A horse with paint on its body showing where bones in its skeleton are, with a rider on its back, jumping over a jump
BSc (Hons), CertHE

Equine Performance Science

Learn how to manage the human-horse partnership covering areas such as training, coaching, nutrition and performance.

Our BSc (Hons) Equine Performance Science degree is all about putting science into practice.

It will give you a thorough grounding in the scientific principles underpinning horse health and management. But we’ll also explore elements such as coaching the rider, saddle fit, behaviour, farriery, managing gait abnormalities and more.

You’ll be based in the Equine Training and Development Centre, which offers extensive facilities including a working stable yard, riding arenas and an equine therapy barn. There are around 70 horses on campus, and you’re able to bring your own horse to university too: find out more about our DIY Livery Yard.

Equine athletes are complex, with various strands of support combining to maximise their performance.

As a graduate, you’ll have a thorough understanding of all possible contributors to performance – from a micro to macro level – and be ready to contribute positively to equine performance.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry requirements

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Fees and paying for university

Facilities

Study equine courses with ARU in Writtle and benefit from our Equine Training and Development Centre. We have around 70 horses on campus, with a working stable yard, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, an oval horse walker, therapy barn. On our 150-hectare campus with grazing and space for events we have a DIY Livery Yard for students' horses. Take a guided tour and meet our students.

You’ll also be able to make full use of facilities including extensive library and IT resources and access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.

Equine Academy: support for talented riders

The Equine Academy at ARU Writtle supports a group of competition-level riders every year. It offers training sessions for the rider, stabling for the horse, and access to our equine facilities and experienced support staff.

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.

Lecturers

Our course team includes industry-experienced staff and practitioners in equine rehabilitation, behaviour, nutrition and breeding, as well as competition riders and UKCC coaches.

Careers

As a graduate of our BSc (Hons) Equine Performance Science degree, you'll have the scientific understanding and practical knowledge to pursue a career in the equine industry.

Some of the job roles you may consider are:

  • horse and rider instructor
  • equine nutrition
  • show co-ordinator/event manager
  • equine trainer/educator
  • competition horse production.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Equine Performance Science.

Apply for Equine Performance Science

UK students

Visit UCAS to apply

International students

Apply direct

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Aerial view of campus buildings and grounds in Writtle

Life in Writtle

Close to major cities, ARU Writtle is located on a picturesque 150-hectare campus in the heart of the Essex countryside.

Explore the Writtle campus