Getting ahead in the equestrian industry means proving that you can offer the complete package.
Employers need people who can fit into a team but show the initiative to work alone, and who can back up equestrian knowledge with practical experience.
The right training underpins these skills and it is important to research the options before you invest your time and money.
Course: BSc (Hons) equine breeding and stud management
Content: students can gain extensive understanding of the science relating to breeding and the principles of stud management in this degree course. There’s opportunity to put theory into practice at the college’s own working stud, Lordships, which stands native and competition stallions and has modern AI facilities and a selection of broodmares and youngstock
Venue: Writtle College, Essex
Duration: 3 years full-time
Cost: £8,000 per year
Entrance requirements: 240 UCAS points (or equivalent), plus some practical experience with horses or riding
Applications: from September, through UCAS, to start the following September
Contacts: tel: 01245 424200, email: info@writtle.ac.uk, www.writtle.ac.uk
Course: Diploma in stud practice and management
Content: a comprehensive training programme dedicated to the thoroughbred breeding industry. It combines practical experience working on a commercial stud during the breeding season with theoretical lectures, workshops and visits to relevant organisations. Students work with mares and foals, teasers and racehorses at rest, as well as participating in foaling duties and assisting with veterinary w ork
Venue: The National Stud, Suffolk
Duration: 5 months full-time
Cost: nothing to EU applicants – training and accommodation are free and an allowance and uniform are provided
Entrance requirements: 18 years and over, ideally with stud industry experience and sound academic capability
Applications: close in September for the February to June course
Contacts: tel: 01638 675922, email: students@nationalstud.co.uk, www.nationalstud.co.uk
To read the full feature on equestrian training courses see the current issue of H&H (26 July 2012)
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