Historic step for future of Newton Rigg begins

“A pivotal moment for Cumbria” is how the reopening of equestrian facilities at the former Newton Rigg College has been described by those behind the move.

Newton Rigg Ltd, the community organisation which is driving the new developments, says the equestrian facilities at the former college are being reopened later this month thanks to the support and collaboration of the site’s new owners.

The major owners are local firms AW Jenkinson and Omega Proteins, which is part of the Leo Group, who are said to share a commitment to rebuilding land-based education in Cumbria.

This is not only a “pivotal moment for Cumbria” but a “historic first step in the rejuvenation of activity and education at the Newton Rigg site”, said Newton Rigg Ltd.

Horse and pony enthusiasts have given an enthusiastic welcome to the news that training courses and facility hire for events ranging from show jumping and dressage to mounted archery will be provided at the site by Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events ­- part of Newton Rigg Ltd.

A statement said Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events will not only enable the continued use of the site’s 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 with the aim of rebuilding land-based education in Cumbria.

Professor Andy Cobb, chairman of Newton Rigg Ltd, said: “The reopening of Newton Rigg’s fantastic equine facilities marks a pivotal moment for Cumbria. We are holding very exciting discussions about reopening other parts of the site for education.  We believe 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.”

One of the main users of the facilities before Askham Bryan closed them down was Ellen Jones, of Sparket Equestrian Events.  Ellen is delighted she will be able to hold shows and training days there once again from the middle of this month.

She said: “This is such positive news. The equestrian side of the rural community is getting bigger year on year.  There are more horses and ponies locally than ever before, but Cumbria is woefully short of facilities like this for holding events, so the demand is there.”

Ellen ­- who also chairs the Cumbria branch of the British Show Pony Society ­- added that the availability of facilities like those at Newton Rigg is vital to keep the area’s rural economy growing, with many county businesses relying on the equestrian sector.

The Fell Pony Society North West Area Support Group already has three events booked at Newton Rigg. Sue Millard, a long serving member of the society, said: “As a former lecturer at Newton Rigg, I’m delighted to see the campus being used again. I’m sure the local equestrian groups will soon have to compete for dates to hold their clinics, competitions, rallies and summer camps there.”

One such group is the North West Driving Club, which is holding a training day at Newton Rigg with Libby Priest on 27th March. Club secretary Alison Bell said: “This is absolutely brilliant for equestrians around here ­- it’s the best news I’ve had all year.”

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 an experienced management team.

Andrew said: “Newton Rigg’s equestrian facilities are exceptional and we are very proud to see them reopened in such a way that will support and underpin our wider ambitions for land-based education in Cumbria and at Newton Rigg. The business is already gathering pace at incredible speed, with the first bookings and events taking place from February 14.”

Managing the services on offer is Debbie Wicks, who has experience as an equestrian competitor over more than 40 years and has a passion for business development, sales and marketing. She is the Eden councillor for Greystoke.

Debbie said: “I am thrilled to be able to help develop the equestrian facilities back at Newton Rigg.  I am happy to speak with anyone wishing to hire the facilities ­- or partner with us to provide sponsorship, advertising and equipment on site.”

A new website is in the works for Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events, but the team are already taking bookings. Contact them at [email protected]