Former student came back after 20 years and said ‘these were the best days of my life’….
A college was jumping for joy this week as it celebrated the 20th anniversary of the opening of an equine centre.
In April 2006, HRH The Princess Royal came along to officially cut the red ribbon of a facility housed at Suffolk New College’s Suffolk Rural campus (formerly Otley College).
The centre cost £ 500,000 to build two decades ago, and since opening, over 1000 students have gained qualifications and hundreds of community events have taken place.
To commemorate the landmark, staff organised an event and invited along industry partners as well as current and former students.
Around 70 guests in total came along to share their memories and look ahead to the next 20 years.
Karen King is an equine lecturer at the college who was at the opening of the centre with HRH The Princess Royal. Looking back on that day, Karen said: “Princess Anne asked lots of questions and seemed interested in what we were doing. She had a good look around. It was a pleasure to host her. When we opened the centre, it was a big deal for us.
We now have our own horse (called Quinn), and we teach around 60 students every year on our courses. We host equine events and work with lots of businesses. We’ve had lots of success stories with people working in Newmarket, Australia, and someone came back to our celebrations who had just got back from Argentina.
“My message to everyone in the community is thanks so much for the support – and if you haven’t been here, then come along to see us and get involved. It’s a nice place to study, and the facilities are great. We continue to aspire to be the best that we can be.”
Claire Loud from Clacton was at the opening with HRH The Princess Royal. She said: “I remember riding a horse called Cuckoo in front of Princess Anne. We did a drill ride, and she then walked down the line and said hello to us and the horses – it was a really good day. It was great to have access to these facilities. Looking back, it set me up for a career in industry – these were the best days of my life.”
Justin Hollis is another former student who came back to reflect on his time at the college. He said: “I was here 20 years ago. I remember the teachers who helped me to get to where I am now, which is competing professionally in eventing. The experience has driven me to be where I am today.”
Guy Brookman from Bury St Edmunds was a former student who studied at the college between 2006 and 2008. He said: “It was a good learning experience and I have lots of memories. I was sad I had to leave. It pushed me to the next level.”
Mark Turner is a former student of the college who studied there over a decade ago. He said: “I’ve got happy memories. I hadn’t touched a horse or put a head collar on before starting here. It was a great place to learn. I think the experience gave me a great foundation. The facilities and teachers are top class.”
Katie Whitehouse studied at the college between 2023 and 2025. She said: “I’m currently in London making saddles. I came back to relive some of the good memories and see some of the horses. It’s nostalgic coming back. My time here was fun and exciting.”
Lottie Foster did a level two equine management course around 2018. She said: “I had lots of fun and grew up a lot. It helped propel me forward to a career where I’m now working at a stud in Newmarket.”