Our student arena party has helped organisers at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre to run its inaugural international British Eventing (BE) Horse Trials.
The event, run over three days at the centre’s brand new competition facility, offered classes from BE 90 to Open Intermediate CCI-S 3* and attracted elite athletes including Olympic contenders.
As well as carrying out well rehearsed duties in the practice and showjumping arenas, our students were able to watch the action on the imposing cross country course, designed by Captain Mark Philips, and benefited from a cross country course walk with Reaseheath Course Manager and Accredited Professional Coach Lucy Bexon.
Thanking our students, Phil Latham, Managing Director of Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre said: “This is a really exciting time for us. It has been wonderful to open our new facility and to welcome competitors to our first international horse trials.
“We have a long standing and valued partnership with Reaseheath’s equine department, which has provided an arena party at our events for some years. The student team always delivers a reliable and efficient service and this enhances the event experience for our competitors.
“The students are a fantastic help both to our centre and to our industry. In addition, they enjoy being with us because they have a real job with real responsibilities.”
Chinese Olympic event rider Alex Hua Tian added: “When competing, especially at an international event like this, it’s very reassuring to know that the arena party are well trained. Having Reaseheath’s students on duty in the showjumping phase is great from a competitor’s perspective, and they have also been really helpful in the warm-up arena.”
Level 3 Diploma in Equine Science student Hayleigh Blissett said: “It’s been specially exciting to be part of this event because of the international and elite riders who are competing. It’s been very inspiring to watch them and also very interesting to see how the whole event runs so seamlessly.
“I’d like a career in equine event management so it has been great to get this behind-the-scenes experience.”
Curriculum Area Manager Jess Hassall-Gibson emphasised: “Being part of an elite competition such as this is invaluable, as it gives our students the chance to gain real-life skills and experience to add to their CVs and to build contacts with industry professionals.”
Our equine arena parties are regularly invited to provide their services to other prestigious shows such as the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Bolesworth International and Aintree racecourse and we are looking forward to supporting more equine sporting events as Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed.
