Sedbergh School Strengthens its Equestrian Programme Through New Partnership with Borrett Yard
Sedbergh School is delighted to announce a new partnership with Borrett Yard Equestrian, marking an exciting new chapter for equestrian sport at the School and creating one of the most comprehensive riding programmes in the North of England.
The partnership will significantly enhance the opportunities available to current and prospective pupils, combining Sedbergh’s renowned full boarding experience with Borrett Yard’s exceptional equestrian facilities and expertise to develop riders of all abilities.
Located just moments from the School, Borrett Yard has become an established base for Sedbergh riders, offering first-class stabling, training facilities, an events arena and cross-country course. Through this formal partnership, pupils will benefit from structured coaching, dedicated training opportunities, enhanced competition pathways and support to compete at regional and national level.
The collaboration will further strengthen Sedbergh’s already impressive co-curricular offering, enabling pupils to pursue their passion for equestrian sport alongside an outstanding academic education within one of the UK’s leading full boarding schools.
The programme will provide opportunities for pupils wishing to ride recreationally, improve their technical skills or represent Sedbergh School in national schools’ competitions, with dedicated support for team selection, coaching, event logistics and competition management.
Stuart Oliver, Assistant Head – Co-curricular, said:
“We are delighted to welcome this partnership with Borrett Yard. Having such a high-quality facility right on our doorstep is a fantastic development for our school. As an Old Sedberghian, Mel has an innate understanding of our pupils and our community, making this collaboration a perfect fit. The proximity of Borrett Yard allows us to integrate equestrian into our daily sports programme, while Mel’s expertise in hosting coaching sessions and masterclasses will be a significant asset to our pupils. This is a real gamechanger for the future of Sedbergh equestrian.”
Melissa Sproul, Founder of Borrett Yard Equestrian, added:
“We are incredibly proud to formalise our relationship with Sedbergh School. Over recent years we have seen first-hand the enthusiasm and commitment of Sedbergh’s riders and this partnership allows us to build something truly special together.
Our shared ambition is to create a programme that develops confident, capable riders in a safe, supportive and professional environment, while giving pupils the opportunity to compete at the highest levels of school equestrian sport. We are excited about what the future holds.”
David Milner, Director of Marketing & Admissions at Sedbergh School, added:
“Whether a pupil is taking their first steps into equestrian sport or already competing at a high level, this partnership provides the facilities, coaching and support to help them achieve their ambitions. It also strengthens our position as one of the UK’s leading boarding schools for young people looking to combine academic excellence with sporting opportunities.”
As part of the partnership, Sedbergh and Borrett Yard will work together to develop the School’s equestrian team, strengthen coaching provision, promote equestrian opportunities to families, enhance branding and facilities and explore future initiatives including riding opportunities within Sedbergh’s growing programme of holiday courses.
The announcement further reinforces Sedbergh School’s commitment to providing pupils with outstanding opportunities beyond the classroom, ensuring they can develop confidence, determination and leadership through sport while competing on some of the biggest stages in schools’ equestrian competition.