Ben Atkinson demonstration held at Kelsall Hill

Saturday 7th August saw the inaugural demonstration in Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre’s new indoor arena. Ben Atkinson performed an amazing evening routine which included standing on his horses, having them perform tricks and stunts while subtly using his body to provide cues to change the horse’s behaviour.

The crowd, of over 300, were wowed as Ben managed to coax groups of his horses to circle him while another group circled in the opposite direction. Horses sat, rolled, danced and reared as Ben performed his magic to rousing music. “It was wonderful to be part of the Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre’s opening event, the boys were on fire, and so was the crowd,” said Ben Atkinson.

“It’s been 4 years since the groundwork started at the facility to store the roof water, 3 years since the groundwork started for the building, 2 years since construction started and its 1 year overdue to complete but we’re finally here at this special occasion,” said Phil Latham, director at Kelsall Hill. “it’s a wonderful thing to finally be able to host such a fantastic act and give so many people a first taste of not only the facilities but also food in our own Urchin’s Kitchen restaurant which is now available every day to the public”.

The new facility will host more events tailored to spectators with the British Eventing horse trials in September and more planned for this winter.