BSc (Hons) Equine Performance and Rehabilitation

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.

You’ll explore the fundamentals in equine performance analysis and rehabilitation, whilst developing your practical horsemanship skills further. The unique incorporation of practical competences ensures continual development of practical skills including ground schooling and equine performance analysis.

Key Information

Course Duration: 4 years full-time; part-time available

UC UCAS Code: D338

Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time

Level of Study: Undergraduate Degrees

Placement Year: Required

Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

Download Programme Specification

Utilising world-class facilities, you’ll gain experience in our commercial Equine Therapy Centre that rehabilitates horses working at a range of levels. You’ll also undertake a supported work placement in your second year, as well as a compulsory placement year between your second and final years.

Key to the course is developing your leadership skills through dedicated modules and ‘live’ projects. You’ll graduate with the competence needed to implement rehabilitation programmes under the direction of a veterinarian or professional and to positively impact industry practice in the fast-changing equine sector.

UCAS | A typical offer for this course is 112 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.
GCSE | A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4, (or A* to C grades if relevant) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.
A-level | Typical offer is BBC or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A Levels including one in Biology at grade D or above.
Vocational Award | Typical offer is DMM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
Access | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma to include a minimum of a pass in a Biological Science module at Level 3.
IB | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of two Highers at H3 or above, including one in Biology. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.
Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. This must include a minimum of one Higher and one Advance Higher, including one in a Biology.
Irish Leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of two Highers including one in Biology. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level.
OCR Cambridge Technical | Typical offer is a DMM in a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
T Level | Typical offer is Merit in your T Level overall grade in a relevant subject+Q30.
Practical competency | In addition to the above, applicants are required to hold a minimum of BHS Stage 2 care and lunge or Pony Club B test, or provide signature of a BHS Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship (UKCC level 2 or equivalent) to confirm that the applicant is able to:
- 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
- In the absence of supporting documentation to confirm the above, a practical assessment can be run on a relevant offer-holder day.

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 72 UCAS tariff or equivalent providing this is combined with relevant experience.

We welcome students with equivalent qualifications. Please contact us to discuss.

We may interview mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications to ensure this is the right course for you.

Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course.

Please contact us for further information.

Email us

Your career

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.

Work placements and experience

A compulsory work placement forms part of a level 5 core module on this course, alongside an integrated placement year before your final year. We’ll support you to secure a placement with a UK-based or international employer, to match your interests and career goals. Placements can be paid or unpaid, depending on the position.

Our commercial equine yard, equestrian events centre and equine therapy centre also offer opportunities for you to gain industry experience ready for your future career – either on work placements or in a voluntary role.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

You'll develop a greater understanding of equine performance and rehabilitation as you take part in study trips to local and national equine institutions. You’ll also hear from industry experts and professionals in lectures and explore potential career paths.

Study internationally

Our Study Abroad programme means you can make the most of opportunities to study a semester or full year of your degree at one of our partner institutions while achieving credits towards your degree.

Graduate destinations

As a graduate, you will understand the complexity of the equine industry and will be capable of working within it, having met industry informed practical competencies.

You'll have a thorough knowledge of the science underpinning performance and rehabilitation and will be able to use this knowledge to appraise training methods, monitor the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes and analyse equine performance to enter a graduate-level position within the equine industry.

You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Typical graduate destinations might include:

Equine therapy centre management
Rehabilitation and re-training on competition and racing yards
Postgraduate study, eg. McTimoney practitioner
Equine performance analyst

Success Stories

Your support network

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 (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

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.

Your learning experiences

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.

Your career

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.

