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Equine Degree Courses

Is your ambition to work in the equine industry? Perhaps you want to take your riding skills to a higher level?

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Passionate about horses and a career in the equine industry?

Studying Equine at Bishop Burton College in East Yorkshire gives you access to industry-standard facilities, expert coaching and hands-on experience with horses.

Our degree courses combine scientific knowledge with practical training, preparing you for careers in equine management, coaching, rehabilitation and performance.

Equine Degrees at Bishop Burton – Quick Overview

  • Location: East Yorkshire
  • Study level: Foundation Degree and Honours Degree
  • Facilities: BHS-approved Equine Centre with indoor and outdoor arenas
  • Specialisms: Coaching, performance, rehabilitation and equine science
  • Career paths: Coaching, yard management, equine therapy, competition roles
  • Progression: Employment in the equine industry or postgraduate study

Why Study Equine at Bishop Burton?

  • World class BHS) Approved Centres equine facilities
    Train in one of the UK’s leading equine centres with extensive indoor (heated) and outdoor arenas.
  • Hands-on learning every day
    Develop practical skills working with horses alongside your academic studies.
  • Expert coaches and lecturers
    Learn from industry professionals with experience in coaching, competition and equine science.
  • Opportunities to compete and progress
    Access riding opportunities, competitions and pathways such as the Equine Academy.
  • Career-focused courses
    Build the skills needed for roles across the equine and wider animal industries.
  • Access to specialist equipment
    Including Quintic Gait Analysis software, FLIR Thermal Imaging cameras, Polar Heart Monitors, Televet ECG, Synchronicity Rein Tension Gauges and Noldus Observe XP software.
  • Access to DIY livery
    Looking to bring your horse with you? We have stables available for DIY livery, with access to turnout areas according to availability and weather conditions.
  • Access to Rehabilitation Centre
    Dedicated equine therapy and rehabilitation centre, complete with water treadmill, spa and solarium.

Why Study Equine at Bishop Burton?

Studying equine at Bishop Burton means learning in a real equestrian environment with industry-standard facilities.

You will have access to:

  • A BHS-approved Equine Centre and examination centre
  • Multiple indoor and outdoor arenas, including competition-standard spaces
  • Over 100 stables across specialist training yards
  • A cross-country course and 6km off-road hacking track
  • Equine therapy and rehabilitation facilities
  • Rider Fitness and Performance Suite

Students also gain experience supporting competitions and events hosted on campus throughout the year.

These facilities allow you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world equine environments.

Industry Experience

You’ll benefit from strong links with the equine industry.

This includes:

  • Opportunities to support equestrian competitions and events
  • Guest speakers and industry professionals
  • Work placements with equine businesses and yards
  • Exposure to real-world equine management and performance environments

This helps you build experience, confidence and industry connections.

What You Will Study

Equine degrees combine science, performance and practical skills.

Depending on your chosen pathway, you might study

  • Equine anatomy and physiology
  • Horse behaviour and welfare
  • Coaching and performance
  • Equine nutrition
  • Rehabilitation and therapy
  • Business and yard management
  • Leading equine science research
  • In depth case studies
  • Equine business studies and entrepreneurship 

These courses prepare you for a range of careers within the equine sector.

Careers in Equine

An Equine degree can lead to careers such as:

  • Equine coach or instructor
  • Yard manager
  • Equine therapist or rehabilitation specialist
  • Competition rider or support roles
  • Equine business management
  • Industry roles in welfare and training

Many students also progress into further study or specialist equine careers.

What Skills Will I Learn?

  • Practical horse handling and care
  • Coaching and performance skills
  • Scientific understanding of equine health
  • Communication and leadership
  • Business and management skills

Our Facilities:

Our Equine Centre offers industry-standard facilities designed to support practical learning, rider development and equine performance. These facilities provide students with hands-on experience in a professional equestrian environment, helping prepare them for careers across the equine industry.

Facilities include:

  • A heated indoor arena, plus five additional indoor and outdoor arenas for training and competition
  • An Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation Centre - accredited by the Animal Health Professions’ Register (AHPR)
  • A Rider Fitness and Performance Suite
  • 110 stables across three specialist yards
  • A six-kilometre off-road hacking track through the college’s rural countryside campus
  • A dedicated cross-country course
  • Equine laundry facilities and tack rooms
  • An equine weighbridge and horsewalker
  • A practical demonstration room with gallery seating for teaching and events
  • On-site showers and changing facilities
     

FAQs

Do equine degrees include practical riding?

What facilities will I have access to?

Can I compete while studying?

Do I need my own horse?

What careers can an equine degree lead to?

Apply for our Equine Academy

Designed for experienced competitive riders, or those with the potential to be, our prestigious Equine Academy can offer you expert coaching to help you develop.

Equine Academy
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Student Profiles

Cat Dalton 1

Cat Dalton - Equine Alumni

"The academic staff were incredibly supportive throughout my degree. The tutors made a real effort to get to know each student individually, including their aims and ambitions for the future. I always felt the tutors were very invested in the student's journey and pushed you to strive for a little bit more."

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