The popular College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe venue announces the start of a 2018/19 development project to enhance existing facilities for competitors, owners and sponsors.
As part of a £750,000 project the centre will expand its provision of surfaced arenas to a total of 17,000 sq metres. The partnership with Martin Collins will see three new 20 x 60m CLOPF Fibre surfaced arenas added in time for use in their first British Eventing fixture of the year (5th – 7th May 2018).
The International Indoor Arena is set to have it’s surface refurbished later this season, with the remaining outdoor arena following suit in 2019.
Keysoe owner Simon Bates added, “It is certainly a big undertaking but we are keen to take Keysoe to new levels. The partnership with Martin Collins enables us to use quality, long lasting surfaces, with the benefit of excellent back up and support.”
Those attending the British Eventing fixture in May will also notice developments to the cross- country course, with new portable fences and a new rail-ditch-rail complex.
“We have further course developments planned for later in the season including a large new water complex. We are also adding sports pitch drainage to a section of the cross country, which will enable us to offer a fully drained grass cross-country schooling area in time for early 2019.”
100 new show stables and an extension to the indoor arena, to house a hospitality suite, will also be included as part of the 2018 project.
Three weeks until the first Keysoe British Eventing fixture of 2018
With three week left until the first of Keysoe’s British Eventing fixtures, some classes remain open for entries on Saturday and Monday.
The Bedfordshire venue looks set to welcome thirteen nations to the three-day fixture, including Junior European Eventing Champion, and recent CIC** winner, Bubby Upton riding her Championship horse Eros DHI in the Open Intermediate. Other notable entries including Tom McEwan who looks to make a quick turnaround from Badminton Horse Trials to compete with six in Monday’s competition.
“Like many venues we have been looking to the weather forecast for the dries weather, but we are drying out and look forward to getting out eventing fixtures underway. All dressage will take place on a surface, along with the show jumping which will take place in the International Outdoor Arena.” Simon Bates.
