Arrival of innovative equipment will transform students learning experience

Northumberland College’s Equine team is eagerly anticipating the arrival of an innovative riding simulator which will transform their students learning experience.

The team, based at the college’s Kirkley Hall Campus, will take delivery of Racewood Equestrian’s latest interactive model, the Dressage Pro later this summer.

A training tool championed by coaches and instructors worldwide, the simulator advances the skills and confidence of equestrians at all levels and offers a revolutionary way to focus on skills and balance.

Karen Bell, Faculty Director at Northumberland College, said: “Opting for the most recent model ensures that we can use sector-leading and innovative technology to revolutionise how our students engage with learning.

“Combining this with use of our immersive hub and our current progressive continuing professional development initiatives means we are future proofing our students to become industry leaders and change managers.

“Our learners will combine the use of technology alongside awareness of current research, to drive positive change in equine welfare, training, and management practices. This will ensure that throughout their careers they contribute positively to a more sustainable and ethical equine industry.”

The Dressage Pro riding simulator has been designed and refined from years of feedback of Racewood’s successful dressage simulator model and is the most life-like model yet.

This new model features a more realistic motorised neck, slimline and angled leg sensors and saddle sensors set within the body shell. These refinements result in more accurate rein contact, leg sensors that are easier to activate and therefore accessible to a wider range of riders and abilities and greater accuracy in seat feedback with the overall upgrade offering a much more realistic experience. The software has also been upgraded to give better graphics and a wider range of ride programmes that include varied arenas and hacks.

Naomi Ainley, Equine Curriculum Manager, added: “Racewood’s simulators have a great reputation, and the purchase of their newest model is very much in keeping with our ethos of keeping our focus firmly on the future.

“This technology offers students at all levels excellent opportunities to monitor improvements in their ridden position, to gain coaching experiences using technology and to conduct research.

“The simulator will also be available for commercial hire for the benefit of our local equine community and the use of our resident Riding for the Disabled Group, Morpeth RDA. This is an incredible resource to have secured for both our students and the Northumberland region.”

This innovative equipment was purchased with support from the Department for Education’s T Levels Capital Fund alongside other state-of-the-art equipment which is benefitting students from across Animal Management, Horticulture, Equine and Agriculture who are enhancing their learning in environments which prepare them for a successful future career in their relevant sectors.