Carrington Riding Centre celebrates capital investment in style
On 4 October, Carrington Riding Centre near Manchester celebrated in style last week with a relaunch party to show off their stunning new facilities to prospective horse riders. The popular school now boasts a third outdoor arena and a brand new training/social room. It is all thanks to £1 for £1 match funding from Sport England made available through the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) Olympic and Paralympic legacy programme, Hoof, that aims to increase participation in horse riding.
International showjumper William Whitaker helped to get the festivities underway and got stuck in, assisting with the demos and free pony rides on offer. The 23 year old World Class Development rider from Huddersfield also climbed on board the centre’s state of the art riding simulator, Othello to put him through his paces. Over 200 people attended and all were treated to a warm welcome from the Carrington team who were keen to share information on riding opportunities available including a new Hoof course for adult returning riders 'Take Back the Reins'.
Centre Manager, Sharon Groos, commented:
“It was a great event. It's not often I feel overwhelmed but tonight had me 'almost' speechless! The support that we received not only from the BEF and William Whitaker, but from the community itself has been fantastic. I think from every perspective, we have the most wonderful people working with us who are the biggest credit to our riding school. Thank you to everyone who came for making tonight the best night ever!”
William Whitaker commented:
“Horse riding is a great sport for everyone to keep you fit and active. The Olympics really inspired me to put in the hours and hopefully get the rewards, I’m excited to go out there and get it. All the people here at Carrington looked like they were having a good time. With these great new facilities there’ll be no stopping them now either; it’s got to be bums in saddles and keep going!”
Prior to the project the popular centre was struggling to fulfil the demands of their local community due to limited arena space. Since the project was completed in mid September the centre has already filled its six Take Back the Reins courses to the brim, confirmed additional dates for British Horse Society Examinations and been able to offer the use of the teaching room to the local branch of the Pony Club for training days. With its new facilities and such enthusiasm this north-west riding centre is going from strength to strength.
Hoof is the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) Olympic and Paralympic legacy programme which aims to encourage more people to take up horse riding, driving, vaulting and volunteering. By connecting people to riding centres, schools, clubs and equestrian sporting organisations, Hoof, supported by Sport England funding, is helping more people to discover horses, get fit and improve their wellbeing.
Hoof capital funding grants are awarded to those projects that can most clearly demonstrate they will deliver increased participation in equestrianism and will have a positive and sustainable impact in their local community. Since 2010 over £625,000 has been awarded, funding 35 separate projects throughout England.
Take Back The Reins, a series of seven lessons aimed at improving confidence in the saddle for new and lapsed riders in a fun and social environment, is proving highly popular since the improvements to the centre with three courses filled already. The current sessions that the centre offer on a Wednesday evening at 7pm, Thursday evening at 7.30pm and a Saturday afternoon at 3pm also include a mini supper or afternoon tea where participants are able to chat and giggle through their lessons experience.
More information on Hoof can be found through the website
More information on Carrington Riding Centre can be found on their website
