Construction is under way on a £700,000 modern arena at Hartpury to expand its range of world-leading facilities, further enhance the student learning experience and increase equine and canine research opportunities.
The Equine and Animal Assisted Arena (EAAA) will consist of a covered indoor arena and covered round pen that will provide a contemporary learning environment for Hartpury University and Hartpury College students enrolled on equine, human-animal interaction and canine diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
As well as enabling students to gain practical skills and knowledge, the facilities will deliver a modern setting for equine and canine research and development projects, dog agility training, equitation clinics and animal-assisted therapy.
The development has had significant backing from charitable trusts and foundations keen to join Hartpury in its commitment to improve animal welfare and engagement in human-animal interaction activities to support local people.
The EAAA will augment the current range of world-class facilities at Hartpury’s renowned equine centre, including the indoor Hartpury Arena, the International Outdoor Arena, the Margaret Giffen Centre for Rider Performance and the Equine Therapy Centre.
Originally planned for last year but delayed due to covid-19, the project is being undertaken by longstanding partners Andrews Bowen Equine Developments, an official surface supplier to Hartpury, and is expected to be completed by the end of August ahead of an official opening.
Russell Marchant, vice-chancellor of Hartpury University and principal of Hartpury College, said: “We’re delighted that construction is now under way on the Equine and Animal Assisted Arena, which will be an important addition to our current range of facilities on campus.
“We’d like to express our deepest thanks to all the supporting trusts involved in helping to fund the project – the Margaret Giffen Charitable Trust, the Childwick Trust and the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust – and to the Office for Students for providing a grant.”
