Cribbing horses are more likely to be reacting to stress than to stomach discomfort, a new study has suggested.

Researchers from the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) have found that while crib-biting and gastric ulcers in horses may not be directly linked, stress could be the common denominator.

The study, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Veterinary Behaviour (March-April 2019), looked for the presence of ulceration, stomach pH, and gastrin — a hormone that stimulates the production of stomach acid.

The team looked at the stomachs of 42 dead horses — half of which were crib-biters — in the two-part experiment.

The RAU team found there was no difference in the concentrations of gastrin producing cells or the acidity in the stomachs between crib biting and non-crib biting horses.

While the sample size and logistics are limitations — as cadavers may not accurately reflect the physiology of the living stomach — the non-invasive approach has shed further light into the conditions.

“These findings suggest that anatomically and physiologically the stomachs from crib-biting and non crib-biting horses, in this study, were not different from each other,” said lead researcher Dr Simon Daniels, of RAU’s school of equine management and science.

“However in both humans and horses gastric ulceration is associated with stress — both environmental stressors and physiological stress, such as from increased free radical production and too few antioxidants.

“Similarly crib-biting behaviour is understood to be a stress coping mechanism for horses. These horses display higher levels of free radicals and reduced antioxidant defences, which is a sign of physiological stress, when compared to non crib-biting horses.”

He added that therefore crib-biting and gastric ulceration may not be directly linked conditions, “but the conditions may be linked together by stress”.

“If this is the case then management of horses that suffer with these conditions — for example by giving nutritional antioxidant support and reducing environmental stress by changing housing or turnout arrangements — may be beneficial in the welfare of this specific group of horses,” said Dr Daniels.

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Are you wondering how you’re going to land your dream job in the equestrian industry when you leave college or university? Horse & Hound finds out how to make yourself as employable as possible

1. Meet your careers adviser

Standing out from the crowd when applying for a job is vital in the current climate, and making the most of the resources at college is a great place to start.

One such resource is the college’s careers adviser, who will discuss career options, help find work experience placements, and assist with applying for jobs.

“For those undecided about their career path, impartial careers guidance is available from the careers office, in addition to the advice and support available from academic staff,” says Royal Agricultural University’s (RAU) Dr Andrew Hemmings, head of the centre for equine management and science.

“Students also have access to an online job portal, and there is considerable enterprise support available for students interested in self-employment on our website.”

2. Make the most of lecture demonstrations and talks from industry representatives

Alongside access to a careers advisor, students are also exposed to a variety of industry representatives through lecture demonstrations and talks.

“We regularly invite speakers to come and talk to our students. For instance, the British Grooms Association came in recently to talk about opportunities and give information about employment practices and regulations,” explains Mark Yates, careers coordinator at Writtle University College in Essex.

At Hadlow College, students have enjoyed lecture demos from the likes of Ben Maher, Mary and Emily King, Ben Hobday and Pammy Hutton, to name a few.

“We hold frequent lecture demonstrations as well as regular clinics with national and international trainers and riders, and put on careers events with a wide range of industry experts and further training providers,” says Sonia Wilkes, head of faculty for equine and business at Hadlow College.

“Alongside lectures from top riders, we offer tasters in horseball and mounted games along with cross-country clinics with Caroline Moore to help inspire those students wishing to progress in their own riding abilities and competitions,” adds Philippa Gerrard, head 
of further education sport, animal welfare 
and equine at Warwickshire’s Moreton 
Morrell campus.

3. Tap into your college’s alumni network

“Our students take advantage of a network 25+ years in the making with some high-profile alumni, such as Tim Hadaway,” RAU’s Dr Hemmings says. “Students are encouraged to learn good networking skills as contacts mean everything in the equine industry.”

Careers events are the perfect way to find out more about a career, and network with industry representatives.

