Course summary

The Equine Performance Science course is aimed at those individuals who wish to support their interest in the equine athlete, with a robust grounding in scientific principles relevant to the industry. The equine athlete is a complex creature, with supporting needs that address the way in which the animal is managed, to maximise performance in a range of diverse disciplines. There are very many branches to this support, as there would be for a human athlete, covering elements such as nutrition, equitation science, training, health and disease, managing gait abnormalities, the influence of extrinsic factors such as coaching the rider, saddle fit, behaviour, farriery and many more. This programme aims to provide the student with a thorough understanding of all of the possible contributors to performance, from a micro to macro level; thus enabling the individual to contribute positively to equine performance. Developing a thorough scientific understanding, combined with the ability to apply that knowledge practically, will enable the individual to take a proactive role in the industry following graduation. Writtle's approach of 'science into practice' is never more evident than in this programme; developing excellent communication skills will be key to the graduate prospects for students who have undertaken this award.