Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Qualify as an equine sports massage therapist to support the overall wellbeing and performance of horses.
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Our BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation degree focuses on the structure and function of the horse, relating that to how horses move and how natural gait may change when areas of tension are seen in the musculature.
It also explores how a team of professionals – including veterinarians, farriers, saddle fitters, dentists and trainers – can work together to enhance and optimise horses' wellbeing, body balance and performance.
As a student at ARU in Writtle 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.
Our course is accredited by the Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR), and prepares you to provide health services that protect animal welfare, as well as the interests of owners and referring professionals, such as veterinary surgeons.
As a graduate, you’ll be ready to work in an exciting and evolving part of the equine industry.
Course options
Key facts
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 have access to the rehab yard and specialist biomedical equipment including Tekscan Saddle Pressure System, Quintic Gait Analysis, Equimetre, VERT and Equinosis and F-Scan pressure sensors.
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.
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Academy barn - Writtle students are able to bring their own horses to university with them on DIY livery.
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Central track and turnout which leads to our Equine Training and Development Centre
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Our Equine Training and Development Centre, home to all things equine and approximately 70 horses.
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Horse water treadmill
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This is the largest of our arenas (24m x 60m), each of which have a different surface. This allows students to assess the impact of surfaces on equine biomechanics.
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Our outdoor arena is 20m x 60m in size and located next to the horse walker.
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Tempo arena is one of our indoor arenas, 24m x 55m in size. DIY Livery students have access to all of our facilities when not being used for teaching purposes.
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The Therapy Barn is a large teaching space that allows presentations to be shared with students while simultaneously apply their learnt techniques.
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Accreditation
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.
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Jane HartLecturer in Equine Performance
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Rosemary LawrenceLecturer in Equine
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Susan MooneySenior Lecturer
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Dr Roberta BlakeAssociate Professor
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Charlotte Coleman-FryLecturer in Equine and Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Chloe MabbuttLecturer in Equine
Careers
As a graduate of our BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation degree, you'll have the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in the equine industry.
You could consider a career in:
- equine sports therapy, including as a self-employed therapist
- equine therapy rehabilitation
- thoroughbred rehabilitation
- hydrotherapy
- equine welfare
- equine nutrition
- the police force.
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 or MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation.
Apply for Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
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