A STABLES hit by a run of bad luck has been left counting the cost of its latest crisis.

Nick Marlowe took over the Richmond Equestrian Centre at Tunstall, North Yorkshire, in 2000, with plans to make it one of the leaders in the field.

However, since then the area has seen the wettest winter on record with the foot-and-mouth crisis following hot on its heels, forcing the centre to close for three months.

The senior instructor was also seriously injured in a riding accident, while the premises were burgled last year, the intruders escaping with thousands of pounds worth of tack.

Mr Marlowe was hoping to turn the corner this year, but an outbreak of "strangles" has now forced the cancellation of events next month, which could have generated £10,000.

Richard Phillips, of The Swale Veterinary Clinic, in Richmond, explained that strangles is an equine illness which gives horses a sore throat, puts them off their food and can lead to a nasal discharge. Animals usually recover completely within a few days. However, it is contagious, spread through direct contact between horses or through their owners.

Mr Marlowe said: "This weekend was the toughest I can remember. We have had to call off a dressage event on June 1, a Horse and Pony Society event on June 3, the show jumping we had planned on June 9 and, just to be safe, we have postponed a one-day event which was to take place on June 23."

He confirmed that the centre is in quarantine and he is following veterinary advice.

"However, there is some good news in that we have been selected to host the British Horse Society's Cross Country Championships in September," he said.