Horse riders and villagers are fearful of what will become of an equestrian centre which is closing after more than 30 years.

Patchetts Green Equestrian Centre, in Aldenham, which hosts both British Dressage (BD) and British Showjumping (BS) events, will run until Monday, August 3, after which it will officially close.

In an official statement, the centre said: "It is a very sad decision that we are having to close Patchetts Equestrian Centre.

"The centre has not been economically viable for some considerable time and has been supported independently by the McTaggart family for several years, now as a loss making venture purely for the love of the sport.

"However the continued personal support in the present economic situation can no longer be sustained.

"This is a very sad time for all of us at Patchetts and for you as our clients whether as liveries, competitors or clients that used our facilities we can only thank you for the loyalty you have shown to us and we hope you will have had many happy experiences and memories over the years that you have been here.

"On behalf of Patchetts and the McTaggart family we realise that this will be disappointing news for you all but for us after 32 years it has been a very hard decision to make."

Patchetts hosts regional championships and is an Area Festival venue in dressage. In showjumping it hosts Horse of the Year Show qualifiers and in showing both affiliated and unaffiliated events.

Riders on Facebook have expressed their regret at the closure.

Caroline Matthews said: "Oh that is sad news as such a lovely venue where I was made to feel very welcome at a three day BSJA show.

"Running a large private yard ourselves I can fully understand the hard work and costs that would have been involved running such a great facility.

"Thank you for supporting the equestrian world for so long and good luck for the future."

Rhoda Harrison added: "Devastating for the equestrian community in the area and for me - I first competed at Patchetts in the late 1970's and was competing there last Saturday.

"It is the only competition venue of this standard in Hertfordshire and will be desperately missed."

However, some are worried the centre will be turned into housing.

Liz Morris said: "Patchetts should remain an equestrian facility, it's been a riding stables for years, all the character of the place will go if 60 houses are built on it.

"Patchetts Green won't be the same without the stables and the horses."