Famous formerevent rider Lucinda Green officially cut the ribbon to pronounce the centre open to loud and supportive applause.

In the enormous outdoor arena, displays and demonstrations ran throughout the day, with Vanessa Walker of Ravendale Stud giving a spectacular dressage to music demonstration on her magnificent Lusitano stallion and explaning how to train and achieve the various technical movements in dressage.

"Many people had no idea of the process of training a horse to this level and were truly fascinated" said proprietor Fiona Lintin.

Lionel Dunning, former international show jumper, gave three informative lessons in training for show-jumping and within 20 minutes spectators could actually see just how the horse started to listen to the rider and improve.

In the indoor arena an in-house show involved many of the centre's present riders in show jumping classes and gymkhana games, organised and run by yard manager Jo Struthers and head girl Susie Day.

The Burton Pony Club games team, Beth Ottawell, Will Arden, Amy Elliot, Georgina Grainger and Harry Grainger gave two demonstrations of the skills and speeds required to compete at a higher level.

Owners John and Fiona Lintin said it was a huge success. "We have had nothing but favourable comments; Lucinda Green, Vanessa Walker and Lionel Dunning were all equally thrilled with the facilities.”