Scotland’s riders could benefit from the addition of a new three-arena strong equestrian centre planned for East Lothian.
Farmer James Cunningham has lodged plans to put Sunnyside Farm on the national equestrian calendar with the construction of a large indoor facility.
Sunnyside Equestrian based at the farm, outside of East Linton, near Haddington is currently run as a livery yard and stables by showjumper Matthew Foster and his wife Emily, but the new plans pave the wayto turn it intothe largestvenue to the east of Edinburgh – as Rockrose Equestrian Sports Centre.
Once completed, the indoor arena would measure approximately 60m by 36m, inclusive of a small spectator area, making it suitable for national standard competitions.
The proposal also includes the development of a new 60m by 40m all-weather floodlit outdoor arena,supported by the construction of a 50m by 70m outdoor grass arena, and complimented by associated access, car and horsebox parking.
Sunnyside is located adjacent to the A1 dual carriageway.
Mr Cunningham said: “There will be something for everyone, whether showjumping, dressage or eventers.”
He said the plans would allow Sunnyside to expand on its current competitions with the ability to stage demonstrations and clinics.
The facilities would also be made available for clubs and individuals to hire out and just “come and ride”.
Although thevenue would not be on the same scale as central Scotland’s larger equestrian show centres, including the Scottish National Equestrian Centre (SNEC) in West Lothian, Kingsbarns near Falkirk, Ingliston Country Club at Bishopton or Morris EC in Ayrshire, it stands to provide far greater facilities for eastern riders than previously enjoyed.
The closest similar facility is the new Ian Stark Equestrian Centre, outside Selkirk in the Borders, which currently boasts a 60m by 27m indoor school and which was opened last year.
“Further east from SNEC and right down to Newcastle there’s nothing much at all, just indoor riding schools and small facilities that were never meant for commercial use,” commented Mr Cunningham.
“We are hoping there’s a gap in the market,” he added.
“We’ve had a lot of support from local riding clubs saying they would use our facilities.”
Mr Cunningham said he hopes to have the arenas built by August.
If successful, the development of the centre could be followed in due course by the addition of a caf and tack shop.
“Hopefully people will be attracted by the experience of coming down here,” he said.
Sunnyside hasprovided stabling since 1988 and is currently home to around 35 horses on livery.It currently has a60m x 20m rubber surfaced outdoor manege.
The new facilities are expected to cost in the region of £500,000.