrowers are under 30 and self-employed. One is an electrician whose business, although recently incorporated, is growing significantly and already showing strong profitability. The other works as a designer, specialising in the equestrian sector—a niche where her experience and passion add real value.

Though newly self-employed, both borrowers provided strong evidence of increasing income, good financial management, and long-term viability. Their ambitions were grounded and realistic, and they had thought carefully about their repayment plans. They opted for a capital repayment loan over seven years, with the intention of settling the balance in full during the term. Should any remaining balance exist at the end, they plan to refinance or, if no other exit was viable they could sell the property—an option supported by the property’s market appeal and positive valuation.

The Property: Modest in Size, High in Specification

The site was modest in acreage, but the valuation report highlighted a key asset: a substantial barn far superior to what is typically found on equestrian holdings of this scale. This feature significantly enhanced the attractiveness and future marketability of the property.

At a purchase price of £200,000, our £100,000 loan represented just 50% loan-to-value. The borrowers funded the remaining amount via an increase to their residential mortgage, demonstrating both commitment and access to alternative financing.

While the property is currently for personal use only, the borrowers have future plans to commercialise the site, therefore the loan affordability was based purely on their existing income streams. For now, however, the property’s use aligns well with their lifestyle and financial capacity.

Why UK Agricultural Finance?

At UK Agricultural Finance, we understand that not all rural borrowers fit the mould of a traditional lender’s criteria. But we look at the full picture.

In this case, the couple’s passion for horses, strong work ethic, and commitment to long-term financial stability were evident. They had already established their presence at the site, and the purchase allowed them to secure their future without disrupting the life they’d built around their horses.

We worked closely with their broker, Nicola MacEwan of EmCat Mortgages Ltd, to structure a deal that was both affordable and sustainable. Our approach allowed us to support the couple based on their potential as well as their current position, something many mainstream lenders are unwilling to do.

A Flexible and Practical Solution

Our 84-month term loan gave the borrowers the breathing room to make manageable monthly repayments while building equity in the property. By choosing capital repayments from the outset, they’re steadily reducing their debt and putting themselves in a strong position to either refinance or repay in full by the end of the term.

The added reassurance is that, should their circumstances change unexpectedly, the property has sufficient value, and a standout barn, that would make it attractive on the open market. This gives them a realistic and reliable Plan B exit.

Conclusion

This case highlights how UK Agricultural Finance can support young, self-employed borrowers with non-traditional profiles, helping them realise lifestyle ambitions that contribute to their wellbeing and stability. We were proud to play a part in helping this couple secure their equestrian future and look forward to seeing their journey continue.

If you’re considering purchasing a rural or equestrian property and need a lender who takes the time to understand your vision, contact UK Agricultural Finance today.