Hartpury Annual Report July 2025

14

Hartpury University Annual Report and Financial Statements > 2024/2025

> Hartpury hosts British Eventing Championships Hartpury welcomed Olympic, World, and European champions back to campus in August to compete in the NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials. For the first time, the British Eventing National Championships were added to the popular event that attracted a keen crowd and increased ticket sales. This was due to the championships being cancelled at Gatcombe Park. > BBC Countryfile shines light on lambing BBC Countryfile returned to Okle Clifford for a special episode around lambing, showcasing how T Level students are integrated into the farm’s working operations. They showed Adam Henson and the BBC audience how Hartpury manages during one of the busiest times in the farming calendar. This was the second time in twelve months that Countryfile had filmed at Hartpury. > Championing women in farming A key area of focus has been promoting the impact of women in farming, as well as attracting those from non traditional backgrounds into agriculture. This attracted widespread exposure in a range of media publications, and was recognised at the annual Heist Marketing Awards, where Hartpury won Gold for its campaign to bring more females into farming. > Venue hire with a difference, for the SoGlos Business Awards 2024 Hartpury proudly hosted the SoGlos Gloucestershire Business Awards on 17 October 2024, celebrating the very best of the county’s diverse business community. It was the first business awards event of its kind to be held at Hartpury Equine, providing an exciting showcase for future opportunities at the venue. The event is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as the British Championships remain at Hartpury.

PEOPLE & THE PRESS

> Martin Haag appointed as Head of Performance Rugby

Martin Haag was announced as Head of Performance Rugby, a strategic role that will oversee the continued growth and success of Hartpury’s elite rugby programmes. With extensive experience in high-performance environments, Martin played for Bath Rugby and was capped twice by England. He brings a distinguished coaching career to the role, having worked with England U20s, Bath Rugby, and Nottingham, among others. He is widely respected for his ability to develop talent and build high-performing teams—expertise that will now directly benefit the students and staff across Hartpury’s rugby pathway. “We are thrilled to welcome Martin to Hartpury,” said Mick Axtell, Chief Operating Officer at Hartpury University and Hartpury College. “His experience at the top levels of the sport, along with his commitment to player and coach development, makes him the ideal person to lead our performance rugby programme into its next chapter.”

14