Course information

Overview

Entry requirements

UCAS | A typical offer for this course is 112 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.
GCSE | A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4, (or A* to C grades if relevant) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.
A-level | Typical offer is BBC or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A Levels including one in Biology at grade D or above.
Vocational Award | Typical offer is DMM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
Access | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma to include a minimum of a pass in a Biological Science module at Level 3.
IB | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of two Highers at H3 or above, including one in Biology. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.
Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. This must include a minimum of one Higher and one Advance Higher, including one in a Biology.
Irish Leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of two Highers including one in Biology. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level.
OCR Cambridge Technical | Typical offer is a DMM in a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
T Level | Typical offer is Merit in your T Level overall grade in a relevant subject+Q30.
Practical competency | In addition to the above, applicants are required to hold a minimum of BHS Stage 2 care and lunge or Pony Club B test, or provide signature of a BHS Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship (UKCC level 2 or equivalent) to confirm that the applicant is able to:
- 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
- In the absence of supporting documentation to confirm the above, a practical assessment can be run on a relevant offer-holder day.

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 72 UCAS tariff or equivalent providing this is combined with relevant experience.

We welcome students with equivalent qualifications. Please contact us to discuss.

We may interview mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications to ensure this is the right course for you.

Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course.

Please contact us for further information.

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Study internationally

Our Study Abroad programme means you can make the most of opportunities to study a semester or full year of your degree at one of our partner institutions while achieving credits towards your degree.

Graduate destinations

As a graduate, you will understand the complexity of the equine industry and will be capable of working within it, having met industry informed practical competencies.

Equine therapy centre management
Rehabilitation and re-training on competition and racing yards
Postgraduate study, eg. McTimoney practitioner
Equine performance analyst

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic support

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

Central to this degree is the training, performance and rehabilitation of the equine athlete. You'll develop practical skills in ground schooling, performance analysis and therapeutic equipment.

Equine anatomy, physiology, veterinary science and nutrition will be core themes in your learning. You’ll examine how these underpin performance and success, as well as the impact of injury and disease on both short-term and long-term performance.

You’ll benefit from world-class facilities, gaining experience in our commercial Equine Therapy Centre and working alongside multi-disciplinary teams of veterinarians, physiotherapists, osteopaths and saddlers.

A work placement in your second year alongside a compulsory integrated placement year means you'll gain valuable industry experience. Students have recently undertaken work placements in veterinary care, rehoming centres and at our state-of-the-art Equine Therapy Centre, as well as at rehabilitation facilities in the UK, USA and Hong Kong, specialising in the retraining of racehorses.

You’ll be exposed to, and be a part of, the latest research in equine performance analysis and rehabilitation, placing you at the forefront of emerging scientific knowledge. Draw on your own experience and interests to develop your own research question, which you’ll explore through your applied research project in your final year. Advance your research skills and delve deeper into the areas you’re passionate about.

Course modules

This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Module credits

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.

Compulsory Modules

Equine Functional Anatomy

Learn about the biological systems of the horse, how they interact and how they can be managed.

Equine Veterinary Science

Understand the balance between health and disease, and apply management and control theories to practical situations.

Management of Equestrian Facilities

Learn about the management and construction of equine facilities and the legislation that governs them.

Equine Industry

An in-depth look at the scope and management of the equine industry in the UK and Europe.

Skills for the Equine Rehabilitation Professional

An introduction to academic and professional development relating to your desired career path. Fundamental practical competencies will be developed throughout.

Introduction to Equine Nutrition

Study the basic principles of equine feeding and nutrition.

Compulsory Modules

Equine Musculoskeletal Diagnostics

Students will learn about diagnostic procedures used by vets for common lameness conditions.

Introduction to Equine Performance Analysis

Develop your physiological and biomechanical knowledge alongside gaining an understanding of common performance measures.

Equine Performance and Rehabilitation

Explore the physiological and biomechanical responses to exercise and training alongside the efficacy of equine rehabilitation regimens. The module builds upon practical competencies in ground schooling for performance and rehabilitation.

Research Methods for Equine Science

This module introduces students to research methods and analysis in equine sciences, helping to prepare them for reading research literature and conducting research projects in the future.

Professional Placement Experience in the Equestrian Sector

You'll be supported to complete a minimum of 150 hours of work experience during the year, which can be in a variety of equine focused establishments in the UK or abroad.

