Want to work with elite horses? New bloodstock degree launched

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has launched a new bloodstock degree for equine students looking to work in the racing and performance horse industry.

The new BSc (Hons) degree in bloodstock and performance horse management begins in September 2016.

Students on the three-year course will study horse physiology, ethics and production issues affecting high performance horses.

The course also covers business theory and practice with an emphasis on equine businesses.

All students complete a 20-week placement in an equine-related business to gain valuable work experience.

“This is a unique BSc(Hons) degree that will take students on a journey of learning and development which is targeted specifically at the high-level performance horse industry,” said Dr Meriel Moore-Colyer, dean of the RAU’s school of equine management and science (SEMS).

“The blend of fundamental and production science in the context of performance horse business will produce the innovators of tomorrow and help develop and ‘future-proof’ this valuable section of the equine industry,” she added.

The degree course has been developed after consultation with the thoroughbred and racing industry.

Students will go on visits to racing and performance horse enterprises and gain an insight into the different facets of the European equine businesses.

The entry requirements for the new degree course are either three Cs at A level with a science subject desirable or three merits in a BTEC. English and maths GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C level are also needed.

Applicants should also have some practical experience.

There are 20 places available on the new course. For more details visit: www.rau.ac.uk

Formed in 2014 the SEMS offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses covering applied equine science and business, international equine and agricultural business management and equine studies (top-up) and an MSc in applied equine science.

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