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Study at a nationally recognised university for career-focused teaching, specialist facilities and student experience (The Times and The Sunday Times, 2026).
95% of our graduates progress to careers, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2026).
We're a top 10 university for academic support, helping you reach your goals (NSS 2026, UK universities).
Study at a nationally recognised university for career-focused teaching, specialist facilities and student experience (The Times and The Sunday Times, 2026).
95% of our graduates progress to careers, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2026).
We're a top 10 university for academic support, helping you reach your goals (NSS 2026, UK universities).
You'll develop a personal coaching philosophy grounded in reflection upon both practice and ‘self’, tailored to the needs of the equestrian athlete. You'll be optimally placed to positively influence the equine industry as equestrian coaches, with a solid underpinning in coaching theory which they can practically apply to a range of coaching scenarios.
By graduation, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, practical skills, and industry insight to lead the way in modern equestrian coaching, shaping the future of horse-rider partnerships from grassroots to elite.
You can use all of this to evidence your coaching expertise, experience and coaching philosophy to employers when you graduate.
UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.
A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.
Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.
Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.
International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.
Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.
Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.
T Level | An overall grade of Pass.
Practical competency
In addition to the above, applicants will be required to confirm that they are able to:
Ride to BHS stage 2 standard
Ride in an arena, jump single fences and a small course of 75 centimetres
Evaluate your own riding and the way the horse goes both in flatwork and jumping
Understand basic horse behaviour and normal health
Handle horses inside the stable
Carry out routine grooming tasks
Maintain a clean stable and provide food and water
Select and fit rugs appropriately
Tack up and un-tack (saddle and bridle)
Lead a horse safely in a variety of environments and hold a horse for inspection
Lunge a horse for exercise according to instructions
Practical assessments will also be available at offer-holder days.
Please contact us for further information.
Additional Information
In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies.
We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.
We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.
You must have completed two years study at Level 3. This rule does not apply to Access to Higher Education Diploma studies.
International students
Please read the entry requirements for your country and contact our admissions team if you have any questions.
Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.
Embedded placement modules within this programme enable you to experience and develop your coaching practice anywhere in the world, with previous students experiencing coaching pathways in China, Hong Kong and America to name a few.
You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Employability, Skills and Careers) centres.
You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.
Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.
You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.
Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.
You'll develop a personal coaching philosophy grounded in reflection upon both practice and ‘self’, tailored to the needs of the equestrian athlete. You'll be optimally placed to positively influence the equine industry as equestrian coaches, with a solid underpinning in coaching theory which they can practically apply to a range of coaching scenarios.
By graduation, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, practical skills, and industry insight to lead the way in modern equestrian coaching, shaping the future of horse-rider partnerships from grassroots to elite.
You can use all of this to evidence your coaching expertise, experience and coaching philosophy to employers when you graduate.
UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.
A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.
Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.
Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.
International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.
Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.
Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.
T Level | An overall grade of Pass.
Practical competency
In addition to the above, applicants will be required to confirm that they are able to:
Ride to BHS stage 2 standard
Ride in an arena, jump single fences and a small course of 75 centimetres
Evaluate your own riding and the way the horse goes both in flatwork and jumping
Understand basic horse behaviour and normal health
Handle horses inside the stable
Carry out routine grooming tasks
Maintain a clean stable and provide food and water
Select and fit rugs appropriately
Tack up and un-tack (saddle and bridle)
Lead a horse safely in a variety of environments and hold a horse for inspection
Lunge a horse for exercise according to instructions
Practical assessments will also be available at offer-holder days.
Please contact us for further information.
Additional Information
In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies.
We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.
We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.
You must have completed two years study at Level 3. This rule does not apply to Access to Higher Education Diploma studies.
International students
Please read the entry requirements for your country and contact our admissions team if you have any questions.
Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.
Embedded placement modules within this programme enable you to experience and develop your coaching practice anywhere in the world, with previous students experiencing coaching pathways in China, Hong Kong and America to name a few.
You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Employability, Skills and Careers) centres.
You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.
Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.
You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.
Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.
