Zara Phillips installs an outdoor school at Gatcombe
Zara Phillips has recently installed the first outdoor manege at Gatcombe Park.
The world three-day event champion chose a Martin Collins Enterprises (MCE) Ecotrack arena, like the one used at the European show jumping and dressage championships at Windsor last year.
Zara said: “My father has a Martin Collins surface and I have jumped on it many times,” said Zara. “I like the way it gives but does not move under the hoof, which gives a lot of confidence and security.
“I have heard showjumpers say that Ecotrack gives you a bit more ‘jump’ — let’s hope my horses feel the effects!
“The horses love the new manege and already I have seen a difference in their outlook, by not being hemmed in by the walls of the school.”
Glynnie Walford of Martin Collins said: “We are thrilled and very proud that Zara chose Ecotrack as the surface for her new outdoor school.
“Collaboration with an event rider of her profile and expertise means a great deal to our company.”
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A self-confessed newshound, farmer’s daughter and journalist of many years' experience, Charlotte worked on regional papers before joining H&H in 2007. A regular rider, she visited Ireland in 2010 to investigate the fate of Irish horses through the recession, to much acclaim, and reported from the FEI General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro in 2011. She left Horse & Hound in March 2013.