EQUINE students and staff at Craven College will be making the most of next weekend’s Skipton Horse Trials - the first of the two part event this summer.

The trials, described as one of the ‘best grassroots venues’ in the UK and affiliated to British Eventing, will take place on Saturday, June 29, and on Sunday, June 30 and is being held for the 30th year at Funkirk Farm, off the A59 between Skipton and Broughton. Part two is due to take place during the first weekend in August.

Each day will see professional and amateur riders competing in the three disciplines, cross country, showjumping and dressage, providing a great spectacle for the both horsey, and non horsey.

And, it is seen as an integral part of Craven College’s Horse Management calendar, giving students the opportunity to help with fence judging and dressage score running at a major event which just happens to be right on their doorstep.

Paula Hartley, a course tutor is the event secretary, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience with horse trials which she is able to share with students. The college will also be represented at the event with a stall managed by staff and students, Jennifer Huxall, yard manager; Sally Osborne, Joanna Baxter, centre manager; and Saffron Hirst, all there to answer any questions on equine courses and the new facilities including an international sized arena due to be built at the auction mart site this year.

Students will be busy in the days before the event, to help with fence painting, decorating, dressing, setting up dressage arenas, and building the show jump course - all of which helps them see how an affiliated horse trials is organised.

And, the college says such involvement often helps the students decide what career they want to pursue. They can also gather evidence for courses covering units such as ‘industry experience’, ‘jumping over fences’ and ‘event management’.

First year students get to walk the cross country course, preparing them for their second year with a greater understanding of what skills are needed.

Both students and staff, including Joanna Baxter, have competed in the past, and many of the college horses are currently in training for events. Some students will be acting as grooms at next weekend’s event, possibly as part of work experience placements.

Joanna, centre manager, said ‘Skipton Horse Trials are really important to the college. It is right on the doorstep and is a fantastic opportunity for students to assist with the organisation and supporting on the days of the event. They get such a wealth of knowledge from the event, as it covers so many aspects of the equine industry, which encompasses their learning and brings forward the aspects they have been studying. It allows students to focus their mind set of their future career aspirations, whether that be event rider, organiser, groom or employment in so many ancillary industries. Good luck for Skipton 1 2019, and many thanks to the organisers and British Eventing for letting our students be part of the team.”

Entry to the horse trials is £5 for adults, and free for under 16s. Dogs on leads are allowed, and the event includes stalls and refreshments.