“Our FILM [Faculty Industry Liaison Meeting] events promote effective development of our programmes in line with current industry feedback and requirements,” explains Jenny Paddison, acting higher education team leader, equine, and programme leader for BSc (hons) equine sports therapy and rehabilitation at at Hadlow College.

“They give us the chance to build strong relationships between our lecturing team and students, and local equestrian businesses. By giving industries the opportunity to see the students’ work and practical skills, the representatives can see how students’ skills are developed and the high standards that they meet. It’s also an excellent networking opportunity, and builds confidence and pride.”

4. Embrace hands-on experience

Many equestrian colleges centre around working yards, which are the perfect environments for students to gain hands-on experience.

“Yard duties encourage students to develop not only excellent practical husbandry skills, but also promote effective communication, teamwork, organisation, timekeeping and dedication,” explains Jenny Paddison. “Duties prepare students for groom, yard manager and stud-hand roles, but the wider employability skills are transferable to many more jobs.”

One such student to benefit from in-house experience is Tom Gilbert, who after studying an extended diploma in horse management at Hadlow and working part time on their yard, took up a full-time position as technical instructor.

“I did my work experience on a local showjumping yard, which led me to pursue a role with Ben Maher after completing my course,” says Tom. “After 18 months at Ben’s, I saw the advert for technical instructor at Hadlow and I started in October last year. 
I want to become a lecturer so it is the perfect stepping stone.”

At Hartpury, students have the opportunity to assist with the running of shows, and gain experience working in the equine therapy centre, rider performance centre, and marketing and communications department.

Former H&H blogger Fizz Marshall studied BSc equine science at Hartpury, during which time she volunteered at the equine therapy centre.

“Volunteering at the equine therapy centre then led to me earning a graduate assistantship, a type of working scholarship,” explains Fizz. “The assistantship allowed me to undertake an MA in equine business management, which has set up various aspects of my career so far. I was then asked to go back to the equine therapy centre as assistant manager, and was promoted to centre manager four years later. The work experience programme at Hartpury allowed me to gain a huge array of skills and get a foot in the door.”

5. Carefully plan your work placement

Colleges assist students in securing work experience placements in order to enhance their industry experience.

Hartpury approves around 150 equine work placements each year, including with local employers such as NAF, Tweenhills Stud, Carl Hester, and local livery and competition yards.

At RAU, all degrees feature a 20-week work placement in the industry.

“It is critical for students’ employability that they develop a good understanding of the equine sector, including opportunities available, and a good commercial awareness of the current challenges facing the industry,” says Dr Hemmings. “The industry placement is an excellent opportunity to do this, with many students making important contacts during this time which can lead to full-time employment after graduation.”

Former Warwickshire College student Annabel Willis landed herself a full-time job at Sir Mark Prescott’s Flat racing yard in Newmarket following a four-week work placement there in her second year of a level three extended diploma in horse management.

“I wanted my four-week work placement to count, so jumped at the opportunity to work with Sir Mark,” said Annabel. “I’m now there full time, and watching and learning from the best. I know that if I get a good reference from Sir Mark Prescott, it’ll be like gold dust.”

Continued below…

Hot competition: the secrets to bagging a place on top equestrian courses

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6. Are there any other qualifications you could be getting alongside your course?

Alongside their courses, students have opportunities to gain further qualifications such as British Horse Society exams, and certificates in health and safety, first aid and project management.

“Consultation with industry revealed that alongside a degree and work experience, the completion of industry-relevant short courses was considered exceptionally valuable,” Rosie Scott-Ward, vice-principal and dean at Hartpury College advises.

“Employers felt that evidence of these on an application form would significantly increase the likelihood of gaining an interview. To support this, Hartpury committed over £100,000 in 2016/17 to support students in gaining such certifications.”

7. Sign up to extracurricular activities

RAU students are encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities including membership of sports teams, helping to run other clubs, and positions on the student union and student ambassador roles, all of which can help to develop key employment 
skills.

