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About Equine Management

Why Study Equine Management at NKC Hadlow College? 

At NKC Hadlow College, our Equine Management courses provide students with the opportunity to develop practical horse care, riding and management skills within our specialist equine facilities.

Our Equine Unit includes two indoor arenas, a large outdoor arena and facilities for up to 64 horses. You'll have access to specialist resources including a horse walker, mechanical horse, show jumping equipment and cross-country fences, providing a realistic environment to develop your equine skills.

Throughout the course, you'll gain hands-on experience in:

  • Horse husbandry and routine care
  • Handling, grooming and stable management
  • Feeding and nutrition
  • Tack and equipment
  • Horse behaviour and welfare
  • Equine anatomy and health
  • Riding horses on the flat and over fences (depending on course level)
  • Yard management and practical equine skills

Equine Management combines practical yard experience with classroom-based learning, helping you develop the confidence and knowledge needed to work effectively within the horse industry.

Students also benefit from opportunities to attend equine events, educational trips and competitions. Previous visits have included Badminton Horse Trials, Newmarket, the New Forest and The King’s Troop, providing valuable insight into different areas of the equine sector.

Whether you're looking to progress into employment, further study or a specialist equine career, our experienced tutors and industry-focused approach will help you develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to achieve your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

  • What will I learn on an Equine Management course?

    Our Equine Management courses cover a wide range of practical and theoretical topics, including: 

    • Horse care and husbandry 
    • Stable and yard management 
    • Horse behaviour and welfare 
    • Equine anatomy and health 
    • Feeding and nutrition 
    • Tack, equipment and rugs 
    • Preparation and plaiting 
    • Riding skills and horse management 

    You'll combine classroom-based theory with practical experience, allowing you to develop the skills needed to care for and manage horses in professional environments. 

  • What practical experience will I gain?

    Practical learning is at the heart of our Equine Management courses. 

    You'll gain hands-on experience working with horses, developing skills in grooming, handling, feeding, tack and equipment, and completing routine yard duties. 

    You'll also have opportunities to ride and work with a range of horses, from experienced schoolmasters and ex-competition horses to youngstock, allowing you to build confidence and progress your abilities. 

  • What facilities will I use?

    You'll train in our specialist Equine Unit, which provides industry-standard facilities including: 

    • Two indoor arenas 
    • Large outdoor arena 
    • Horse walker 
    • Mechanical horse 
    • Show jumping equipment 
    • Cross-country fences 
    • Facilities for up to 64 horses 

    These facilities provide a realistic learning environment where you can develop your practical equine skills and prepare for the industry. 

  • Are there opportunities to attend equine events and trips?

    Yes. Students benefit from educational visits to a range of equine events and establishments. 

    Previous trips have included Badminton Horse Trials, Newmarket, the New Forest and The King’s Troop. 

    Students also have opportunities to compete and support College-run shows using College horses, gaining valuable experience of equine events and competition environments. 

  • Can I ride horses as part of the course?

    Yes. Students have the opportunity to ride horses and develop their riding skills as part of their course. 

    Students who choose the riding option can develop their ability to work horses correctly on the flat and over fences, helping build confidence and practical riding experience. Riding opportunities depend on the course level. 

  • What additional skills will I develop?

    Alongside equine skills, you'll develop valuable transferable skills that support future employment, including: 

    • Teamwork 
    • Communication 
    • Presentation skills 
    • Employability skills 
    • Problem-solving 

    These skills help prepare you for progression into employment, further study and a range of careers within the equine industry. 

  • What careers can Equine Management lead to?

    Equine Management courses provide a strong foundation for careers within the horse industry, including roles in: 

    • Equine yard management 
    • Horse care 
    • Riding instruction 
    • Competition support 
    • Equine welfare 
    • Further specialist equine training 

    By combining practical experience with industry knowledge, you'll develop the skills needed to take your next steps within the equine sector.