Undergraduate > Equine:

BSc (Hons) Equine Breeding and Stud Management

Course Aims

The equine breeding industry is wide and diverse, employing many tens of thousands of people throughout the world. There are over 2,000 registered breeders and over 70 breeding associations and societies in the UK alone. This course aims to provide students with the opportunity to widen and enhance their practical skills, whilst developing an extensive understanding of the scientific and management principles behind equine breeding.

Course Content

The first year offers an introduction to theoretical aspects of stud management, as well as developing and enhancing practical skills. Students will make extensive use of the excellent stud resource at the College. During the second year, students will further develop their theoretical knowledge of applied reproduction and equine breeding. The production and marketing of young horses will be taught both theoretically and practically. Visits to sales venues and working studs will be incorporated into the teaching programme. Various speakers from industry will deliver specialist lectures.

Special Features

The course offers both 'hands on' experience as well as providing sound and extensive academic knowledge. Lordships Stud offers a superb teaching resource. The stud has:

• Modern artificial insemination facilities
• On site classrooms
• Laboratory and resource study areas
• Computer-linked learning
• Veterinary led practicals
• A band of quality competition mares and native and competition stallions
• Extensive pastureland

Contacts with the various sectors of the equine breeding industry are developed throughout the course through a comprehensive range of visits and visiting speakers. The College's proximity to Newmarket, as well as other notable international horse venues, is maximised for the students' benefit.

Industrial Placements and International Exchanges

The College has extensive links with employers both in the UK and overseas. These links provide students with an optional work placement, should they wish to supplement their existing experience within the equine industry. International exchanges are currently available with universities in the USA, Holland, Canada and Finland as part of the course. The College has particularly strong links with Larenstein University in Deventer, Holland.

Career Prospects

• Stud Management
• Young Horse Production
• Young Horse Training
• Equine Administration
• Breeding Programme Development
• Equine Training/Education
• Bloodstock
• Racecourse Management

Related Learning Opportunities

Students will have the opportunity, as a part of their course, to study for the DEFRA Equine Artificial Insemination Certificate of Exemption at a reduced cost.