I’m Charlotte, and I’m studying Equine. What I enjoy most about my course is the jumping element, as well as the in-classroom lessons, especially nutrition and first aid. These are real-life skills that are essential when working directly with horses. My course has a balanced approach, with about 60% practical training and 40% theory, and I ride twice a week.
Throughout my training, I’ve learned a lot about how to stay safe around horses, and how to get horses going when they’ve been under-ridden. I’ve also gained a good understanding of how to read different horses’ behaviour, especially when switching between different types, like from a mare to a pony. This knowledge is invaluable and has really prepared me for my future career.
I plan to go into freelance backing, producing horses, and managing sales liveries. Being accustomed to working with horses of different sizes and temperaments has been very helpful. I’ve learned to adjust my riding style depending on the horse I’m working with, rather than treating every horse the same.
The college facilities are excellent. We have a walker that allows horses to get exercise while we muck out, a large indoor arena with a roof so we can ride in all weather, and a big outdoor arena with jumps for summer riding. We also have the Monarch barn for larger horses, a courtyard with two rows of stables, and a smaller pony row, which is perfect for more anxious horses because it’s quiet and out of the way.
I also do cadets every Wednesday, which has taught me leadership, teamwork, and many other skills useful for my CV and everyday life. The cadets have really helped me improve my communication skills, which are crucial in the industry.
Looking ahead, I know that the leadership and teamwork skills I gain from cadets will be essential when working in the industry. Our course also emphasises this: at the end of the day, it’s about animals, and we all need to support each other to succeed. Together, we make sure everything runs effectively, just like a real yard.
My peers and staff have been incredibly supportive. The staff are fantastic; if you have any questions, they’re always there to help. In lessons, they focus on helping every individual and give their attention to all students. Their support makes a big difference in building my confidence and skills.
CHARLOTTE
EQUINE