Hartpury's Equine Academy supports ambitious riders who want to combine competitive equestrian sport with university study. We work with dressage, eventing, showjumping and para dressage athletes competing at national and international level.
Our academy is built around the partnership between horse and rider. We recognise that long-term success depends on developing both together. Depending on your competition history and potential, you'll join one of three academy levels: Development, Elite Development or Elite.
What makes Hartpury different is the combination of expert coaching, dedicated performance support and leading equine facilities. Throughout your time with us, you'll be encouraged to continue competing while building the knowledge, skills and resilience needed for future success.
Alongside your riding development, you’ll have opportunities to build professional experience through roles at major equestrian competitions hosted at Hartpury. This could include the NAF Hartpury Festival of Dressage and NAF International Celebration of Eventing and The British Championship. This practical experience helps develop valuable skills and industry connections alongside studies and competitive goals.
Whether your goal is to progress to international competition or build a career within the equine industry, Hartpury provides the environment, expertise and support to help you achieve your potential.
Lizzel Winter
FBHS, Equine Academy Director
The Equine Academy is led by Lizzel Winter FBHS. With more than 30 years' experience in equestrian sport, her career spans eventing to 5* level, dressage to Grand Prix level and showjumping to 1.50m. She has also coached internationally, starting her international coaching journey with Team GB with the under 18 squad for five years before progressing on to serving as Team Coach and Chef d'Équipe for Finland and Portugal.
As Equine Academy Director, Lizzel oversees the development of riders across dressage, eventing, showjumping and para dressage. She works closely with athletes to support their technical progression, competition planning and long-term development, helping them balance their sporting ambitions with university study.
Coaches and support
Specialist performance staff and facilities
Academy riders also benefit from a wider team of specialist coaches and support staff. This includes showjumping specialist Corin Bracken, dressage specialist Nick Burton, and there are opportunities for selected high-performance riders to work with renowned dressage coach Carl Hester.
Supporting the wider rider development programme is a team of specialist performance staff who provide rider performance support, including biomechanical assessments and mechanical horse analysis.
Academy athletes have access to Hartpury's wider sports facilities when timetables allow, giving flexibility to train in an environment that best suits their schedule. Selected athletes will benefit from two physical development sessions per week in the equine gym with a strength and conditioning coach. All academy athletes will benefit from gym membership and use of the facilities in the sports academy via bookable sessions.
What to expect as an academy rider
Life as an Equine Academy rider is varied and rewarding. Alongside your studies, you'll balance training, competitions, horse management and athlete development, all within a supportive performance environment.
A typical week, depending on your squad, may include individual or group coaching sessions, independent riding, competition preparation, performance reviews and workshops designed to support your development as a rider.
As academy riders study across a wide range of college and university programmes, the academy operates flexibly around academic commitments. Riders have access to a shared training and coaching calendar, allowing them to book sessions around their timetable, much as they would in a professional riding environment. Training opportunities are typically on selected weekday afternoons, with additional specialist coaching sessions and workshops scheduled at key points throughout the year. Please note that training schedules and opportunities may vary from year to year.
We're looking for riders who are committed to their progression, maintain high standards of horse welfare and sportsmanship, and are ready to balance their sporting ambitions whilst studying for a degree.
Unique to Hartpury, academy riders can be paired with students from the Hartpury College Grooms Academy, creating additional support for both horse and rider while providing valuable industry experience for both parties.
Squad structure and application process
Riders hoping to join the Equine Academy are assessed based on the performance of the horse and rider partnership and selected into one of three academy levels: Development, Elite Development or Elite.
Applications are assessed based on the performance and potential of the horse and rider partnership. Following the selection process, riders are placed into the squad that best matches their current competition level and development needs.
If you're not initially selected for the academy, there are still plenty of opportunities to continue developing your riding while studying at Hartpury. Students can get involved with the Hartpury Equestrian Club, access coaching from on-site specialists and work with visiting freelance coaches (self-funded).
Sports Academy Membership Fee
All Equine Academy riders are required to hold a Sports Academy Membership [link to page]. Membership fees vary by tier and include access to a range of benefits and support services.
Additional Costs
Students should budget for costs associated with horse ownership and competition, including, but not limited to, livery, competition entry fees, travel and accommodation, veterinary care, farriery, saddlery and equipment and transport.
Some horse-focused support services, including veterinary and physiotherapy assessments, may incur additional costs payable by the rider.
Designed for riders already competing at a high level and demonstrating the potential to perform successfully on the international stage.
