College equestrian centre set for growth
SOUTH Staffordshire College’s Equestrian Centre is pressing ahead with expansion plans to meet increasing demand.
Set in a 180-hectare country estate at Rodbaston, near Penkridge, the centre is considered to be one of the best educational equestrian facilities in the UK.
The first phase of the expansion scheme is due to be completed in the spring and the programme will be rolled out to make the venue a centre of equine excellence.
Already a BHS approved centre, the college offers courses for Stage 1 and 2 exams as well as the Horse Owners Certificate and The Riding and Road Safety training and exams.
Looking forward, there will be RDA riding lessons, along with adult summer residential camps offering tuition in dressage, show jumping and cross country.
For the serious competitor there is a full competition programme available covering both affiliated and unaffiliated dressage, also British Show Jumping Association competitions and unaffiliated show jumping.
As part of the investment programme, two of the arenas have recently been resurfaced, while the fully-functional Show Centre has timing and PA equipment.
The project will also see a new Cross Country Schooling Course, which will offer a variety of fences starting from 70cm to suit riders of all abilities, from learners to the more proficient. The Cross Country Schooling Course will also be available for hire by members of the public as well as local pony clubs and riding clubs and for small competitions.
A new Schooling area is being built to include ditches, a variety of fences and an improved water feature. This area will be used as one course or be split into two separate sections to cater for various requirements, rallies and training clinics.
The Centre has also expanded its DIY livery provision, providing stabling and individual paddocks for local riders.
Sally Johnson, Equine Commercial Manager at South Staffordshire College, said, “These exciting new developments will enable us to meet the increasing demand from horse owners.”
