Equine Courses at Uni/College

[DottlebangBandersnatch]

Hi I'm 16 I live in Scotland, I have horses and am a competent rider (at least I'd like to think so!). Until recently I wasn't sure if I wanted to have a horsey career but now I am planning on it . Currently I'm taking all the subjects needed to be a vet (and eventually into equine veterinary practise). Next year I'll go on to do some more advanced sciences and a higher in business I think. I'd like to stay in Scotland if possible and do some kind of equine degree with ideally a science base as that's what I enjoy doing. I'm questioning what kind of career I want now and whether or not a vet is what I want to be. An equine science degree or equine business management would probably be the route I'd go down and I'd probably do it for at least 3 years. My question is what kind of jobs would these kind of degrees get me, if any? I've been looking at the myworldofwork website and it was not helpful for equestrian careers!

I've looked at hartpury too as that seems to be the main horsey uni in the UK but it seems very expensive and I don't know if my little cob is what they're looking for! If anyone has been: was it worth it? was it expensive? are you in an equine career now?

Thank you everybody

 

[Laafet]

I did a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science with International Thoroughbred Management at Oxford Brookes, I don't think they do this any more. The Thoroughbred side definitely opened up better paid opportunities for me and I have travelled the world on that. Moreton Morrell was my closest college but I was really put off big horsey colleges as I hadn't done Pony Club and they just seemed not to be the right fit for me. My second choices were Writtle and Nottingham Trent.
I didn't want to go to a college full of horsey girls so that's why I chose Brookes and I met a lovely bunch of non horsey people as well as lovely horsey ones that I am still friends with 15 plus years later.
I went from no racehorse experience to doing yearling prep and riding out for a trainer, then ran my own business before returning to stud work and working up to being assistant manager. I am now a Shipping Consultant moving horses all round Europe. The degree helped me make connections that I then used to get the experience I needed to get where I am now.

 

[DottlebangBandersnatch]

I did a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science with International Thoroughbred Management at Oxford Brookes, I don't think they do this any more. The Thoroughbred side definitely opened up better paid opportunities for me and I have travelled the world on that. Moreton Morrell was my closest college but I was really put off big horsey colleges as I hadn't done Pony Club and they just seemed not to be the right fit for me. My second choices were Writtle and Nottingham Trent.
I didn't want to go to a college full of horsey girls so that's why I chose Brookes and I met a lovely bunch of non horsey people as well as lovely horsey ones that I am still friends with 15 plus years later.
I went from no racehorse experience to doing yearling prep and riding out for a trainer, then ran my own business before returning to stud work and working up to being assistant manager. I am now a Shipping Consultant moving horses all round Europe. The degree helped me make connections that I then used to get the experience I needed to get where I am now.

Thank you so much this is exactly what I wanted to hear. I was worried this kind of qualification wouldn't get me anywhere. I also am not a part of the pony club or have ever competed but I'd like to get involved with the equestrian clubs at whatever uni I manage to get into. Thank you for replying

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

The racing/thoroughbred side of things is pretty much the only equine thing you can make a living from if you go down the right routes.

The BHA do a gradiate scheme every year which gives people a leg up in the industry in various places depending on where you want to go and what you want to do.

 

[DottlebangBandersnatch]

The racing/thoroughbred side of things is pretty much the only equine thing you can make a living from if you go down the right routes.

The BHA do a gradiate scheme every year which gives people a leg up in the industry in various places depending on where you want to go and what you want to do.

Thank you. That's interesting I hadn't considered becoming involved in racing before but it's something I'm open to.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

There's many different types of jobs in racing, not just riding out and race riding. So even if you don't want to ride or feel overly comfortable handling the horses there are still many other jobs and routes to go down. Where abouts in Scotland are you? Most racing yards will let you come for a few days work experience to see how we do things etc. Racecourses not so much at the moment as they are very strictly regulated by the BHA for Covid guidelines etc.

Most people in the industry are quite happy to talk about the hows and why's too.

 

[Squeak]

I'm the opposite to Laafet and haven't found my Equine Science degree any use and having one I don't work in the equine industry.

Uni is a lot of money nowadays and to me the Equine Science wouldn't justify it. Employers outside the equine industry in my experience don't rate it.