What's included?
- Weekly one-to-one coaching with Equine Academy Director, Lizzel Winter FBHS
- Access to specialist coaching from Corin Bracken
- Invitational dressage coaching with Nick Burton and Carl Hester (subject to discipline and availability)
- Competition planning and performance support
- Individual rider analysis and tailored strength and conditioning programmes
- Physiotherapy and lifestyle support
- Group and one-to-one sports psychology sessions
Typical entry criteria
Applications are considered from horse and rider combinations that have competed successfully within the previous 18 months, including:
- Eventing: CCI3*-L / CCI4*-S level and above
- Dressage: Advanced Medium level and above
- Showjumping: Two double clears at 1.30m or above
- Para Dressage: Minimum 60% at CPEDI3* level
The Elite Development Squad is for riders competing at development level who demonstrate the potential to progress to Elite Squad level in the future. Places are limited and selection is made by the Equine Academy Director and selection panel.
What's included?
- Access to specialist coaching and rider development opportunities
- Competition planning support
- Strength and conditioning guidance
- Sports psychology, nutrition and lifestyle support
- Performance analysis and rider development reviews
- Opportunities to progress towards Elite Squad membership
Typical entry criteria
The Elite Development Squad is aimed at talented horse and rider combinations with the potential to progress towards Elite Squad level. Applications are assessed on an individual basis, taking into account competition results, progression, potential and commitment to performance sport.
Ideal for riders looking to continue progressing in their chosen discipline while studying at Hartpury.
What's included?
- Weekly group coaching sessions with Lizzel Winter FBHS and guest coaches
- Showjumping coaching with Corin Bracken (subject to availability)
- Competition planning support
- Group strength and conditioning sessions
- Psychology, nutrition and lifestyle workshops
- Access to academy communications and resources
Typical entry criteria
Applications are considered from horse and rider combinations that have competed successfully within the previous 18 months, including:
- Eventing: BE Novice with six points, or FEI CCI2*-S with a top-five placing
- Dressage: A minimum of 15 points at Elementary level
- Showjumping: Four double clears or a first-place finish at 1.10m or above
- Para Dressage: Minimum 60% at CPEDI2* or National Para level
Squad structure and application process
Overview
Riders hoping to join the Equine Academy are assessed based on the performance of the horse and rider partnership and selected into one of three academy levels: Development, Elite Development or Elite.
Applications are assessed based on the performance and potential of the horse and rider partnership. Following the selection process, riders are placed into the squad that best matches their current competition level and development needs.
If you're not initially selected for the academy, there are still plenty of opportunities to continue developing your riding while studying at Hartpury. Students can get involved with the Hartpury Equestrian Club, access coaching from on-site specialists and work with visiting freelance coaches (self-funded).
Sports Academy Membership Fee
All Equine Academy riders are required to hold a Sports Academy Membership [link to page]. Membership fees vary by tier and include access to a range of benefits and support services.
Additional Costs
Students should budget for costs associated with horse ownership and competition, including, but not limited to, livery, competition entry fees, travel and accommodation, veterinary care, farriery, saddlery and equipment and transport.
Some horse-focused support services, including veterinary and physiotherapy assessments, may incur additional costs payable by the rider.
Elite Squad
Designed for riders already competing at a high level and demonstrating the potential to perform successfully on the international stage.
What's included?
- Weekly one-to-one coaching with Equine Academy Director, Lizzel Winter FBHS
- Access to specialist coaching from Corin Bracken
- Invitational dressage coaching with Nick Burton and Carl Hester (subject to discipline and availability)
- Competition planning and performance support
- Individual rider analysis and tailored strength and conditioning programmes
- Physiotherapy and lifestyle support
- Group and one-to-one sports psychology sessions
Typical entry criteria
Applications are considered from horse and rider combinations that have competed successfully within the previous 18 months, including:
- Eventing: CCI3*-L / CCI4*-S level and above
- Dressage: Advanced Medium level and above
- Showjumping: Two double clears at 1.30m or above
- Para Dressage: Minimum 60% at CPEDI3* level
Elite Development Squad
The Elite Development Squad is for riders competing at development level who demonstrate the potential to progress to Elite Squad level in the future. Places are limited and selection is made by the Equine Academy Director and selection panel.
What's included?
