Equine riders based at Halkirk take part in Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham
Staff from a rural education centre in Halkirk, along with one of their students, are taking part in the prestigious Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham this weekend.
The show, one of the UK’s leading equestrian events, is currently under way and is taking place until Sunday.
James Munro and Russell Skelton, who deliver the BA (Hons) degree in Equine Business Management, are competing at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with three qualified horses: Jamie’s Future, Edenagor Ned and Origis.
Each horse qualified through affiliated classes earlier this season, meeting the high standard required to compete at the event.
James will contest the Lightweight Show Hunter of the Year with Origis and will also partner Edenagor Ned in the Middleweight Show Hunter of the Year, with both combinations having qualified at the Royal Highland Show earlier this year. Both horses are six years old and in their novice season and have already achieved multiple wins and championships at events across the country.
Russell will partner with Jamie's Future in the Heavyweight Show Hunter of the Year. Jamie’s Future is also six years old and in his first season showing, having previously competed in eventing as a five-year-old.
Also competing from UHI North, West and Hebrides is second-year Equine Business Management degree student, Madelaine Archibald, who has qualified for show jumping.
Claire Thomson, curriculum manager for equine at UHI North, West and Hebrides, congratulated all the competitors.
She said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to see both our staff and students qualify for HOYS. It’s a fantastic achievement that reflects the passion, dedication and talent across our equine team.
“Our students benefit hugely from learning alongside professionals who not only teach with excellence but also compete at the very highest level. Well done to everyone for making it to HOYS and we can’t wait to hear how they all get on!”
UHI North, West and Hebrides offers equine courses from entry-level to postgraduate, and blend academic study with practical, hands-on experience. As a British Horse Society-approved centre, learners at the Rural Studies Centre at Halkirk also have access to training for BHS exams and industry-recognised qualifications.
The Horse of the Year Show runs from Thursday to Sunday at the NEC Birmingham, with highlights available on Channel 4 at the end of the week.