A group of horses and riders standing outside the entrance to a stable

Equine

If you dream of working with horses, our practical specialist courses at Writtle provide the skills, expert theory and qualifications required to enter the thriving equine industry.

Discover more at an Open Day

Develop your practical and academic skills with the support of highly-experienced equestrian experts and practitioners at Writtle.

Our extensive facilities offer you opportunities to practise your new skills outside of scheduled classes, work on the training, rehabilitation, or behavioural issues of project horses, and bring your own horse to university (subject to availability). Our Equine Academy offers additional support for 6-12 talented riders studying for higher education degrees each year.

We're well-connected with industry partners, helping you gain further hands-on experience and build your network. Our professional links include the Animal Health Professions Register (AHPR), World Horse Welfare, Highclere Stud, Far Westfield Farm, Newsells Park Stud, The National Stud, Juddmonte, Shadwell, Fittocks Stud, New England Stud, International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) and the British Horseracing Authority.

Equine Behavioural Science

Undergraduate - BSc (Hons) : CertHE

Study in:
Writtle
Available as:
3 years
,
4 years with foundation
,
1 year CertHE
Course features
  • Develop the skills to analyse and evaluate all areas of horsemanship such as housing, training and welfare management
  • Study specialist equine behaviour modules with industry-accredited professionals
  • Work with horses in our dedicated equine centre
Course details Apply

Equine Bioveterinary Science

Undergraduate - BSc (Hons) : CertHE

Study in:
Writtle
Available as:
3 years
,
4 years with foundation
,
1 year CertHE
Course features
  • Study biological and veterinary sciences as they apply to the horse
  • Explore breeding and reproduction science, epidemiology, immunology and pharmacology, nutrition and more
  • Work with horses in our dedicated equine centre
Course details Apply

Equine Performance and Business Management

Undergraduate - BSc (Hons) : CertHE

Study in:
Writtle
Available as:
3 years
,
4 years with foundation
,
1 year CertHE
Course features
  • Follow one of two pathways: equitation and coaching, or breeding and production
  • Explore business practices such as facilities management and brand management
  • Study in our dedicated Equine Training and Development Centre
Course details Apply

Equine Performance Science

Undergraduate - BSc (Hons) : CertHE

Study in:
Writtle
Available as:
3 years
,
4 years with foundation
,
1 year CertHE
Course features
  • Explore areas that contribute to horses' performance including nutrition, equitation science, training and coaching
  • Understand the scientific principles underpinning horse health and management
  • Work with horses in our dedicated equine centre
Course details Apply

Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Undergraduate - BSc (Hons) : CertHE

Study in:
Writtle
Available as:
3 years
,
4 years with foundation
,
1 year CertHE
Accredited by:

AHPR

Animal Health Professions' Register logo
Course details Apply

Equine Performance Science

Postgraduate - MSc

Study in:
Writtle
Available as:
1 year full-time
Course features
  • Take your equine knowledge, academic skills and research practice to the next level
  • Learn how to enhance performance and manage injury and rehabilitation, nutrition, welfare, exercise and more
  • Study at our dedicated equine campus in rural Essex
Course details Apply
Equine student grooming a horse

Hands-on learning

Study equine courses with ARU in Writtle and benefit from:

  • dedicated Equine Training and Development Centre on our Cow Watering Campus
  • working stable yard, with around 70 horses on campus
  • indoor and outdoor riding arenas
  • oval horse walker
  • therapy barn
  • 150-hectare campus with grazing and space for events
  • DIY Livery Yard for students' horses.

Take a guided tour and meet our students

What our graduates say

Rachel Dyke with a pony on the other side of a stable door

"Studying at Writtle helped to deepen my understanding on areas such as nutrition, equine physiology, sports performance and veterinary conditions. This has been incredibly beneficial to my career."

Rachel Dyke

Marketing & Communications Officer - British Equestrian

Lauren Allport standing with her arms around a horse's neck

"Writtle was my first choice... it offered a variety of different courses in the field I was interested in (mainly horses and therapy) [and] the facilities were of a very high standard."

Lauren Allport

Equine Sports Therapist and Social Media Influencer

Lisa Redwin riding a horse through water

"I found the practical experience complemented my theory-based lectures perfectly as I was able to transfer the knowledge I was gaining in the lecture theatre to real-life scenarios."

Lisa Redwin

Assistant Claims Manager - A&H and Equine - Tokio Marine Kiln

Get in touch

If you're thinking about applying to ARU or have questions about your application, contact us:

Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (Please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training)
Friday 9am-4.30pm

Lordship Road
Writtle CM1 3RR
Get directions

A student holding the reins of a light brown horse, who is looking towards the camera

Equine college courses

Interested in studying an equine course at Writtle College? Discover our full range of equine college courses.

Discover our equine college courses