Equine Sports Science and Coaching

Equestrian sport is benefitting from advances in technology and analysis techniques to improve both rider and equine performance. This degree programme will equip you with the knowledge, skills and insight to be part of this progression.

There is demand within the equine industry for highly qualified coaches, and our programme incorporates applied modules at all levels so that you can develop into a coach who can apply scientific training and coaching techniques to equestrian sport.

During the final year you will develop skills in coaching specialist populations, equipping you with confidence and experience to provide inclusive practice, supporting widening participation in equine sport.

Our coaching and equitation modules are taught in line with industry qualifications and you will be encouraged and supported to complete British Horse Society stages alongside your degree in preparation for entering the industry in instructor-based roles, in either a freelance capacity or within equine centres.

You will study a breadth of scientific modules such as horse anatomy, exercise physiology and sport injury, giving you sound underpinning for entering applied equine facility settings. You will also obtain key business acumen to prepare to manage your own business or work within management roles. You will also develop valuable skills in reflective practice, communication and evaluation, which are essential for working in performance settings.

What will I study?
Year 1:

• Academic, Employment and Professional Skills

• Equine Health & Husbandry

• Equine Sport Coaching

• Equine Anatomy & Physiology

• Introduction to Research Skills

• Equine Multi-Disciplinary Team

• Equitation or Equine Nutrition

• Introduction to Sport Science

Year 2:

• Research Methods & Analysis

• Equine Exercise Physiology

• Advanced Equitation or Equine Behaviour and Welfare

• Rider Health and Fitness

• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

• Advanced Equine Coaching

• Sport Psychology and Behaviour Changes

Year 3:

• Dissertation

• Rider Performance

• Applied Equine Biomechanics

• Coaching Specialist Populations

• Equine Sport Injury

• Contemporary Issues in Equestrianism.

Learning and Teaching Approach
This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches, utilising excellent onsite resources and extensive industry links for applied aspects. For all modules, there are theory lectures delivered, aimed at providing the core content and underpinning knowledge. Lectures are used to convey the basic concepts, and facilitate further expansion of such concepts by the students, through independent study. To complement the theory lectures, students have group seminars and practical sessions that are used to reinforce those concepts delivered theoretically. This programme has a focus on practical ability in a yard and coaching setting, therefore many modules will have theory content supported by active development of practical skills utilising specialist equipment.

Contact Time
Contact time includes approximately 12-13 hours a week in the first two years and 9-11 hours a week in the final year, incorporating lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials.
You are also expected to carry out a significant amount of independent study in addition to contact time (approximately 25-30 hours a week). Independent study includes reading around the subject, preparing for tutorials and seminars, preparing for, and completing, module assessments and revision for examinations; forming an essential part of your learning journey.

Career Opportunities
Students graduating from this programme could follow careers in coaching settings in all disciplines, rider psychology, equine product development and sales, yard managerial roles, self employed coaches and rider performance and rehab specialists, such as that sought after for the Injured Jockeys Fund.