Re-opening of Newton Rigg’s equestrian centre is pivotal moment for Cumbria

Newton Rigg Ltd are delighted to announce the re-opening of the equestrian facilities at Newton Rigg, thanks to the support and collaboration of the site’s new owners.

Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events - part of community organisation Newton Rigg Ltd - will provide training courses and facility hire for events from showjumping and dressage to mounted archery.

Newton Rigg Ltd say that this is a historic first step in the rejuvenation of activity and education at the Newton Rigg site, thanks to the generous support of the site’s new owners who share their commitment to re-building land-based education in Cumbria. Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events will not only enable the continued use of the sites outstanding facilities, but provide revenue to underpin wider educational plans. The business will operate alongside NR Training - also part of Newton Rigg Ltd - which launched last year to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria.

Professor Andy Cobb, Chairman of Newton Rigg Ltd, said “The re-opening of Newton Rigg’s fantastic equine facilities marks a pivotal moment for Cumbria. We are holding very exciting discussions about re-opening of other parts of the site for education, and believe that this step will be the first of many as our rural community works together to restore the educational provision at Newton Rigg for Cumbria and beyond.”

Newton Rigg Ltd Director Andrew Counsell, a previous Head of Equine Studies and Land-Based College Principal, has spearheaded the development of Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events along with a highly experienced and passionate management team.

Andrew said, "Newton Rigg’s equestrian facilities are exceptional, and we are very proud to see them re-opened, in such a way that will support and underpin our wider ambitions for land-based education in Cumbria and at Newton Rigg. We are very fortunate to have such an experienced and passionate team driving the equestrian offer and the business is already gathering pace at incredible speed with the first bookings and events taking place from 14th February.”

Managing the services on offer at Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events, on behalf of Newton Rigg Ltd, is Debbie Wicks (nee Cowdery) who combines her experience as an equestrian competitor of over 40 years, her passion for business development, sales & marketing and, as an Eden Councillor, her focus on the people and communities of Cumbria.

Debbie said, “I am thrilled to be able to help develop the Equestrian facilities back at Newton Rigg, and am happy to speak with anyone wishing to hire the facilities - or partner with us to provide sponsorship, advertising and equipment on site. Our aim is to provide a top class facility - and we have the team to do that. The response to date, on our social media, has been phenomenal!”

Having undergone major improvements between 2014-2015, Newton Rigg’s equestrian centre provided top class facilities for both events and education. The centre offers a large outdoor school and modern stabling, as well as an indoor school with large seated viewing gallery and arena fit for competitions and events at national level. The Equestrian centre had been out of use since Newton Rigg College was closed by previous owners Askham Bryan College. Since, Newton Rigg Ltd has been campaigning to retain use of the site and facilities for education, while also working to rebuild land-based education by offering a growing range of courses as NR Training.

A new website is in the pipeline for Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events, but the team are already taking bookings via Facebook and directly. To enquire, email events@newtonriggequestrian.co.uk. Bookings can also be made via a booking portal on the Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events Facebook page.