Warrens Hall Riding School Wins Community Impact Award at Business of the Year awards

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Warrens Hall Riding School Wins Community Impact Award at Business of the Year awards

Oldbury, West Midlands –Warrens Hall Riding School, is proud to announce that it has been named Community Impact Winner at the prestigious Business of the Year Awards, held on 26 February at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham.

Warrens Hall Riding School is owned by the CEO of GMS Group and is where the GMS Head Office resides.

The award recognises organisations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to giving back to their region through meaningful, measurable community engagement. Warrens Hall Riding School was selected in recognition of its transformational work across the Black Country since its acquisition by the Male Family Group in January 2021.

Following a £500,000 investment and a clear vision to create a safe, inclusive and accessible equestrian environment, Warrens Hall Riding School has delivered:

  • Over 10,000 riding lessons
  • More than 1,500 pony sessions
  • Partnerships with 17 local schools, with a strong focus on SEND provision
  • 880 funded Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) places, with a further 240 scheduled
  • Delivery of the GEN 22 Programme to 20 individuals, including equine training and Makaton Level 1
  • A joint venture equine-assisted therapy programme supporting children’s mental health
  • Over 50 work experience placements
  • Support for apprentices completing NVQs and ABRS qualifications

At the heart of the organisation’s success is its commitment to inclusion. From sensory-led school sessions and supported internships to holiday provision for children receiving free school meals, Warrens Hall Riding School ensures that access to equine experiences is not limited by background or circumstance.

In 2025, the school launched its “Rein & Shine” joint venture with The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, providing structured equine-assisted therapy sessions for children experiencing mental health challenges. The programme has already delivered over 30 sessions and continues to expand, offering support not only to children but also to their parents and guardians.

Neil Male, owner of Warrens Hall Riding School, who is also the owner of GMS Group, said:

“Winning the Community Impact Award is an incredible honour for our whole team. Everything we do is rooted in making a difference – whether that’s building confidence in a young rider, supporting a child’s mental health journey, or providing opportunities to families who might otherwise miss out.

GMS Group is proud to be the lead sponsor of Warren Hall, providing vital funds which are used to enhance the experience for visitors to the Riding School, underpinning our commitment to the local community.

This award belongs to our staff, our volunteers, our partners, and of course, our wonderful horses, who make the magic happen every single day.”

With 15 staff members and a growing network of partners, the school continues to prioritise sustainability, accessibility and long-term community benefit. Its future vision includes transitioning to charitable status to further strengthen its ability to serve the region.

Judges praised Warrens Hall Riding School for combining commercial stability with authentic social value, demonstrating how a small business can create profound regional impact.

Based on Oakham Road, Tividale, Oldbury, Warrens Hall Riding School remains committed to enriching lives across the Black Country through horses, wellbeing and opportunity.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Megan Winup
Office Manager
Warrens Hall Riding School
megan@malefamily.co.uk
01384 455 473