Personally if I was you'd I'd do a non Equine degree and either build on that with Equine industry experience or do a one year equine degree masters top up. That way you have a degree that you can use outside of the equine industry but that will still help you to get in to the equine industry if you still want to do that at the end.

 

[DottlebangBandersnatch]

There's many different types of jobs in racing, not just riding out and race riding. So even if you don't want to ride or feel overly comfortable handling the horses there are still many other jobs and routes to go down. Where abouts in Scotland are you? Most racing yards will let you come for a few days work experience to see how we do things etc. Racecourses not so much at the moment as they are very strictly regulated by the BHA for Covid guidelines etc.

Most people in the industry are quite happy to talk about the hows and why's too.

I'm based in Orkney so am very far away from any work experience in the racing industry. I'm currently getting some experience at the only yard when I can covid permitting. I'd love to spend some time at a racing yard but it would probably have to be when I'm already down south for uni. Thanks very much

 

[DottlebangBandersnatch]

I'm the opposite to Laafet and haven't found my Equine Science degree any use and having one I don't work in the equine industry.

Uni is a lot of money nowadays and to me the Equine Science wouldn't justify it. Employers outside the equine industry in my experience don't rate it.

Personally if I was you'd I'd do a non Equine degree and either build on that with Equine industry experience or do a one year equine degree masters top up. That way you have a degree that you can use outside of the equine industry but that will still help you to get in to the equine industry if you still want to do that at the end.

Okay yes thank you. One of the reasons that I thought equine vet stuff might be quite good is because I think you're almost guaranteed a job whether it be horses or other animals. I think uni costs a lot less in Scotland than it does in England but I could be wrong. I'm open to getting a non-equine-based degree but I just don't know what I'd pick. I thought if I got a horsey degree (science, vet, business management) it would mean I'd better be qualified for a job at a yard that's not just a groom. From what I've gathered work experience is vital to be successful in the industry which is something I'm not shy to do. Out of interest how close did you get to having a career in equine science and how fun was your degree? Thanks a lot for replying it's very interesting to see what people think

 

[EventingMum]

You are right, as a Scottish resident fees for a course at a Scottish uni will be free but at an English uni you will have to pay fees (student loans are available via SAAS to cover this) however, generally, an honours degree will be 3 years in England and 4 years in Scotland. I would be quite wary of equine degrees unless they have a specific career pathway or the content has sufficient transferable skills - my son did a BSc (Hons) in Equine Dental Science which was a useful starting point for his career as an EDT and also had some business options which have been helpful but some not all courses would have been so useful.

 

[DottlebangBandersnatch]

You are right, as a Scottish resident fees for a course at a Scottish uni will be free but at an English uni you will have to pay fees (student loans are available via SAAS to cover this) however, generally, an honours degree will be 3 years in England and 4 years in Scotland. I would be quite wary of equine degrees unless they have a specific career pathway or the content has sufficient transferable skills - my son did a BSc (Hons) in Equine Dental Science which was a useful starting point for his career as an EDT and also had some business options which have been helpful but some not all courses would have been so useful.

Excellent advice thank you. I will keep that in mind. I love your username by the way! Wish I had one of those ?

 

[Squeak]

Okay yes thank you. One of the reasons that I thought equine vet stuff might be quite good is because I think you're almost guaranteed a job whether it be horses or other animals. I think uni costs a lot less in Scotland than it does in England but I could be wrong. I'm open to getting a non-equine-based degree but I just don't know what I'd pick. I thought if I got a horsey degree (science, vet, business management) it would mean I'd better be qualified for a job at a yard that's not just a groom. From what I've gathered work experience is vital to be successful in the industry which is something I'm not shy to do. Out of interest how close did you get to having a career in equine science and how fun was your degree? Thanks a lot for replying it's very interesting to see what people think

I've worked and ridden with pros and on pro yards before during and after uni and was offered the management of a big training facility and livery yard but the money and hours wouldn't have allowed me to compete or enjoy my own horse (or ever buy a house etc etc.) so I got a non equine job. I searched for equine jobs but compared to what I could get in a non equine industry it was a no brainer to sit behind a desk and get the money to pay for horses. It's been my non equine degree that got me the jobs, I could take the equine one off my CV and it would make no difference.

Other people may have had different experiences and have managed to get the dream equine job but I think the best advice I can give you is to get a good non equine degree. From the subjects you're studying Science or business degrees would stand you in very good stead and allow you to access well paid jobs.

