The equestrian centre is situated seven miles south of Thurso, at Achavrole Farm near the village of Halkirk.
Our present facilities have been in place for some years at this location. The centre was opened by Karen Dixon OBE - Olympic medal winner for three day eventing.
The facilites were purpose built and consist of :
- Indoor School 22m x 42m
- Outdoor School 20m x 60m
- Covered main yard of fifteen loose boxes and tackroom
- Covered small yard of five loose boxes
- Two classrooms, one which contains computer suites linked to the college network and the internet
- Student common room
- Thirty acres of grazing
- Portable cross country fences
- Set of show jumps
The resident horses are either owned by students or owned privately, which provides a good range to suit all abilities. Many of the horses used are ex-competition or actively competing in a range of disciplines which gives the students a wide range of experience with different types and personalities.
Students participate in all yard work and are responsible for the well being of these horses under the supervision of the staff. Clipping and trimming are all done by the students, and this effectively prepares them for the life in the work place.
Many students who have trained here have successfully moved into good employment within the field, working in well respected competition and private yards, and other related industries.
The reputation of The North Highland College is nationally recognised, and staff receive regular enquiries from the industry for students to move directly into employment.