Royal letter marks 20 years for Suffolk equine centre
Suffolk Rural's equine centre has received a letter from the Princess Royal congratulating it on 20 years of training learners, as the facility also welcomes new horses and invests in improved facilities.
Why it matters: The centre, based at Suffolk New College's Suffolk Rural campus in Otley, was officially opened by The Princess Royal in April 2006. Two decades on, a letter from Buckingham Palace praised its continued support for "thousands of learners" and its links with businesses and the local community through equine events.
The details: The centre has also welcomed two new horses, George and River, who will permanently reside on the yard alongside Quinn, purchased in 2024. Over the summer, the college also invested in new field shelters to keep the horses cool in summer and dry in winter. The centre's investment in new horses and field shelters totals over £55,000.
What they're saying: Alex Hammond, Head of Animal and Equine Studies at Suffolk Rural, said: "It's exciting to receive a letter from the palace and HRH. It helps us reflect nicely on what we have achieved as a team with the learners and is nice recognition from Princess Anne."
She added: "We are delighted to welcome George and River to the college. They join Quinn, who we purchased in 2024, both have great temperaments and will be great additions to the equine yard.
"Over the summer the college has also invested in field shelters as welfare is a key priority for us as a college and within the Equine department. We have a clear vision for development over the next five years, and are grateful for the support that the college has given to move this forward.
"We are one of the few further education colleges in the region that offer equine courses and have a strong curriculum offer whilst also hosting a range of external events through the commercial hire of the facilities."
Hammond said learners benefit from a "diverse range of industry guest speakers, trips and engagements," adding that the college was "really proud" of the high grades achieved by Level 2 and Level 3 learners this summer.
Rude Morris, a former student who now works at the centre and continues to act as an ambassador for it, said: "It's a really positive place to learn, we recently hosted a 20th anniversary celebration event and former students came to see us from all over the UK. Some had even worked abroad. This place has a special place in my heart. It's positive to see the new investment and see the centre grow over the years. I loved it so much as a student, I came back as a member of staff – so I think that says a lot about how I (and others) feel about this place."
The bottom line: Twenty years after opening, Suffolk Rural's equine centre is marking the milestone with royal recognition, new arrivals on the yard and fresh investment in its facilities, with enrolment now open for the next intake of students.
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