If you want to be a vet though, that's a different matter and you'd need a veterinary degree rather than an equine one I believe so go for it!!

 

[DottlebangBandersnatch]

I've worked and ridden with pros and on pro yards before during and after uni and was offered the management of a big training facility and livery yard but the money and hours wouldn't have allowed me to compete or enjoy my own horse (or ever buy a house etc etc.) so I got a non equine job. I searched for equine jobs but compared to what I could get in a non equine industry it was a no brainer to sit behind a desk and get the money to pay for horses. It's been my non equine degree that got me the jobs, I could take the equine one off my CV and it would make no difference.

Other people may have had different experiences and have managed to get the dream equine job but I think the best advice I can give you is to get a good non equine degree. From the subjects you're studying Science or business degrees would stand you in very good stead and allow you to access well paid jobs.

If you want to be a vet though, that's a different matter and you'd need a veterinary degree rather than an equine one I believe so go for it!!

Thank you! Lots of great advice there. I would love to be a vet but don't know if I'm entirely up for the job hence asking about other options. I haven't looked at other degrees in a long time so don't know what I'd do but making a lot of money sounds nice! Thanks a lot very helpful!

 

[Shilasdair]

If you look at many of the people working in their 'dream jobs' in the equine industry - they have a degree in either Equine Science or Equine Business Management.
But - these graduates worked hard, networked and made their own opportunities. No degree is a guarantee of a high starting salary - so if you are not prepared to work, you won't get an equine job (there's a high level of competition).
The only way you will know which university/degree feels right for you is to start visiting colleges once Covid lockdown is over.

 

[DottlebangBandersnatch]

If you look at many of the people working in their 'dream jobs' in the equine industry - they have a degree in either Equine Science or Equine Business Management.
But - these graduates worked hard, networked and made their own opportunities. No degree is a guarantee of a high starting salary - so if you are not prepared to work, you won't get an equine job (there's a high level of competition).
The only way you will know which university/degree feels right for you is to start visiting colleges once Covid lockdown is over.

Thank you yes this is what I was expecting to hear. I am completely prepared to put in the work I've had a lot of jobs (lost from covid) and I was doing work experience at the only local yard that I completely organised myself before lockdown. The only issue I think I might find is that my family isn't horsey so I don't have connections in that way. I'd absolutely love to find a job on a yard at some point.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

A friend of mine did an Equine Science Degree. I forgot she did it. She started in racing, did the course at Newmarket first. Worked in 2 racing yards, did her Equine degree, went into Polo for 2 yards then back into racing for another 2 yards. Never once did she progress further in the equine world because of her degree (and possibly her temper...). She is now a part time cleaner and is back at college doing a fashion design course.

I have done nothing but work in racing since I left school and still get paid barely more than minimum wage (and we won't talk about the rest ...) and whilst technically I have a few titles to my name they don't mean much right now.

 

[Wishfilly]

I have a non-equine degree, and had a racing related office job for a while. I had the chance to go to the sales etc through work, which was fun, and given time I could have translated my experience to working for a stud or possibly a trainer's yard- not directly with horses but in the administrative side of things.

For various reasons, I decided that wasn't the career I wanted, and I've done other things instead, ultimately ending up being a science teacher.

I've also worked more directly on yards- but they were more interested in my experience and ability than qualifications, although I did do some BHS qualifications through one employer. But it was very seasonal and the money was not great. It was a good job to have during my uni years, as I could work in the holidays and at weekends, but it wouldn't have paid the bills full time!

My personal feeling is that more general degree in the biological sciences area gives you more options- especially if you aren't 100% set on a career with horses. Whereas equine degrees tend to limit you a lot more.

Even if you work within the equine industry, I think you have to make a choice between working directly with horses (often for not great pay, with rubbish hours) or working in a more office based role and having a lot less direct interaction with the horses.

The other option is to learn a trade/skill, such being a farrier, saddler, dental technician, physio etc.

 

[mossycup]

There is an equine studies hnc/hnd option at Aberdeen now

 

[Umbongo]

I went to Hartpury and did Equine Science. For me, it was not worth it. I don't work in equine now and neither does anybody I went to uni with. I would advise getting a general science or business degree as it would give you broader options. Maybe doing some equine courses alongside such as BHS stages? I am now a small animal veterinary nurse.