A store supplying essential goods to the equestrian community on Canvey and beyond has opened.

Castle Point Equine is located within the Charfleets industrial estate in the grounds of Camping and General. They sell horse feed, supplements, first aid, grooming products, treats and yard essentials.

Demie Evans opened the store at the beginning of the month, and she has been bowled over by the support of the community.

“Everyone has been really supportive of the store and happy to have it on the Island and not have to travel for miles to get essential items for their horses,” said Demie, 33.

“I used to drive all the way to Battlesbridge for horse feed which is a 20-mile round trip for me and often I would get caught in traffic.”

Echo: Keen horse rider - Demie EvansKeen horse rider - Demie Evans (Image: Demie Evans)

The keen horse rider says that there is a horse riding community on Canvey and the store has been a welcome addition.

“I have felt for a while that a store has been needed on Canvey and I am happy to have launched the business here,” said Demi.

Having started riding from a young age, horses are a big part of Demie’s life.

“I have been riding since I was a child and now I have two horses Brian and Lindy. My mum Michelle and my step-dad Keith also have three horses,” explained Demie.

Echo: Welcoming - Castle Point Equine storeWelcoming - Castle Point Equine store (Image: Demie Evans)

She is happy to be able to provide a vital service to the equestrian community.

“I love horses and it has been nice to open a business that is connected to something I love and to be able provide the daily essentials for looking after horses,” she said.

“There are five or so stables on Canvey where people keep their horses and so I felt it was important to have somewhere here where people can get their daily supplies from.”

The mum of two five-year-old twins is also a nurse by day.

“It is my first business and I am really enjoying it. It is a bit different to nursing, which I also love. My mum helps out with the store during the week while I am working and then I step in on the other days.”

For more information search “Castle Point Equine” on Facebook.