Don’t miss the careers and training special in the 10 January 2019 issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Record numbers of students are graduating from equine colleges this summer, but will they be able to secure jobs?

Over the next few weeks, equine students across the country will be donning robes and mortarboards for their graduation ceremonies.

They are among the first students to have paid the £9,000 annual tuition fees, and so will be graduating with huge debts.

So was it worth it? Will signing up for an equine-based education course have set them up on an equestrian career path?

Due to the double-dip recession, unemployment figures previously made for grim reading.

According to UK poverty statistics the unemployment rate for 16-24 year-olds rose from 15% in 2008 to 20% in 2010 (features, 17 January 2013), and competition for jobs was tough.

However, are things looking up? That figure is now at 16.7%, with 735,000 16-24 year-olds unemployed in January to March 2015, down slightly on the previous quarter and down 140,000 on the last year.

There are signs that the industry is recovering, which may bode well for current graduates. H&H reported earlier this year that the equestrian industry appeared to be emerging from the recession, with a rise in spending.

Results from the National Equestrian Survey run by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) showed that spending in 2014 was £4.3bn, up from £3.8bn when the previous survey was carried out in 2011. This compares to £4.15bn in 2006.

And according to the latest figures from equine colleges the future looks positive.

A recent survey of Royal Agricultural University (RAU) students who graduated in 2014 showed that 98.2% of respondents were in full employment or further study within six months of leaving the university.

RAU vice-principal, Professor Paul Davies, said: “We are very encouraged by this latest survey. Student employment has been high for very many years at the RAU — but the figures this year are particularly pleasing. Employers clearly find RAU graduates attractive, and long may this jobs record for Cirencester continue.”

Employability is one of “the key factors we are asked about by prospective students”, said Jessica Taylor, the RAU’s head of marketing and student recruitment.

The university’s most popular equine degree is international equine and agricultural business management, which includes a five-month work placement and field trips to equestrian businesses in Kentucky, Germany and France.

This summer the RAU has a record number of equine students graduating, and the hike in fees has not deterred applicants.

“Overall our undergraduate courses, which include equine, have recorded a 9% increase in applications this year,” added Ms Taylor.

This compares to an increase of 3% in the number of applications made to UCAS overall.

Olympic boom continues

“London 2012 really shone a light on our industry and the opportunities available, and this has translated into more applications for both our diploma and degree equine courses,” said Rosie Scott Ward, director of equine at Hartpury.

The RAU has expanded its equine department and told H&H it has received increased applications.

And the post-Olympic rise in the number of students studying equine courses has continued at Moulton College in Northampton.

Student numbers at the college, which runs a range of courses from equine therapy to performance and coaching at its jumping and dressage academies, have increased by 18% since the London

2012 Games.

“Our most popular courses are undoubtedly within our jumping academy, particularly our Level 3 extended diploma. This is closely followed by our range of equine rehabilitation and therapy courses,” said Moulton’s press officer.

Half of Moulton’s Level 3 students go on to a university-level course; the remaining 50% go into employment, over half of whom — 30% of all Moulton’s students — enter the equine industry.

“Moulton College equine students study a variety of courses that allow them to enhance their employability skills. Students have the opportunity to undertake 300 hours of work experience and can develop their skills — on which they are assessed and graded — at our state-of-the-art commercial equine therapy centre. This, coupled with their academic studies, helps to prepare students for the world of work,” said Craig Jackson, assistant director of curriculum at Moulton College.

Moulton currently has 136 equine students, of whom 95 are on further education courses and 41 are in higher education studies.

Applications up for 2015

At Hartpury College the most popular equine courses starting in September 2015 are business and technology council (BTEC) diplomas in horse management (Levels 2 and 3) and degree courses in equine business management, equine science and management, equine science and equestrian sports science.

The college currently has 162 students enrolled on equine programmes at college level, and 327 on equine programmes at degree level. Applications for September 2015 courses are up 10% compared with the same time last year.

