Miles Jermy A NEW top class indoor horse riding arena is set to put Great Yarmouth firmly on the equestrian map.The opening of the £500,000 Breydon Arena represents the fulfilment of a five year dream for owner Martin Vincent.

Miles Jermy

A NEW top class indoor horse riding arena is set to put Great Yarmouth firmly on the equestrian map.

The opening of the £500,000 Breydon Arena represents the fulfilment of a five year dream for owner Martin Vincent.

Based at the family owned 280-acre Humberstone Farm on the edge of the town, it is the first facility of its size in east Norfolk.

The arena is already providing a venue for several local riding clubs and held show jumping, dressage and dog agility events.

Martin, 32, who is running the business with dad Ivan and brother, Stuart, said: “This has been planned for five or six years. We wanted to diversify the farm, it is a big step for us, but we finally plumped up the courage to do it.

“Our family has supplied hay and straw to the equestrian community for many years and uncovered a demand for good quality, local, indoor riding facilities.

“My grandad and father used to run landaus on Yarmouth seafront and we keep our own horses. The nearest venues of this size are in Swaffham and Thetford, which is quite a way to travel. This is a perfect opportunity for local horse owners to ride or compete indoors - on their doorstep.”

The purpose-built 60 by 25m arena is being officially opened by Yarmouth mayor Terry Easter later this month.

It features a large viewing area, café and judging facilities along with the same high quality riding surface used at the Horse of the Year Show.

So far the arena has already staged British Show Jumping Association and British Dressage events and Martin has big plans for the future.

“I would love to work with local colleges and provide courses in equine management and get top show jumpers doing demonstrations and possibly run a riding school here,” he said.

“It has been a very steep learning curve, but we want a facility that will really raise Yarmouth's profile in the equestrian world.”

The open day is taking place on Saturday, September 27, with the Mayor cutting the ribbon at 1.30pm.

That will be followed by a show jumping competition and show jumping tuition from Emma Lacey, western horsemanship, dressage and dog agility competition.

An equestrian table top sale is being held from noon and is an ideal opportunity to buy or sell unwanted tack, general equestrian items and memorabilia.

Breydon Arena is reached from the A12 Gorleston bypass next to Broadland-Great Yarmouth Rugby Club.

For more information, or to book a trade stand or table top pitch for the open day call Martin on 01493 659761 or visit www.humberstonefarm.com.