Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre’s owner Jackie Kemp has unveiled plans to help develop the current depth of emerging talent in Scotland.
The Falkirk centre will host regular, affordable clinics with top-class professionals for riders of all levels.
“The aim is for Kingsbarn to be a training academy to help young showjumpers progress,” said Jackie.
“It will be aimed at helping and talent-spotting children and teenagers, but is not exclusive to youngsters.
“We particularly want to reach those who can’t afford training,” she added.
A variety of trainers, including Scottish number one Scott Brash and international course designer Mark McGowan, have agreed to take a reduction in their fee for training until the centre has secured funding.
“[This initiative] has been lacking in Scotland, with certain centres only occasionally running clinics and almost always with the same person,” said Mr McGowan.
“Jackie is committed to involving a host of trainers, coaches and riders on a regular basis to boost the profile of the sport up here.”
The catalyst for Kingsbarn’s new development was a bumper year for Scottish riders. They constituted about a third of 2010’s Horse of the Year Show finalists — one of whom was young rider Greg Taylor, who is based at Kingsbarn.
Jackie hopes to officially launch the training academy this spring.
For information, email jackie@kingsbarnequestrian.co.uk
