Our Equine Unit at Hadlow has extensive facilities including two indoor arenas, a large outdoor arena and up to 64 horses. There is a horse walker, mechanical horse and an extensive range of practical teaching resources. As well as a complete range of show jumps, there are also cross-country fences suitable for students training at Level 3 and above.
Students have exceptional opportunity to gain genuine hands-on practical experience as well as ride and compete quality horses. They gain knowledge and develop their practical skills in horse husbandry, horse handling, grooming, application of tack and equipment, feeding and routine yard management. Students will also study (dependant on course level) horse behaviour and welfare, anatomy and if the riding option is chosen, learn how to work a horse correctly on the flat, and over fences.
In addition to the development of vocational skills, students will develop transferable skills such as; team work, effective communication, employability, presentation skills and problem solving to help them be ready for employment.
Students benefit from field trips to a variety of events and equine establishments. In the past these have included; The New Forest, Badminton Horse Trials, Newmarket and The King’s Troop. Opportunity is also given to students to compete and help at College run shows using our horses.
There are horses ranging from schoolmasters and ex-competition horses to youngstock, ensuring students will progress and develop their skills. Courses cover (depending on level, see website for full details) principles of working with horses, biology and health, practical yard duties, diet and nutrition, horse tack equipment and rugs, riding horses on the flat, riding horses over fences, preparation and plaiting, and much more!
