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Princess Anne to unveil new equestrian centre





Princess Anne is to officially open the new equestrian centre at Dale Farm. Photo: Alasdair Allen
Princess Anne is to officially open the new equestrian centre at Dale Farm. Photo: Alasdair Allen

A NEW Caithness equestrian centre aiming to become the number one facility in the UK for equine studies is to get the royal seal of approval this summer.

Princess Anne is to officially open the purpose-built facility at Dale Farm, near Halkirk, on July 3. The red-letter day will coincide with the completion of works at the site, which now boasts international-sized outdoor and indoor arenas, a tack room and 20 loose boxes as well as two high-spec classrooms and modern office suites.

North Highland College UHI principal Gordon Jenkins said: “The Princess Royal has maintained a keen interest in our equestrian curriculum over the years.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our new facility and associated curriculum developments, including the introduction of our new BA degree in equine business management.”

The college is aiming to make the centre the number one destination to study equine courses in the UK and students who have qualified there have already gone on to work at top stables, including Skibo Castle and the Lewitz Stud run by Paul Schockemöhle in Germany.

Staff and students began using the equestrian centre, situated six miles from the main campus in Thurso, in September. There are currently 45 full-time students enrolled on equestrian programmes ranging from National Certificate to BA degree.

A full range of courses is now being offered at the equestrian centre, including the NC horse care and HNC equine studies, HND equine studies and Bachelor of Arts equine business management. In addition, college staff have established strong links with stables across the country to run the equestrian skills flexible study programme throughout the country.


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