Professional trainer John Hill launched the addition to Hulne Park Livery Yard indoor arena with a demonstration in dressage skills on Monday.

The new gallery has more than 65 seats and 70 people turned out to watch John, a freelance equestrian trainer, put riders through their paces before going on to give a display with his best horse, Far Afield, who has competed at the country's premier dressage events.

The evening was declared an overwhelming success by yard manager Justine Hughes, who said the new facility would be an asset to local riders.

Justine said: "The evening was hugely successful. The number of people who bought tickets to come along to the event is proof that a facility like this is very welcome in the area.

"We will be holding lots of different demonstrations in the future, fulfilling people's equestrian needs and requirements, which I am looking forward to organising in the near future."

She added: "I would like to thank John for a super demonstration and to everyone who came along on the night, which was a complete sell-out.

"I would also like to give a huge thanks to all of our sponsors: Alnwick Tyres, AFS, Auto Start, Sharkies, Hulne Park Sawmill and to John's pupils who took part in the demonstration."

John, of Bowsden, who has twice competed at Burghley Horse Trials and the National Dressage Championships, said: "As a trainer, it is invaluable to have facilities like this.

It's all part of making the sport more accessible to people at any level.

"Dressage in particular is enjoying a real rise in popularity.

"Celebrities like Katie Price have become hooked on the sport which has really driven its profile in the media and more and more people are taking up the sport."

John, who has recently qualified Far Afield plus his two other campaigning rides Remember Me and Windrush Big Ben for the National Championships regional qualifiers in August, added: "I'm delighted to have been here tonight to launch this new facility and hope those who came along enjoyed the evening and went away having learnt new skills and techniques to improve their own riding whatever their level."


The Hulne Park Livery indoor school and gallery is available for hire at the price of £10 per hour.

For more information, contact Justine Hughes on 01665 606 600 or 07971077713. You can also email her at justine.hulne_park@yahoo.co.uk

Contact John via his website www.johnhillequestriantraining.co.uk