The Board of Newton Rigg Ltd have decided to cease their support for Newton Rigg Equestrian with effect from 30th April 2024.
The closure means as of 1st May 2024 there will be no Equestrian events held at Newton Rigg Equestrian.
Newton Rigg Limited, established following the closure of Newton Rigg College in 2021, has announced that Newton Rigg Equestrian Centre will be closing at the end of April 2024.
Despite working closely with the landlord and the equine team to turnaround what the board of Newton Rigg Ltd have said is “a financially unviable part of Newton Rigg”, the board said it cannot see a sustainable future for this aspect of the charity.
A representative said, “Newton Rigg simply cannot afford to underwrite an unprofitable and long-term unsustainable part of the organisation which is not a core part of the educational remit of the charity”.
In March 2022 the board of Newton Rigg Ltd said the reopening of the Equestrian Centre was a historic first step in the rejuvenation of activity and education at the Newton Rigg site, at the time they thanked the “generous support of the site’s new owners who share their commitment to re-building land-based education in Cumbria”.
It claimed that Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events would not only enable the continued use of the sites outstanding facilities, but provide revenue to underpin wider educational plans.
On announcing the closure Newton Rigg Ltd said “All other key educational activities remain and continue to grow including the horticultural courses, advanced dairy management, nature journaling, training for land-based employees, wellbeing, digital skills, ecology, conservation, soil management and towards a zero carbon environment for farmers and growers courses.”
The board also expressed their sincere thanks to Debbie Wicks and the equine team for their work during this uncertain and difficult time.
Following an outpouring of comments on the announcement of the closure on Saturday Debbie Wicks in an online statement said “Thank you all so much for your kind words - which have literally brought me to tears. I appreciate each and everyone.... and I hope that your comments are read and absorbed by those who have made this decision”.
One of the regular users of the Newton Rigg Equestrian Centre said “This decision is such a blow to the whole community!! Think of all those people who have had the opportunity to take part in or spectate at events… people who have learned new skills and developed confidence and have really valued having this resource close to home. And don’t get me started on the hundreds of children attending pony club and other activities with the considerable benefits that brings to our next generation!! Newton Rigg equestrian also had a positive ripple effect across the area, bringing in people from outside who in turn supported other local businesses… endless impact that is so much more than the eye can see!! Is the board aware how much of a community resource it has become?”
In response to comments around the closure a spokes person for Newton Rigg Equestrian Centre said that the site owner has been incredibly supportive and helpful and have gone above and beyond to enable the equine business to operate providing Newton Rigg Ltd invaluable cash flow, securing their status for the past 2 years. The closure is the decision of, and entirely Newton Rigg Ltd.
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