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Elmtree Equestrian and Construction – “A Family Affair”

“Ultimate Bespoke Equestrian Establishments from design conception to Construction Completion”

Both Elmtree Equestrian and Elmtree Construction are family owned by husband and wife team, Bruce and Kim Clark. Based in Granborough, Buckinghamshire and covering the Midlands and the South East, these two businesses, residing under the Elmtree Enterprises Ltd umbrella, design and build bespoke equestrian establishments – think “The Saville Row” of equestrian premises. 

Back in 1984 working with his brother Tim Clark, the brothers set up Clark Contracting which started out as predominately an agricultural contracting company but over time diversified into a quarrying, haulage and construction company. Bruce and Tim built their first outdoor Manege at a time when surfaced arenas truly were few and far between. This arena was built for their parents and is still in use today, testimony to their construction skills.  All aspects of construction were undertaken from building houses and roads (Luton relief road) to more unusually the construction of weirs. However, having a passion for all aspects of equestrianism and a solid civil engineering background Bruce wanted to focus more on the construction of private equestrian properties and equestrian centers and therefore left Clark Contracting. So back in 2001 setting up in partnership with his wife Kim, Elmtree Equestrian and Elmtree Construction were born.

We would, however, be forgiven for solely associating the Elmtree Group with the build of arenas, as at some time or other most of us will have ridden on an Elmtree designed and constructed one. Perhaps the lesser known side of the business is the bespoke design and construction of equestrian establishments, which Bruce prefers to “Build from scratch.”  With over 25 years of experience, his qualifications are numerous for dealing with the trials, tribulations, and limitations of constructing these unique establishments and with a solid working background in all aspects of civil engineering, Bruce says he “Likes to build what others cannot.”  He goes on to state that with every commission being so personal to the client and individual in design, every build is a challenge and joy to undertake. With a very relaxed, honest and self-effacing manner Bruce is rather reticent about his construction achievements which are many and rather beautiful. Sadly, he will not be drawn on which pop stars and royalty he has undertaken commissions for, which is in keeping with his professional attitude on client confidentiality.  

The process starts with the “clients” conceptual idea. With Bruce’s insight of “living and breathing” horses from a very young age, he is well equipped to offer invaluable advice on design and safety to assist clients in realizing their dream equestrian facilities. Elmtree undertakes projects from the construction of indoor and outdoor arenas, lunge pens, canter tracks/gallops, preparation and supply of horse walkers, construction of steel framed buildings planning advice and consultancy, ground works, landscaping and project management.  All work is carried out in-house by three experienced teams of ground workers, carpenters and bricklayers and each project are overseen by Bruce whose attention to detail is second to none. Out of the numerous equestrian facilities he has designed and built, I asked Bruce which builds he is particularly proud of, “Radnage House” he says without hesitation. A tiny bit of sentimentality creeps in as it transpires that Bruce learned to ride at Radnage when in a previous life it was a riding school. The transformation of this former riding school took about a year to modernize, the current facilities were improved upon with the addition of new stabling, wash off box, isolation unit, a brand new indoor school with irrigation system and two viewing galleries, 30x60 outdoor school,  horse walker, solarium and grooms accommodation. I for one was so pleased to see the stable doors remained red!