Equitation Opportunities

As a Higher Education student, your primary reason for going to university is to study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. However, we understand that for many of our students, a life without riding or their horse would be unthinkable. That is why we offer a number of equitation options to all of our students, so your time with us is as rewarding and happy as possible.

DIY livery

Higher Education students are given the opportunity to bring their own horse to Hartpury. We have on-site stabling for over 250 horses, and many of these are set aside for DIY livery horses belonging to our students. As a DIY customer, you will have access to any of the riding arenas (eight indoor and outdoor) apart from when they are being used for scheduled lessons or competitions. You can also hack round the estate on an all-weather surface. For further details, please contact Rachel Moss on 01452 702126.

Riding opportunities for all

There are a number of ways that all our students can ride at Hartpury. We have 60 loan horses that our students ride during their equitation lessons. Once riding ability has been assessed (around BHS Stage 2 standard), the Yard Manager is always keen and happy for responsible and enthusiastic students to help exercise the horses over the weekend. Weekend riding lessons and Wednesday group lessons are also available.

Riding opportunities for equine students

Equitation is an optional module on the Equine Science, Equine Performance, Equestrian Sports Science or Equine Business Management undergraduate degrees. You will need to be a competent rider (BHS Stage 2 standard or equivalent) to be able to study the equitation module.

British Horse Society (BHS) examinations

You can train for part of the BHS stage exams through the short course department. They coordinate blocks of theory lessons run over a 12-week period during the evenings.

Competition opportunities

Hartpury runs a full calendar of equine shows – affiliated and unaffiliated dressage and showjumping. These very competitive competitions are open to student horse owners and the general public.

For outstanding riders, the Equine Academy offers the opportunity to receive expert coaching and support while continuing with your education. For detailed information about the Equine Academy please click here

For more information on any of the above please email Paul Connor - paul.connor@hartpury.ac.uk -or call 01452 702366.