Our student arena party has once again provided a superb service to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), the world’s most famous horse show.

Our team of 38 Level 2 and 3 Diploma students supported the team of international show jumping course designers and other displays for the eighth consecutive year,   proving indispensable to the smooth running of the five day action packed programme.

In addition the students, from both our Nantwich campus and from partner training centre, Croft End Equestrian Centre near Oldham, received a further two days of unique training on health and safety and emergency drills alongside vets and paramedics – a superb addition to their CVs.

Described as ‘exceptional’ by lead course designers Bob Ellis and Kelvin Bywater, who design courses for all major shows on the international calendar including the Olympics, our students enjoyed meeting elite riders, trainers and performers as they supported the world class show jumping, dressage, showing, Pony Club mounted games, scurry driving and equine entertainment.

The students were thanked for their professional and seamless service in front of a packed audience each night and the team has already been invited back for HOYS 2019.

Assistant Principal Sarah Houghton, who with equine course manager Grace Brear and Programme Manager Jessy Law led the team throughout the week, said: “The great thing about HOYS is that the students get to work with top course designers and see all the action from the front.

“They also build great teamwork skills and have an amazing week which they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”

Said Bob Ellis: “Yet again, Reaseheath’s arena party has been exceptional and has helped us to put on a superb show. They are absolutely brilliant in the speed they operate and the responsibility they take. Let’s be fair, we couldn’t put on this show without them.”

Students Charlotte Campbell and Annabelle Hodnett, who met top showjumper John Whitaker among other ‘stars’, said: “We’ve had an amazing time. The opportunity to join the arena party was part of the reason we came to Reaseheath. It’s been an amazing experience and we’ve made friends and memories that will last a lifetime.”

Reaseheath equine students also regularly provide the arena parties for other prestigious events including Bolesworth International. All students are invited to apply to join the arena parties.

For further details about Reaseheath’s equine diplomas and degrees click here www.reaseheath.ac.uk/equine.