Optional Modules

Equine Nutrition

The study of the horse’s digestive system, their required nutrient intake for different activities, and how to manage the horse’s diet.

Introduction to Equine Behaviour

Develop an understanding of behaviour of horses and the neurological pathways resulting in the development of these behaviours.

Introduction to Animal Hydrotherapy

Discover key aspects of hydrotherapy in both equine and canine centres.

Study Trip

You will engage in a programme relevant study trip which will provide a context for you to synthesise content from across your programme of study and make applications and inferences to this real world setting, while expanding your horizons.

An integrated placement year before your final year gives you further opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience. This could take place in the UK or abroad.

Compulsory Modules

Undergraduate Dissertation

Carry out independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.

Analysis of Equine Performance

Explore performance analysis within training and the role of musculoskeletal function in locomotor and competition performance.

Equine Rehabilitation in Practice

Develop practical assistant skills alongside your knowledge and understanding of functional anatomy to evaluate performance and therapeutic training regimes. Develop self-awareness alongside professional practical competency.

Optional Modules

Equine Ethics and Welfare

Students will build their knowledge of ethical philosophy and key equine welfare contributors/research to enable discussion of contemporary industry issues.

Equine Nutrition for Performance

Evolution of feeding strategies to support athletic performance in the horse, whilst maintaining good health.

Sales, Negotiation and Customer Service

Gain strategies and techniques to develop communications skills in order to influence, sell and negotiate within the equine industry.

Undergraduate Independent Study

A chance to critically review an approved topic of your choice linked to the programme aims.

Applied Equine Biomechanics

The Applied Equine Biomechanics module utilises the University’s Rider Performance Centre and biomechanical analysis resources to support students in applying and implementing biomechanical principles and theoretical concepts to practical research and industry scenarios.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Central to this degree is the training, performance and rehabilitation of the equine athlete. You'll develop practical skills in ground schooling, performance analysis and therapeutic equipment.

Course modules

This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals.

Module credits

Level four (year one)

Compulsory Modules

Equine Functional Anatomy

Learn about the biological systems of the horse, how they interact and how they can be managed.

Equine Veterinary Science

Understand the balance between health and disease, and apply management and control theories to practical situations.

Management of Equestrian Facilities

Learn about the management and construction of equine facilities and the legislation that governs them.

Equine Industry

An in-depth look at the scope and management of the equine industry in the UK and Europe.

Skills for the Equine Rehabilitation Professional

An introduction to academic and professional development relating to your desired career path. Fundamental practical competencies will be developed throughout.

Introduction to Equine Nutrition

Study the basic principles of equine feeding and nutrition.

Level five (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Equine Musculoskeletal Diagnostics

Students will learn about diagnostic procedures used by vets for common lameness conditions.

Introduction to Equine Performance Analysis

Develop your physiological and biomechanical knowledge alongside gaining an understanding of common performance measures.

Equine Performance and Rehabilitation

Research Methods for Equine Science

This module introduces students to research methods and analysis in equine sciences, helping to prepare them for reading research literature and conducting research projects in the future.

Professional Placement Experience in the Equestrian Sector

You'll be supported to complete a minimum of 150 hours of work experience during the year, which can be in a variety of equine focused establishments in the UK or abroad.

Optional Modules

Equine Nutrition

The study of the horse’s digestive system, their required nutrient intake for different activities, and how to manage the horse’s diet.

Introduction to Equine Behaviour

Develop an understanding of behaviour of horses and the neurological pathways resulting in the development of these behaviours.

Introduction to Animal Hydrotherapy

Discover key aspects of hydrotherapy in both equine and canine centres.

Study Trip

Placement year - compulsory (year three)

Level Six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Undergraduate Dissertation

Carry out independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.

Analysis of Equine Performance

Explore performance analysis within training and the role of musculoskeletal function in locomotor and competition performance.