Graduates will have an applied understanding of equitation science, enabling them to educate horse riders in the use of evidence-based welfare-centric training methods and principles. You'll be able to constructively challenge current practices, communicate information to athletes and clients that they encounter and explore new concepts, in order to safeguard the horse. You'll appreciate the complexities involved in facilitating human behaviour change and communicate challenging topics to a range of audiences effectively.
On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and third years may contribute towards your final degree classification.
Your foundation year will focus on study skills and specific knowledge around human-animal interactions. This will support you moving into year one. In addition, you’ll be introduced to equine science and the equine industry.
Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.
An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development.
Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.
The module aims to introduce central anatomy, physiology, welfare and health that underpin best husbandry and management practices, along with key legislation and health and safety requirements in the equine industry.
This module covers the learning and understanding of the balance of theory and practice in contemporary business practice; an appreciation of the complexity of modern organisational environments and the critical role of enterprise and innovation.
You will focus on key topics relating to equestrian performance and coaching to gain knowledge and fundamental study skills that underpin your course and will equip you to study at higher levels. You will also study equine anatomy and physiology, and the quine industry, whilst beginning to explore human behaviours and interactions to gain skills for influencing future change.
Equitation Science for Coaches
This module maps against the BHS ridden requirements for the coaching pathway whilst also exploring how horses learn through evidence-based principles, including how environment and training methods influence behaviour, welfare, and performance across equestrian disciplines.
Equestrian Practice
This module maps against the stable management practical competencies on the BHS coaching pathway, developing acceptable industry standards of practice and explore the principles behind them.
Equestrian Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Theory)
An introduction to learning theory and human behaviour in relation to developing an understanding of reflection of self and how humans interact and influence others.
Equine Structure and Function
Learn about the biological systems of the horse, how they interact, and how they can be managed.
Equine Industry
Explore the dynamic world of the equine industry in the UK and internationally. Gain an insight into its structure, scope and key organisations while examining the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sector.
Equitation (Theory)
Students will develop their knowledge of equitation and their ability to assess the horse’s way of going.
While you continue to develop your coaching skills, you'll focus in detail on the complex horse and rider relationship and how this influences performance. You'll begin to cover more in-depth topics, taking the fundamental knowledge learned in year one to explore the key factors and principles which underpin management practices, rider fitness and performance measurements in more detail. You'll also be supported to continue with your personal coaching develop portfolio whilst completing practical time as a mentor on the Hartpury yard during the second year of study, giving you the opportunity to develop your own leadership skills and gain first hand understanding of the challenges.
Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Pedagogy)
Students will evaluate their own ability to educate others in equestrian sport.
Equine Performance, Fitness and Training
Explore how exercise physiology, fitness training, and biomechanical principles apply to performance horses, linking conformation and movement to athletic ability, discipline-specific demands, and injury risk.
The Other 23 Hours
This module evaluates the management practices of horses outside of ridden activity, with the aim of promoting a good life for horses. This module will include 100 hours of industry placement.
Equestrian Research Methods
An introduction to research methods and analysis in equestrian performance, welfare & coaching, helping to prepare them for conducting research projects in the future.
One Welfare in the Equine Industry
Explore the interconnected wellbeing of horses, humans, and the environment through the One Welfare framework, and learn how to assess equine welfare in both ridden and non-ridden contexts.
Integrated Placement Year (Optional)
An integrated placement year before your final year allows you to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience. Many students get their graduate careers with the organisation with which they completed their work placement.
An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years allows you to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience in a coaching or related role, ready for your career. Many students get their graduate role with the employer with which they undertook their placement.
Your final year, while developing more advanced coaching skills, you'll undertake a research project in an area of your own interest, enabling you to develop specialist expertise to benefit your own career as well as industry practice. You’ll further develop your own coaching portfolio and understand the fundamental concepts to be able to set up your own business, while you will also be exposed to contemporary challenges and developments involved to ethically train horses, gaining an insight into where current research is focussing to promote one health and welfare to horses, humans and the environment.
Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Reflection)
Critically reflect on your own coaching abilities and how they have developed over time.
Undergraduate Dissertation
Partake in independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.