This September the college is running a new course in equestrian sports coaching, which is proving popular. Also new is an integrated masters in equine science enabling students to get finance for a four-year masters course.

A new rider performance centre is also opening this September, to give equestrian students more opportunities to apply the theory learnt in a classroom in a practical setting.

Rosie Scott-Ward, of Hartpury added: “There is an increasing recognition within the equine industry and by prospective students that studying for an equine programme alongside gaining practical and work experience is the ideal preparation for a good career.”

More than 70% of Hartpury’s equine business management graduates “are in professional or managerial positions within six months of graduating”, she added.

Eloise Caisley worked for four years as an apprentice saddler at Colne Saddlery after graduating from the BA (Hons) equine business management course at Hartpury in 2010.

“I carried out my work placement at Colne Saddlery and used my experience there as a basis for my third-year dissertation, which focused on updating a business,” she said.

Last June she set up her own bespoke leather goods company after winning a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship.

“Having now started my own business, everything I studied on the business management side has come flooding back,” she said.

Judging by the success of the current crop of equine students, the mortarboards will be flying high this summer as more students celebrate moving from education into employment.

Ref: H&H 18 June, 2015

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The Royal Agricultural University’s (RAU) new school of equine management and science was officially opened by Princess Anne earlier this month (15 September).

Princess Anne was one of the speakers at the conference on “education, research and the horse industry for the 21st century”, held to celebrate the new school.

The conference was chaired by commentator Mike Tucker and included presentations from FEI director of games, Tim Hadaway and lecturers on the RAU’s equine degree courses.

Dr Andrew Hemmings, principal lecturer in equine science spoke about the university’s ongoing behavioural and nutritional research.

“The new school will provide a clear identity for our research specialisms in nutrition, genetics, health and welfare and further enhance our applied equine research,” said an RAU spokesman.

The first dean of the new school is Dr Meriel Moore-Colyer. A registered animal scientist, she has worked with UK-based feed companies on product development.

More information here

The Royal Agricultural College now has a new status — as a university.

Now known as the Royal Agricultural University, the centre specialises in teaching and research in agriculture, agri-business, equine, food, and land and property management.

“As the Royal Agricultural University we will enhance our position as a world-class higher education institution,” said the principal, Professor Chris Gaskell. “We have a strong reputation for the quality of our teaching, our research and our connections with the industries we serve.

“University status best describes what the institution does and aspires to do. The university title will benefit our students, their employers and the industries to which they contribute — and agriculture, food and land management are some of the most important industries in the world today.”

The university, which was founded in 1845, currently has more than 1,150 students, from over 40 different countries, studying on one of its 30 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.

For more information visit: www.rau.ac.uk

The Royal Agricultural College may soon become the Royal Agricultural University.

But this has been met with outrage from students.

More than 700 people have signed a petition against the move to change the name of the Cirencester institution to the Royal Agricultural University – or RAU.

“It’s ridiculous, it sounds like a rugby club,” said one disgruntled alumnus.

The college has announced it intends to apply for university status later this year.

RAC Principal, Professor Chris Gaskell, said: “Recognition of the work of the institution through the title ‘university’ is important, not least for students and prospective students. I am confident that the Royal Agricultural University will build on the reputation and legacy of its parent, the RAC.”

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Interested in equine anatomy and how it affects your horse?

Then don’t miss the Horses Inside Out conference at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, on 25-26 February.

With notable speakers including Yogi Breisner, John Killingbeck, Pat Harris, Dr Andrew Hemmings and Dr Lesley Young, the conference provides a unique opportunity to learn how the horse’s 11 anatomical systems – from the heart to the brain – work and how they impact upon performance and horse care.

Tickets start at £160, which includes tea, coffee and lunch.

To book, visit www.horsesinsideout.com or tel: 01159 212648.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (2 February 2012)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now