Horses for courses: Suffolk equine centre marks 20 years

Why it matters: Suffolk New College's equine centre, based at its Suffolk Rural campus near Otley, has become a springboard for equestrian careers across the globe since opening in April 2006. The £500,000 facility was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal, and has hosted hundreds of community events in the two decades since.

The details: Around 70 guests – including industry partners and current and former students – gathered to mark the milestone, sharing memories and looking ahead to the next 20 years. The centre currently teaches around 60 students a year and has its own horse, called Quinn.

What they're saying: Karen King, an equine lecturer at the college who was present at the original opening, said: "Princess Anne asked lots of questions and seemed interested in what we were doing. She had a good look around. It was a pleasure to host her."

She added: "We've had lots of success stories with people working in Newmarket, Australia and someone came back to our celebrations who had just got back from Argentina. My message to everyone in the community is thanks so much for the support – and if you haven't been here – then come along to see us and get involved."

The bigger picture: For many former students, the centre proved transformative. Justin Hollis, who studied there 20 years ago, said the experience had set the course for his career: "I remember the teachers who helped me to get to where I am now, which is competing professionally in eventing. The experience has driven me to be where I am today."

Lottie Foster, who completed a level two equine management course around 2018, said the centre had "propelled" her forward: "I had lots of fun and grew up a lot. It helped propel me forward to a career where I'm now working at a stud in Newmarket."

Claire Loud, who was also present at the royal opening, recalled riding in front of Princess Anne: "I remember riding a horse called Cuckoo in front of Princess Anne. We did a drill ride and she then walked down the line and said hello to us and the horses – it was a really good day. Looking back, it set me up for a career in industry – these were the best days of my life."

The bottom line: Two decades on, Suffolk New College's equine centre has established itself as a genuine launchpad for careers in the horse industry – from Suffolk studs to the southern hemisphere – with its alumni reunion a testament to the lasting impact of the facility and its staff.

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