In partnership with British Dressage, British Eventing, and British Showjumping, Hartpury College provides riders with opportunities to improve performance via a blended learning programme consisting of central ‘camps’ at Hartpury College and ‘home visits’ from the rider’s assigned mentor/assessor.

The Hartpury programme offers a high quality training environment, access to modern, well-equipped facilities and the benefits of conditioning experts, physiotherapists, nutritionists and mentors. Our talented coaches – who have a vast amount of competitive experience at the highest level – will encourage, nurture and support you through your elite development through the perfect scheme for aspiring riders.

Riders across all disciplines will complete shared core elements of the programme, alongside their specialist streams in either Dressage, Eventing, or Showjumping.  ​

The programme consists of five central camps at Hartpury which must be attended:

• October 2019
• February 2020
• April 2020
• October 2020
• February 2021

To supplement this time mentors will make regular visits to see students at home in their own training environment, and visits to high-profile yards with access to industry-leading professionals are included.

“Hartpury provides the ideal training environment for people to start their career in the industry. I’m proud to be part of the College and working with the next generation of riders.” Carl Hester | Hartpury Elite Dressage Coach | Olympic Gold Medallist

The programme reflects the broad range of skills, knowledge and performance required by elite level sports people. It measures the rider’s ability to plan, apply and evaluate their development in the technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of their sport. It also addresses wider issues such as nutrition, lifestyle, career development, communication, and health and safety.

Additionally, riders will consider four equine-specific units: horse training programmes, horse nutrition, horse health and wellbeing, and competition performance.

What is the Diploma in Sporting Excellence?

A Level 3 qualification designed for riders who have the realistic potential to achieve excellence and are seeking to perform at the highest level. It covers all aspects of training and sports performance support to enable riders to push themselves to the next level.

The award is notionally a two-year programme for riders in Year 12, who are also studying other academic qualifications at a school or college. As a Level 3 qualification, the Diploma attracts 40 UCAS Tariff points upon successful completion, this the equivalent of a ‘B’ grade at A Level. (Please note at the time of publication this is still provisional and will be confirmed to applicants at the earliest opportunity).

How do I apply?

Please contact thomas.staten@hartpury.ac.uk (DISE Manager at Hartpury College) to request an application form.