Reasons to choose this course:
- You will study practical riding and management modules alongside scientific theory.
- This course offers progression on to our equestrian degree programmes as an alternative to A-level study.
- Brackenhurst Equestrian Centre has indoor and outdoor international riding arenas, livery and performance analysis equipment.
- Staff compete in international competition eventing and dressage.
- This course includes study trips and opportunities to work at equestrian shows and events.
This is a highly practical course that links theoretical horse management to the practical situation. This course allows students to develop their own prowess in riding both on the flat and over fences.
Students develop different skills such as leadership, coaching, teamworking, presentation skills and learning to work on their own initiative. Work experience develops students’ communication and practical abilities. All of these are highly valued by potential employers.
What do you study?
It is a highly practical two-year, full-time course that links theoretical horse management to the practical situation. Additionally, students develop their own prowess in riding horses both on the flat and over fences.
Please note the following information for applicants
Brackenhurst Equestrian Centre
The Brackenhurst Equestrian Centre is based at Nottingham Trent University's Brackenhurst campus. It is a British Horse Society-approved riding and examination centre. The horses are specifically selected to help enhance the riding experience of the students. The well-qualified staff, who are also active within the equine industry, enhance your learning experience, together with providing excellent contacts for work experience and final careers within the industry.
The centre's impressive facilities include 60m x 40m indoor and outdoor arenas, stabling for 65 horses, a round pen, horse walker and solarium, weighbridge, stocks and crew yards. Many students take full advantage of the excellent facilities by bringing their own horses on student livery.
Year One modules include:
- Animal Biology
- Animal Health
- Horse Nutrition
- Competition Grooming
- Horse Fitness and Training
- Equitation Practical
- Theory of Equitation
- Horse Husbandry
- Stable Skills.
Year Two modules include:
- The Horse Industry
- Horse Behaviour and Welfare
- Animal Breeding and Genetics
- Horse Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Riding and Training on the Flat
- Riding Over Fences
- Equestrian Teaching
- Work-related Experience in the Horse Sector.
Students develop different skills such as leadership, coaching, team working, presentation skills and learning to work on their own initiative. Work experience develops students’ communication and practical abilities. All of these skills are highly valued by potential employers. Students have gone on to work for international and national competitors in all disciplines, worked as riding instructors, at trekking centres and in dealers’ yards.
Progression into higher education
Many students progress on to degree programmes such as Nottingham Trent University's BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Science or FdSc Sports Horse Management and Training. The Extended Diploma in Horse Management is accepted as a recognised equivalent to A-level Biology and is a widely accepted national qualification.
This course can support work placements in industry to support your learning.
Graduate profile
Adam Matthews
"This course has really put me to the test and given me a chance to experience at first hand how a large professional yard is run. It's a great way to get into the equine industry.
"I had two work placements, one at a saddlery in Sheffield, which gave me the chance to see how that side of the equine industry works, and the other at a riding school where I helped out with lessons and exercising the horses.
"I have always been interested in show jumping and, following my course, began working part-time as a groom for, among others, Malcolm Pyrah, a top show jumper, and I have travelled to competitions in the UK and Spain. Following my present course, I plan to work as a competition groom and do some teaching and competing myself."
Full entry requirements
- You will need four GCSEs including Maths, English and a Science at Grade C or above or City and Guilds National Certificate or equivalent.
- Applications are welcome from mature and international students (including those with non-traditional entry profiles) and will be assessed on an individual basis.
International student entry requirements
How to apply
- Students need to complete and return an application form (available from Brackenhurst Student Administration)
- Once we have your application, we will invite you to Brackenhurst for a riding assessment and meet the Programme Leader.
- Please note: As part of the University's Health and Safety Policy it will be necessary for all potential students to be weighed prior to the riding assessment (the current weight limit is 14 stone).
Contact us
If you want to speak to us about this course, open days or how to apply - then get in touch using the following details:
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)1636 817099 (Brackenhurst)
Financial help
Possible financial assistance may be available for:
- those in receipt of Jobseekers allowance (including the partner where the claim is joint)
- those in receipt of Employment Support Allowance (ESA) in the work related activity group (further guidance to follow)
- learners of all ages studying their first full Level Two qualification
- 19-24 year olds studying their first full Level Three qualification
- Level Three jumpers of all ages (those taking a full Level Three without having a full Level Two qualification)
- those with learning aims that are funded as Adult Skills for Life and Functional skills in Literacy and Numeracy.
Residential Bursary
This bursary is means tested and awarded on a sliding scale depending on parent/guardian's income. You need to be holding a firm offer before applying for this and it does not cover the total cost of accommodation.
