Apprentice Masterclass
Stubbing
Court Training, the provider of equestrian training throughout
Derbyshire is celebrating the success of its second Masterclass,
supported by Derbyshire Learning and Skills Council. The Masterclass
took place over two days in July, at Barleyfields Equestrian Centre,
Etwall. The trainer for the Masterclass was Ian Stark OBE, Great
Britain's four times Olympic silver medallist, three times winner
of the Badminton Horse Trials, European champion, and selector
for the British team.
During
the Masterclass, participants improved their practical skills
and underpinning knowledge of world-class training techniques,
riding, lunging, jumping, specialist care of event horses up to
Olympic level, and yard management. Participants included 80 apprentices
and employers involved in Stubbing Court Training's Modern Apprenticeship
programme.
Ian
Stark presented all participants with certificates and also acted
as final judge for Stubbing Court Training's Achievement Awards,
which recognise exceptional commitment and progress towards achieving
the qualifications. The two lucky winners are Louise Adams and
Ben McClumpha who both work for Andrew Saywell, a British team
international showjumper. Andrew said of his trainees: "Louise
is extremely committed to her work and has improved immensely.
She is exceptionally good at always noticing any ailments or injuries
with the horses. Ben has shown exceptional progress - he has broken
in young horses - taking them through to competing at British
Show Jumping Association shows. I am extremely proud of them both".
Both
winners were nominated by Andrew and will spend a week with Ian
Stark at his event yard in Scotland.
Belinda
Turner, Chief Executive of Stubbing Court Training said, "The
visible improvement after the trainees had spent time with Ian
was remarkable. Feedback from the trainees and employers was excellent,
many of them saying that it was the most fantastic opportunity
to be able to learn from a true professional, they can't wait
to try out what they've learned".
Ian
Stark said: "The students and employers were great, they
got very involved and made sure they asked lots of questions,
which was very positive. The winners of the Achievement Awards
have progressed really well, I saw them earlier in the year and
their performance has really come on. The Stubbing Court Modern
Apprenticeship programme is working very well indeed, in improving
the skills of trainees and employers alike".
Caroline
Thornton, an employer of Modern Apprentices and producer of competition
horses said, "It was great watching the trainees gain experience.
I also found it a really valuable day and am looking forward to
the next Masterclass - it can't come soon enough".
.