Equine Business Management [with Foundation Year]

Turn your passion for horses into a successful business career by gaining the essential skills needed to thrive in this commercial world.

At ARU Writtle, you’ll develop essential skills in management, leadership, marketing, event planning and sustainable business practices.

While your studies will be grounded in the equine sector, the knowledge and experience you’ll gain on this course are designed to be very transferable, opening doors to careers not only in equine business and consultancy but also to the wider business world. In addition, our optional modules enable you to tailor your degree to the areas you're most passionate about, giving you the flexibility to shape your learning around your career goals.

Why ARU?

Develop essential business skills with specialist equine industry knowledge
Learn key professional skills in leadership, project management and research
Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; developed with employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving
Gain hands-on experience applying business skills in real-world equine settings while developing your career plan and employability skills
Build professional networks by collaborating with industry partners on a range of business-focused projects
Join our Equine Academy for elite coaching and bring your horse to university with our DIY livery packages

Course Modules

Year 1:
Academic and Personal Management Skills (20 credits)
Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills) (20 credits)
Maths for IT and Science (15 credits)
Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits)
Independent (Themed) Project (20 credits)
Applied Industry Techniques (30 credits)

Year 2:
Fundamentals of the Equine Industry
Foundations of Equine Science
Scientific Approaches to Equine Husbandry and Welfare
Integrated Project and Business Management

Year 3:
Professional Business Project
Ruskin Module
Research Methods
Commercial Influence on Equine Performance
Sustainable Approaches to Equestrian Enterprise 
Financial Management
Business Innovation
Developing Professional Practice
Horse and Rider Development
Veterinary Interventions and Diagnostics

Year 4:
Major Project
Strategic Business Leadership
Commercial and Digital Marketing
Ethical and Sustainable Approaches to Equine Welfare
International Intercultural Management
The Reflective and Empathetic Entrepreneur
Employment Law and Relations
Performance Analysis and Advancement
Developments in Veterinary Science

You’ll also explore the commercial, ethical and sustainable challenges in equine performance, training, health and management, while developing transferable skills in leadership, strategic business and digital marketing. Your final-year major research project will showcase your expertise and readiness for a career in the equine world or wider business landscape.

As part of the Equine Business Management course, students have the opportunity to design and develop innovative horse bags, combining creativity with practical business, marketing, and product development skills.