Our student arena party has once again provided a superb service to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), earning praise from leading industry professionals.
For the ninth consecutive year, 40 Level 2 and 3 Diploma students worked alongside a team of international show jumping course designers at the world’s most famous horse show. They also supported the dressage Future Elite Championship, the finals of the Pony Club Mounted Games, the harness scurry finals and the exciting artistic displays.
In addition the students, from both our Nantwich campus and from partner training centre, Croft End Equestrian Centre near Oldham, received 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 designer Bob Ellis, who designs show jumping courses for all major shows on the international calendar including the Olympics, our students enjoyed meeting elite riders, trainers and performers.
Thanking our students for their professional and seamless service, Bob, who received a tremendous send off after announcing his retirement, said: “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. This is due to Reaseheath’s staff, who lead from the front and ensure standards remain high.”
Jane Warmington, Operations Manager for Grandstand Media Ltd., said: “We continue to invite Reaseheath College to provide the arena party and other services at HOYS because the quality of their students is really first class. They are polite, upbeat, reliable and work well with our course designers. They play a big part in ensuring that all elements in the Andrew Bowen International Arena and Top Spec Arena run like clockwork.
“In addition the students have organised and manned a mini jumping course to raise money for this year’s HOYS nominated charity, the Centaurus Trust, and helped us to operate the horse entry and exit tunnel in the International arena.
“We will certainly be inviting them to HOYS again next year.”
Assistant Principal Sarah Houghton, who with equine course managers Natalie Bampton and Lucy Bexon led the team throughout the five day show, added: “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.”
Students Izzy Cameron, who met her idol, world champion dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin, said: “We’ve had an amazing opportunity to work with international course builders and professional stunt riders 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 and Kelsall Hill.
For further details about Reaseheath’s equine diplomas and degrees visit www.reaseheath.ac.uk/equine
