Course Summary

This programme is distinct from our existing equine related provision delivered at University Centre Reaseheath and will develop knowledge and understanding related to the theories of equine learning and how this can be used to develop training methodologies. In addition, emphasis is placed on links between biomechanics, exercise physiology and injury and how an understanding of this relationship influences injury rehabilitation techniques commonly applied to the equine athlete. University Centre Reaseheath is fortunate in having an extensive range of high-quality practical facilities to underpin this programme. This includes a range of horses, stabling and competition sized arenas, gait analysis equipment and a range of therapeutic facilities for use in the treatment and rehabilitation of equine injuries. This programme represents a unique combination of training and rehabilitation and capitalises on the increasing interest in holistic equine training and management practices. Students are actively encouraged to participate in additional activities including volunteering and working with the College’s extensive range of industry partners, including the Horse of the Year Show, Bolesworth and Grandstand Media. The proposed programme is distinct in combining the study of equine behaviour and training with rehabilitation. There is growing interest in understanding natural behaviour and how this can be used to inform positive training methodologies, and with the UK equestrian sector boasting £4.7 billon of consumer spending and just under one million horses in the UK BETA, 2019), there has never been a better time to pursue a career in the equine industry. The incorporation of rehabilitation techniques within this programme offers an exciting addition to the growing catalogue of complementary therapies allied to horses. This exciting, new programme will be delivered at University Centre Reaseheath. The centre has over 45 horses and ponies, five instructors, apprentices and over 120 local children and adults using the recreational facility on a weekly basis. Physical resources include: one indoor and three outdoor riding arenas, one jumping field and two mobile classrooms. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree, students who wish to gain a full honours degree may progress onto either the BSc (Hons) Equine Behaviour and Welfare or the BSc(Hons) Equine Science final year top-up.

Course Details - Modules

Level 4 • Scientific Data Collection & Analysis • Equids in Global Industry • Comparative Functional Anatomy & Physiology • Equine Groundwork • Equine Training Theories • Companion Animal Husbandry, Behaviour and Welfare Level 5 • Research Methods • Work Based Learning OR RC5508 Experiential Learning • Equine Behaviour Modification and Handling • Equine Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics • Equine Injury and Rehabilitation • Behavioural Physiology and Cognition OR RC5511 Animal Nutrition

Course Details – Assessment Method

Assessments are designed to encourage both academic skills and skills valued in the workplace. They include a combination of coursework and examinations. Coursework may take many forms including: essays, reports, data processing, presentations, academic posters, seminar discussions, interviews, critical reviews, portfolios of evidence and practical competency assessments. The examinations vary, depending on the nature of the module, but may take the form of multiple-choice papers, essays, practical assessments, data handling questions, short answer quizzes, and in class examinations. Assessment weighting varies depending on course and year of study. For more information please see our Course Information on our website.

Course Details – Professional Bodies

Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.

How to Apply

26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application Codes

Course code: DD46

Institution code: R14

Campus Name: University Centre Reaseheath

Campus code:

Points of Entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Year 2

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.

International applicants

Standard Qualification Requirements

A minimum of 64 tariff points from A and AS levels to include Biology

A minimum of 64 tariff points

in an Animal or Science related subject

in an Animal or Science related subject.

Interviews will be used to help make decisions on borderline applications and those where the Programme Leader needs to gain further information. Mature students (aged 21+) will be considered on an individual basis on their prior knowledge and experience. This may be assessed by interview, completion of coursework/essay or other methods. There may be a requirement for a formal qualification to be completed first e.g. Access to HE course. To safeguard the wellbeing of our horses, comply with health and safety requirements, ensure high levels of animal welfare and ensure a high-quality student experience we have to make an assessment of who can ride our horses safely, and this is based on a number of factors. These factors can impact on our decisions regarding which students are able to ride as part of their course. Current research from the Saddle Research Trust and Animal Health Trust with leading equine professionals, scientists and researchers has advised that horses should only be carrying 10- 20% of their own optimum bodyweight when being ridden, this includes the clothing and tack used. If carrying over 20%, there is a substantial effect on the horse’s gait, behaviour, soundness and welfare in response to rider weight. The pool of horses that we have access to at the College does fluctuate each year, but we try to ensure that their general size, age and health are reasonably constant within an agreed tolerance, to appeal to and accommodate as many students as possible. However, this does mean that for some students who are at either end of the optimum height and weight for our horses, we may not be able to allow them to ride safely as part of their course. General guidelines for height/ weight ratios can be found below, however, this is used as a guide and are only one part of a holistic assessment of the individual for riding. An experienced and qualified member of staff will assign horses to students for riding and rider height and weight will be considered to ensure both horse welfare and the health and safety of the individual. Rider weight guidelines: Height Weight (st) Weight (Kg) Upto 4’10” 9 57 4’11 – 5’2” 10 64 5’3 – 5’6” 11 70 5’7” – 5’9” 12 76 5’10” - 6’1” 13 82.5 6’2” - 6’4” 14 89 6’5” upwards 15 95.2 Whilst rider height, weight and fitness are factors in our riding assessment, it is important that students do not view this as any prompt to eat or diet unhealthily. The main factors we have to consider when assessing suitability of riders in the Equestrian Centre are: • Weight a horse can carry safely • Rider weight and height • Rider ability and balance • Level and duration of work • Range and frequency of use • Availability of horses Our rider assessment involves an initial questionnaire to be completed by the student, which will evaluate rider experience. Following successful acceptance of the initial paper assessment, students will need to attend a holistic Ride Standard Setting Session to assess student riding ability on the mechanical horse. If riding skills are suitable, students will then progress to an assessment on a live horse, with extensive feedback provided by one of our BHS coaches.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.

English language requirements

Test Grade AdditionalDetails
English Language Entry Requirement Information are not listed for this Course.

Unistats information

Student satisfaction : 0%

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs): 0%

Go onto work and study: 0%

Fees and funding

EU 9250.0 Year 1
England 9250.0 Year 1
Northern Ireland 9250.0 Year 1
Scotland 9250.0 Year 1
Wales 9250.0 Year 1
Channel Islands 9250.0 Year 1
International 12000.0 Year 1

Additional Fee Information

Additional Fee Information are not listed for this Course.

Provider information

Reaseheath
Address2 are not listed for this Course.
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Nantwich
CW5 6DF

Career tips, advice and guides straight to your inbox.

Join our newsletter today.