Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

A group of horses and riders standing outside the entrance to a stable

Equine

If you dream of working with horses, our practical specialist courses at Writtle provide the skills, expert theory and qualifications required to enter the thriving equine industry.

Develop your practical and academic skills with the support of highly-experienced equestrian experts and practitioners at Writtle.

Our extensive facilities offer you opportunities to practise your new skills outside of scheduled classes, work on the training, rehabilitation, or behavioural issues of project horses, and bring your own horse to university (subject to availability). Our Equine Academy offers additional support for 6-12 talented riders studying for higher education degrees each year.

We're well-connected with industry partners, helping you gain further hands-on experience and build your network. Our professional links include the Animal Health Professions Register (AHPR), World Horse Welfare, Highclere Stud, Far Westfield Farm, Newsells Park Stud, The National Stud, Juddmonte, Shadwell, Fittocks Stud, New England Stud, International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) and the British Horseracing Authority.

Undergraduate courses

Postgraduate courses

College courses

Hands-on learning

Study with ARU Writtle and benefit from:

  • dedicated Equine Training and Development Centre on our Cow Watering Campus
  • working stable yard, with around 70 horses on campus
  • indoor and outdoor riding arenas
  • oval horse walker
  • therapy barn
  • 150-hectare campus with grazing and space for events
  • DIY Livery Yard for students' horses.

What our graduates say

"Studying at Writtle helped to deepen my understanding on areas such as nutrition, equine physiology, sports performance and veterinary conditions. This has been incredibly beneficial to my career."

Rachel Dyke

Marketing & Communications Officer - British Equestrian

"Writtle was my first choice... it offered a variety of different courses in the field I was interested in (mainly horses and therapy) [and] the facilities were of a very high standard."

Lauren Allport

Equine Sports Therapist and Social Media Influencer

"I found the practical experience complemented my theory-based lectures perfectly as I was able to transfer the knowledge I was gaining in the lecture theatre to real-life scenarios."

Lisa Redwin

Assistant Claims Manager - A&H and Equine - Tokio Marine Kiln