Challenging Equestrian Culture
Explores how equestrian practices and policies evolve over time and equips students to critically evaluate current norms and contribute to the transition toward more ethical, inclusive, and sustainable equestrian cultures.
Optimising Rider Performance for Equine Welfare
Examine the physical and biomechanical demands placed on riders across disciplines, and explore how rider fitness, balance, and training practices impact equine welfare.
Applied Business Management
Understand the essential operations of a small business, including, organisational culture and marketing.
Graduates will have an applied understanding of equitation science, enabling them to educate horse riders in the use of evidence-based welfare-centric training methods and principles. You'll be able to constructively challenge current practices, communicate information to athletes and clients that they encounter and explore new concepts, in order to safeguard the horse. You'll appreciate the complexities involved in facilitating human behaviour change and communicate challenging topics to a range of audiences effectively.
On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and third years may contribute towards your final degree classification.
Your foundation year will focus on study skills and specific knowledge around human-animal interactions. This will support you moving into year one. In addition, you’ll be introduced to equine science and the equine industry.
Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.
An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development.
Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.
The module aims to introduce central anatomy, physiology, welfare and health that underpin best husbandry and management practices, along with key legislation and health and safety requirements in the equine industry.
This module covers the learning and understanding of the balance of theory and practice in contemporary business practice; an appreciation of the complexity of modern organisational environments and the critical role of enterprise and innovation.
You will focus on key topics relating to equestrian performance and coaching to gain knowledge and fundamental study skills that underpin your course and will equip you to study at higher levels. You will also study equine anatomy and physiology, and the quine industry, whilst beginning to explore human behaviours and interactions to gain skills for influencing future change.
Equitation Science for Coaches
This module maps against the BHS ridden requirements for the coaching pathway whilst also exploring how horses learn through evidence-based principles, including how environment and training methods influence behaviour, welfare, and performance across equestrian disciplines.
Equestrian Practice
This module maps against the stable management practical competencies on the BHS coaching pathway, developing acceptable industry standards of practice and explore the principles behind them.
Equestrian Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Theory)
An introduction to learning theory and human behaviour in relation to developing an understanding of reflection of self and how humans interact and influence others.
Equine Structure and Function
Learn about the biological systems of the horse, how they interact, and how they can be managed.
Equine Industry
Explore the dynamic world of the equine industry in the UK and internationally. Gain an insight into its structure, scope and key organisations while examining the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sector.
Equitation (Theory)
Students will develop their knowledge of equitation and their ability to assess the horse’s way of going.
While you continue to develop your coaching skills, you'll focus in detail on the complex horse and rider relationship and how this influences performance. You'll begin to cover more in-depth topics, taking the fundamental knowledge learned in year one to explore the key factors and principles which underpin management practices, rider fitness and performance measurements in more detail. You'll also be supported to continue with your personal coaching develop portfolio whilst completing practical time as a mentor on the Hartpury yard during the second year of study, giving you the opportunity to develop your own leadership skills and gain first hand understanding of the challenges.
Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Pedagogy)
Students will evaluate their own ability to educate others in equestrian sport.
Equine Performance, Fitness and Training
Explore how exercise physiology, fitness training, and biomechanical principles apply to performance horses, linking conformation and movement to athletic ability, discipline-specific demands, and injury risk.
The Other 23 Hours
This module evaluates the management practices of horses outside of ridden activity, with the aim of promoting a good life for horses. This module will include 100 hours of industry placement.
Equestrian Research Methods
An introduction to research methods and analysis in equestrian performance, welfare & coaching, helping to prepare them for conducting research projects in the future.
One Welfare in the Equine Industry
Explore the interconnected wellbeing of horses, humans, and the environment through the One Welfare framework, and learn how to assess equine welfare in both ridden and non-ridden contexts.
Integrated Placement Year (Optional)
An integrated placement year before your final year allows you to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience. Many students get their graduate careers with the organisation with which they completed their work placement.
An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years allows you to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience in a coaching or related role, ready for your career. Many students get their graduate role with the employer with which they undertook their placement.
