Scottish clinics at Kingsbarn to develop jumping talent

Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre’s owner Jackie Kemp has unveiled plans to help develop the current depth of emerging talent in Scotland.

The Falkirk centre will host regular, affordable clinics with top-class professionals for riders of all levels.

“The aim is for Kingsbarn to be a training academy to help young showjumpers progress,” said Jackie.

“It will be aimed at helping and talent-spotting children and teenagers, but is not exclusive to youngsters.

“We particularly want to reach those who can’t afford training,” she added.

A variety of trainers, including Scottish number one Scott Brash and international course designer Mark McGowan, have agreed to take a reduction in their fee for training until the centre has secured funding.

“[This initiative] has been lacking in Scotland, with certain centres only occasionally running clinics and almost always with the same person,” said Mr McGowan.

“Jackie is committed to involving a host of trainers, coaches and riders on a regular basis to boost the profile of the sport up here.”

The catalyst for Kingsbarn’s new development was a bumper year for Scottish riders. They constituted about a third of 2010’s Horse of the Year Show finalists — one of whom was young rider Greg Taylor, who is based at Kingsbarn.

Jackie hopes to officially launch the training academy this spring.

For information, email jackie@kingsbarnequestrian.co.uk

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