Northumberland College’s Equine team has welcomed the arrival of an innovative riding simulator that is set to transform their students’ learning experience.
The team, based at the college’s Kirkley Hall Campus, have recently taken delivery of Racewood Ltd’s latest interactive model, the Dressage Pro – only the second one in the whole country and the first in any UK college.
An innovative 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. It will be a game-changing piece of equipment for equine students and staff, supporting non-riders to ride and riders to improve their performance.
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.”
Lee Lister, Kirkley Hall Campus Principal added: “Thanks to the investment received we are now positioned to deliver the most advanced technical skills in many land-based subjects.
“This along with our outstanding achievement rates and connection to industry to deliver high quality work experience really does ensure students are well positioned to enter their chosen industry fully prepared with the skills for their future.”
The equipment will benefit students studying HE courses such as FdSc Equine Management in Equine Management, Training and Coaching and BSc (Hons) Top Up Equine Management in Equine Management, Training and Coaching. Students who study Land-based Studies (Equine Care), a Technical Certificate in Equine Care and an Extended Advanced Technical Diploma in Equine Management will also reap the rewards.
The College will also be making the simulator available to the local equestrian community via availability for hire to Racewood Accredited coaches and physiotherapists.
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 benefiting students from across Animal Management, Horticulture, Equine and Agriculture, enhancing their learning resources and environments to prepare them for a successful future career in their relevant sectors.
We are the largest further education provider in Northumberland with campuses throughout the county.
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