- Access to specialist coaching and rider development opportunities
- Competition planning support
- Strength and conditioning guidance
- Sports psychology, nutrition and lifestyle support
- Performance analysis and rider development reviews
- Opportunities to progress towards Elite Squad membership
Typical entry criteria
The Elite Development Squad is aimed at talented horse and rider combinations with the potential to progress towards Elite Squad level. Applications are assessed on an individual basis, taking into account competition results, progression, potential and commitment to performance sport.
Development Squad
Ideal for riders looking to continue progressing in their chosen discipline while studying at Hartpury.
What's included?
- Weekly group coaching sessions with Lizzel Winter FBHS and guest coaches
- Showjumping coaching with Corin Bracken (subject to availability)
- Competition planning support
- Group strength and conditioning sessions
- Psychology, nutrition and lifestyle workshops
- Access to academy communications and resources
Typical entry criteria
Applications are considered from horse and rider combinations that have competed successfully within the previous 18 months, including:
- Eventing: BE Novice with six points, or FEI CCI2*-S with a top-five placing
- Dressage: A minimum of 15 points at Elementary level
- Showjumping: Four double clears or a first-place finish at 1.10m or above
- Para Dressage: Minimum 60% at CPEDI2* or National Para level
Performance services
Depending on your academy level, you may have access to a range of specialist performance services designed to support both rider and horse. Support may include:
- Strength and conditioning
- Rider biomechanics assessments
- Mechanical horse analysis
- Sports psychology
- Nutrition and lifestyle support
- Physiotherapy support
- Performance planning and review
Elite and Elite Development riders may also receive additional one-to-one support tailored to their individual development goals.
Scholarships
To support top level young riders in the Hartpury Equine Academy, we offer three scholarships annually from September of each year.
To be eligible to make an application for the Eventing Scholarship the rider will have been on either a British Eventing (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) Pony, Junior or Young Rider team or have been selected onto one of the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will ideally be competing successfully at CCI3L or 4* level.
To be eligible to make an application for the Dressage Scholarship the rider will have been on a British Dressage (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) Pony, Junior or Young Rider team or have been selected onto the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will ideally be competing at small tour level.
To be eligible to make an application for the Showjumping Scholarship the rider will have been on a BS (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) Junior, Young Rider or Senior team, or selected onto the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will ideally have jumped successfully in classes at 1.40 metres and above.
To be eligible to make an application for the Para Dressage Scholarship the rider will have been on either a British Para Dressage (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) team or have been selected onto the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will have ideally scored 70%+ in any Para CPEDI 3*in any grade.
Please apply for scholarship in writing upon completion of your academy application. The letter needs to state why you would like to be considered for a scholarship, this must be supported with an evidence-based competition record relating to the horse that you propose to bring to the academy. Please send your application and supporting letter to THE ACADEMY ADMINISTRATOR, HARTPURY UNIVERSITY AND HARTPURY COLLEGE, HARTPURY, GLOS, GL19 3BE.
Eventing scholarship
To be eligible to make an application for the Eventing Scholarship the rider will have been on either a British Eventing (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) Pony, Junior or Young Rider team or have been selected onto one of the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will ideally be competing successfully at CCI3L or 4* level.
Dressage scholarship
To be eligible to make an application for the Dressage Scholarship the rider will have been on a British Dressage (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) Pony, Junior or Young Rider team or have been selected onto the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will ideally be competing at small tour level.
Showjumping scholarship
To be eligible to make an application for the Showjumping Scholarship the rider will have been on a BS (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) Junior, Young Rider or Senior team, or selected onto the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will ideally have jumped successfully in classes at 1.40 metres and above.
Para dressage scholarship
To be eligible to make an application for the Para Dressage Scholarship the rider will have been on either a British Para Dressage (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) team or have been selected onto the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will have ideally scored 70%+ in any Para CPEDI 3*in any grade.
How to apply
Please apply for scholarship in writing upon completion of your academy application. The letter needs to state why you would like to be considered for a scholarship, this must be supported with an evidence-based competition record relating to the horse that you propose to bring to the academy. Please send your application and supporting letter to THE ACADEMY ADMINISTRATOR, HARTPURY UNIVERSITY AND HARTPURY COLLEGE, HARTPURY, GLOS, GL19 3BE.
Next steps
Ready to take the next step? If you meet the entry criteria and would like to be considered for a place in the Hartpury Equine Academy, applications open from January in the year you intend to begin your studies at Hartpury.
If you're still exploring your options or aren't quite ready to apply, register your interest using the form below. We'll be in touch and help you find out whether the Hartpury Equine Academy is the right fit for you and your horse.
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