Niamh
Harman

Why did you choose to study this course at Brackenhurst?

After looking on the Brackenhurst website, I was intrigued by the different modules that the course covered over the two years of study. After visiting an open day, I decided to study at Brackenhurst because of the amazing facilities and welcoming environment.

Tell us a little bit more about your course - are there any specific elements that you enjoy the most?

I have learnt so much from studying at Brackenhurst due to the amount of content that we cover over all the modules. One of my favourite modules was the coaching that we covered in year two. I loved it because it not only taught me so much about my own riding, but it allowed me to pass my knowledge on to my friends to help them succeed. I love that it is a very inclusive module for everyone.

Tell us a little bit more about how you came to Brackenhurst.

Whilst I was in year 11, preparing for my GCSEs, I discovered that I didn’t particularly enjoy heavily academic subjects. I realized that I learnt better through practical activities. I came to Brackenhurst as it had a good balance between studying in the classroom and then putting what we had learned into practice.

How did you find your course tutors?

I couldn’t have asked for better course tutors. They were so welcoming and supportive at the beginning of year one and have stayed that way ever since. They were always more than happy to help with any problems I was facing. They really made a huge impact on me and my time at Brackenhurst. They helped me gain the knowledge and skills that I need to progress in the future and also helped me improve massively on my riding through my time of studying here.

What do you think to Brackenhurst Campus and the facilities here?

Brackenhurst has all the facilities I could have asked for. The two main arenas were used on a daily basis in my practical riding sessions. They were always maintained to a high standard. The performance analysis room has a mechanical horse that I could use whenever I had free time, this really helped me improve on my position which also impacted on my riding, making it more effective and comfortable for the horse. I really enjoying using the research arena for loose jumping the horses and assessing their way of going.

Describe your time at NTU in three words

Character-building, enjoyable, motivating.

What are your ambitions for the future or plans following this course?

After my time at Brackenhurst, I now plan to go to university to study Equine Sports Science and Coaching. This course has inspired me to develop my knowledge further and hopefully in the future have my own business that I can use to help others succeed and achieve their ambitions.