Your final year, while developing more advanced coaching skills, you'll undertake a research project in an area of your own interest, enabling you to develop specialist expertise to benefit your own career as well as industry practice. You’ll further develop your own coaching portfolio and understand the fundamental concepts to be able to set up your own business, while you will also be exposed to contemporary challenges and developments involved to ethically train horses, gaining an insight into where current research is focussing to promote one health and welfare to horses, humans and the environment.
Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Reflection)
Critically reflect on your own coaching abilities and how they have developed over time.
Undergraduate Dissertation
Partake in independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.
Challenging Equestrian Culture
Explores how equestrian practices and policies evolve over time and equips students to critically evaluate current norms and contribute to the transition toward more ethical, inclusive, and sustainable equestrian cultures.
Optimising Rider Performance for Equine Welfare
Examine the physical and biomechanical demands placed on riders across disciplines, and explore how rider fitness, balance, and training practices impact equine welfare.
Applied Business Management
Understand the essential operations of a small business, including, organisational culture and marketing.
Our undergraduate provision has been awarded TEF Gold in all aspects, as well as student experience and student outcomes.
The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. You’ll be expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules.
The course is taught in English.
| Year | Contact learning | Placement learning | Independent learning |
| Level three (year one) | 24% | 0% | 76% |
| Level four (year two) | 24% | 2% | 74% |
| Level five (year three) | 24% | 9% | 67% |
| Integrated placement year (optional) | 1% | 80% | 19% |
| Level six (final year) | 17% | 0% | 83% |
You will be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given via a mixture of written bullet point-style feedback and/or oral feedback.
| Year | Written exam | Practical exam | Coursework |
| Level three (year one) | 24% | 38% | 38% |
| Level four (year two) | 19% | 52% | 29% |
| Level five (year three) | 0% | 42% | 58% |
| Integrated placement year (optional) | 0% | 0% | 100% |
| Level six (final year) | 0% | 29% | 71% |
Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:
Please visit our finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.
Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.
Clothing and footwear
You’ll need some specialist kit and clothing for the course, such as yard boots, riding hats and gloves to be prepared for your practical sessions on the programme.
We’ll let you know exactly what you need to bring before enrolment.
Hartpury University branded clothing is also available through our online shop, for those who wish to purchase it, however, this is not essential.
Optional field trips (up to circa £1800)
You are encouraged to engage in various trips and visits as part of the course. These are often included as part of the modules. There is the opportunity to engage in additional study trips, which would incur minimal fees relating to travel and/or expenses.
Livery
We have stabling for 230 horses on campus. If you're interested in having your horse at Hartpury on DIY livery while you study, please visit our livery page for details and costs.
Equine Academy
If you have the talent and drive to develop your skills as an equestrian athlete alongside your studies, you may be eligible to join our Equine Academy. For further details including costs, please visit our Equine Academy page.
Accommodation and living costs
Please visit our student accommodation page for details.
Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.
Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.
Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.
Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.
Our equestrian athletes receive world-class coaching to develop their competition careers. Graduates include Rio Olympic medal winner Astier Nicholas and dressage star Olivia Oakeley.
We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2024/25, Hartpury University provided financial assistance to over one quarter of university students through bursaries, scholarships and additional support.
As a student Hartpury student, you’ll be part of our community. As a small university, we provide personalised support based on your individual requirements and aspirations. Our teams cover wellbeing, achievement and success, learning support, careers, and our staff will answer your questions or get you set up with someone who can.
Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England.
Winning or welfare? Can’t it be both? Lead the future of equestrian sport through performance, One Welfare and evidence-based thinking. If you're passionate about the human-horse relationship from an equine welfare perspective and want to understand how horses interpret our world to enhance their performance and wellbeing, then this is the ideal course for you.
If you’re passionate about maximising equine performance and rehabilitation alongside veterinary and professional teams, then this is the ideal course for you. This degree is also ideal for those looking to combine practical equine skills with a love for science and research.
Hartpury’s transformative Equine Dental Sciences degree is tailored to forge skilled Equine Dental Technicians. You’ll receive hands-on learning in our cutting-edge Equine Therapy Centre and laboratories, developing technical skills and knowledge important for handling, caring for and assessing the dental health of horses, plus specialist knowledge of the pathology and treatment of dental disorders.
