Applied Equine Studies

Two years full-time or three years part-time.

The course has been strategically designed to broaden the career opportunities for students by preparing them for possible employment within yard management, insurance, technical support posts for the veterinary sector, animal nutrition, welfare charities or self-employment.

The course consists of a common first stage of core modules with two discrete streams in the second stage, one related to small business development and the other to applied aspects of horse health and science. The business development stream focuses on the range of skills needed to set up and run a small business successfully with some focus on issues of particular relevance to businesses located in rural settings. The applied health stream includes the study of veterinary and laboratory diagnostic techniques and drug management. This would be of particular interest to those seeking a career within the ancillary veterinary sector. The core modules cover a variety of topics relevant to the care and management of horses, including the scientific principles underpinning equine body system function and the implications for correct horse and stable management. The factors influencing the success of equine events are studied in detail and opportunities exist for students to participate in and run a variety of such events. The core modules cover a variety of topics relevant to the care and management of horses, including the scientific principles underpinning equine body system functions and the implications for correct horse and stable management. A key feature of this course is the three-week period of work experience during year one and then the five-week period of work experience during the summer, between the first and second stage. This can be taken in a wide range of industrial placements, from riding schools, livery yards, tack shops, feed merchants, studs, competition yards and pharmaceutical companies.

Stage one

At the first stage students study a range of modules to provide underpinning knowledge relevant to the study of equines. Modules include:

• Animal Anatomy and Physiology One
• Equine Therapies
• Applied Science Skills
• Working in the Horse Industry
• Introduction to Enterprise
• Practical Horsemanship
• Horse Health and Welfare

Students will also participate in a range of practical activities at the equestrian centre.

Stage two

In the second stage of the course students will study several modules including Equine Exercise Physiology, Horse Breeding and Genetics and Industry Experience. In addition they will be able to pursue option modules in either the management of small business ventures or aspects of applied horse health and science.

• The British Horse Society (BHS) approved Equestrian Centre at Moulton College provides a unique learning experience
• The centre enables students to gain valuable hands-on experience in the day-to-day running of an equestrian yard and enables students to participate in the organisation of shows frequently held at the Equestrian Centre

• Animal Breeding and Genetics
• Equine Behaviour
• Equine Exercise Physiology and Training
• Horse Breeding and Genetics
• Event Management
• Horse Management and Health
• Practical Horsemanship

This course includes a wide variety of assessment methods, including written work, presentations, practical project work and time constrained assessment. The assessment is continuous throughout the course.

Students will be fully prepared to enter their chosen career within various industries such as yard management, insurance, technical support posts for the veterinary sector, animal nutrition, welfare charities or self-employment. Students who successfully complete the Foundation Degree may wish to be considered for the BSc (Hons) Equine Management (top-up).