BRITAIN'S top showjumping course builder has been recruited to help develop an equine teaching centre at Newton Rigg College.

Andrew Bowen, who built the acclaimed arena at Greenwich for the London 2012 Olympics, has been involved in the new Eden facility.

The centre, which will hold showjumping competitions as well as teaching equestrian students, is part of the £3 million redevelopment programme at Newton Rigg.

The equine department includes a new indoor school as well as the re-surfacing of the outdoor arena, which is now complete.

Mr Bowen was briefed by the college was to create a top educational facility and competition venue, suitable for use by equestrian enthusiasts across the UK, as well as for the college's growing number of equine students.

The £250,000 project follows new stabling built last year and the recent refurbishment of the college’s equine administration and lecture hub, in the Grizedale Building. It is anticipated that the indoor school will be finished early next year.

The head of equine studies, Philip Grant, said: “This is a hugely exciting project and will create a first class base for students and also enable us to stage a whole raft of competitions, affiliated and unaffiliated, which will be of interest to riders from across the country.”

Both arenas have equi-tread rubber surfaces; the indoor school will have the benefit of a 300-spectator gallery with tiered seating plus the area around will be landscaped and have a lorry parking area.

“Our aim is for Newton Rigg to become “the” destination for all things equestrian in the region and beyond, and this is the next stage in achieving that,” added Mr Grant. “Going forward we plan to build on our focus as a competition centre and host British Eventing horse trials, hold British Driving Society and dressage events and also introduce instruction in arena polo and side saddle riding.“

“Partnership working with people from the industry has been a heart of our plans,” said Mr Grant. “Their input as part of the steering committee has been invaluable and ensures that the education and facilities we offer our students are totally industry-focused.”

Courses offered at Newton Rigg College range from Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas in equine management and horse care, through to the degree programmes at Newton Rigg’s sister college, Askham Bryan at York. There are also a full range of part time and day courses. Scholarships are also offered.

In addition, the college has also invested in a new weighbridge which will not only be useful as part of students' practical learning, but will be offered as a free service to anyone wanting to monitor their horse's condition. It is anticipated that this will be particularly useful to competition riders in the North West.