INTERNATIONAL event rider Nicola Wilson was the special guest at the launch of Skipton Craven College’s new £2 million equestrian centre.

It was one of first public appearances of the Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games rider since she suffered a serious fall in May while competing at the Badminton Horse Trials.

Nicola, a gold medallist in the World Equestrian Games and a silver medalist at the 2012 Olympic Games, spent nearly five months in hospital undergoing spinal rehabilitation and is still receiving treatment.

Craven Arena, a project with Craven Cattle Marts, and next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, is the new home of Craven Equine, which offers full and part-time courses to students.

The facility features a 69 metre by 35 metre indoor arena, which will be open to the public, 22 stables, outdoor warm-up arenas, acres of turn-out land, turn-out pens, as well as practical teaching areas, tack rooms and feed areas.

Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony, Nicola said: “These facilities at Craven Arena really are outstanding. To see the students learning and working in this wonderful environment is fantastic. “As well as learning spaces for students it’s great that you can hire these facilities and take part in clinics and I know many people will want to do that.

“The view from the arena is breathtaking and to be able to be under cover in these facilities sheltered from our Yorkshire weather is definitely a good thing. Well done to the team and congratulations on the launch of Craven Arena.”

Stephen Morton, chair of the board of governors at Craven College, said he was delighted to see the facility open.

“Craven College’s Equine department is currently home to 39 full-time students with many more studying on our short courses throughout the year.

“The expansion and relocation to Craven Arena will support us in meeting our projected targets to enrol over 80 equine further and higher education students by 2025. Craven Arena is an investment in our students, the equine sector and our community, and we’re thrilled that our centre now can open its doors.”

The new facility is housed within Craven Cattle Marts estate; Kevin Wilson, chair of the Craven Cattle Marts board, said it was an example of a unique and successful partnership.

He said: “From a Craven Cattle Marts perspective, this is the culmination of six years hard work and discussion. The partnership achieved in the past 22 years between the college and Craven Cattle Marts is unique and above all successful. This is because we share a common goal.

“The college is at the heart of the community as a learning provider and CCM at the centre of the rural community providing a service with a cooperative intent for trading customers.”

Joanna Baxter, head of the equine and land-based studies at Craven College, said: “We’re so pleased to have celebrated our official opening of Craven Arena and the launch of Craven Equine and we’ve been thrilled to have Nicola, Jeanette and Robert be part of our celebrations. We have many exciting plans for the venue and our first events are already sold out or booking up fast.”

Joining Nicola at the opening was Jeanette Brakewell, individual silver medallist at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez in 2002. Jeanette was the pathfinder for the British team from 1999 until 2005, winning four European team gold medals, two Olympic team silver medals and one World bronze team medal.

Also at the event was rising star, Lancashire-based showjumper, Robert Murphy. Robert, who led some riding clinics at the event, won the Talent Seekers Final at this year’s Horse of the Year Show.

More details can be found at the newly launched website www.cravenequine.co.uk