Pets at Home has acquired online and catalogue equestrian retailer Ride-Away, which is expected to “significantly expand” the retailer’s specialist credentials.

Ride-Away, which sells equestrian products, clothing and equipment, recorded sales of £6.7m in 2011. It was founded by Stephen and Angela Clark in 1980.

Pets at Home currently has a “very limited” equestrian offer.

Pets at Home chief executive Nick Wood said: “By deploying our wealth of experience and resources to support an accelerated growth plan we look forward to developing the business further over the coming years.” 

Although primarily an etailer, Ride-Away operates a 15,000 sq ft store in Yorkshire.

In a joint statement Stephen and Angela Clark said: “Having decided to sell our family business it was important to us that we found a buyer who shares the values that have underpinned the growth of Ride-Away to date.

“Given the experience and resources that Nick and his team have at their disposal we believe they can successfully build on the very strong foundation we are proud to have built over the last 32 years.”