On Monday 3rd July, Mark Milligan, our Head of Delivery, was shown around Larkhill Eventing by Chairman Andy Welsh to dig the first turf for their brand-new water jump complex.
As strategic sponsors, we’re thrilled to see how our support enables these new developments for a valuable service within our local armed forces community.
Larkhill is acknowledged as a significant Community Sporting venue by Wiltshire County Council and the Ministry of Defence and raises funds for various charities, including the ABF (the Soldiers Charity), SSAFA and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
As an Army organisation Larkhill Eventing aims to give soldiers greater opportunity to be involved with, and benefit from, everything that horses and the sport of eventing have to offer. Its main effort is to provide free access to this sport for military riders and into military competitions that would otherwise be more expensive, if not cost prohibitive.
The build of a major water jump has been an aspiration for Larkhill Eventing for over a decade and the new site will be almost four times the size of the current water jump. The water complex will feature banks suitable for all levels of horse and rider, and there will be plenty of space around it to build inviting fences and more technical lines. Larkhill prides itself in developing the course for everyone – so horses and riders can progress to the next level or simply have fun!
The new water jump complex will be ready to ride for the first time at the Larkhill BE in 2024. Now that tough chalky soil is broken, it’s over to course builder John Joare who will roll up his sleeves and bring in the diggers over the next few months. We’ll keep you posted on the progress!
