The five foals born at Writtle College and the showing skills of students were the main attractions at the Lordships Stud Open Day.
The Stud held its annual fun-filled Open Day on Sunday 4 May and more than 200 visitors were welcomed onto the site near Chelmsford.
The event - which featured demonstrations and interactive activities as well as the chance to meet the five new additions, which have this year been named after birds - was organised by students on the equine and animal degree programmes, with the help of Stud and other staff at the College.
This year’s event – in aid of the National Foaling Bank run by Johanna Vardon – featured an in-hand showing demonstration by the Writtle Young Breeders. The four Writtle College students have recently represented Britain as part of the British Young Breeders at the international competition in Sweden.
There was also a mare and foal parade as well as a progressive demonstration of pole work through to jumping the young horse, using some of the home-bred stock from Lordships Stud.
Children and dogs were welcomed with trade stands, ice creams, games, challenges and a dog show adding to the fun!
Caroline Brace, Stud Groom, said: “The annual Open Day offers an excellent learning experience to our students as they get to experience all aspects of event and people management.
“We rely heavily on the enthusiasm and commitment of our students whenever we hold events like this – they are essential, helping us prepare the yard and horses as well as presenting and handling for demonstrations and providing general assistance to the many visitors. It becomes a huge team effort that is very rewarding.”
More than £300 was raised for the National Foaling Bank this year.
• More information on the equine courses at Writtle College – including the BSc (Hons) Equine Breeding and Stud Management - is available at www.writtle.ac.uk