Equine Rehabilitation in Practice

Optional Modules

Equine Ethics and Welfare

Students will build their knowledge of ethical philosophy and key equine welfare contributors/research to enable discussion of contemporary industry issues.

Equine Nutrition for Performance

Evolution of feeding strategies to support athletic performance in the horse, whilst maintaining good health.

Sales, Negotiation and Customer Service

Gain strategies and techniques to develop communications skills in order to influence, sell and negotiate within the equine industry.

Undergraduate Independent Study

A chance to critically review an approved topic of your choice linked to the programme aims.

Applied Equine Biomechanics

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 will also include work placement learning as part of some modules.

This course is taught in English.

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level four (year one)	24%	0%	76%
Level five (year two)	21%	12%	67%
Placement year (year three)	1%	80%	19%
Level six (year four)	16%	0%	84%

You'll 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 informally during scheduled learning and formally following each assessment.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level four (year one)	31%	33%	36%
Level five (year two)	18%	38%	44%
Placement year (year three)	0%	0%	100%
Level six (year four)	0%	50%	50%

This programme is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

Scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30, Monday to Friday
Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
Work placements may entail different days and hours
Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
Timetables are available during enrolment week

View term dates

Please visit our student 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 (circa £100)

You’ll need to purchase some specialist kit and clothing before you enrol, or during enrolment week. In particular, appropriate footwear for practical sessions on the yard. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide.

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 £500)

You'll have the chance to engage in various trips and visits as part of your course. While many of these are included in the course fees, there is the opportunity to engage in additional optional tours which may require self-funding.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

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.

Fees & Finance

For further details about this course, including the programme specification and module descriptions, please visit our document library.

Resource library

Academies

If you’re playing sport competitively, or you have the talent and drive to do so, you may want to join one of our Sports Academies. Over 200 international athletes have developed their talents with us over the past 10 years. You could be our next success story. We're a semi-professional sports environment offering world-class facilities and professional coaching and support services.

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Finance

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 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).

Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2023).

Academic support

We’ve been named as the top university in England for academic support (National Student Survey, 2023).

Become a game changer

World-class equine facilities

Equine facilities

Success stories

Victoria's story

Success Stories

Victoria's story

“Hartpury gives you the opportunities, facilities and encouragement to fuel your career ambitions, and provides outstanding guidance through lecturers and support teams.”

Victoria Charnock-Crawford

BSc (Hons) Equine Performance

"Completing my work placement at Hartpury’s summer equine events was a great experience. I learnt how to run events, secure sponsorship deals, organise volunteers, and ensure arenas and stables are ready for competitors. I even got to compete in an event myself. I built contacts and connections with a range of people, including the Hartpury Equine management team, which lead to my role as Yard Technician today."

Clarissa Burnell-Price

High-performance equine environment

We have an international reputation for equine education. Our students are challenged to reach new heights in their fields.

If you’re passionate, hard-working and motivated to make a difference, we’ll give you the skills and connections to channel this energy into an exciting equine career. Whatever your career aspirations, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to gain experience on and off campus.

Watch via YouTube

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. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

Important information

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.

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Key Information

Course information

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Study internationally

Graduate destinations

Your support network

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Course information

Overview

Entry requirements

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Study internationally

Graduate destinations

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

Course modules

Module credits

Compulsory Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Course modules

Module credits

Level four (year one)

Compulsory Modules

Level five (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Placement year - compulsory (year three)

Level Six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Teaching modes

Assessment and Feedback

Timetables

Fees and funding

Further course details

Academies

Accommodation

Finance

TEF Gold

Teaching quality

Graduate employability

Academic support

Become a game changer

World-class equine facilities

Success stories

Victoria's story

High-performance equine environment

Meet our academic team

Important information

Related courses

BSc (Hons) Equine Science

BSc (Hons) Racehorse Performance and Rehabilitation

BA (Hons) International Horseracing Business

Our partners & accreditations