Ireland is renowned for its love of horses; racing and all things equine have a rich history on our island, meaning it may be an appealing choice for those going into third-level education.

The industry can be split into three main sectors: racing, breeding and equestrian sports. Ireland is a global leader in all three, with Irish horses being in high demand worldwide.

The University of Limerick is offering two equine science programmes aimed at people wanting to get into the industry. A level 6/7 Certificate/Diploma and a level 8 Bachelor of Science in Equine Science. Unique in its approach and structure, the programme brings together the science of horses and business.

Amy Fitzgerald, equitation teacher, University of Limerick explains, “What is very unique about it and unique in Ireland is it has three aspects which other courses may not have. It has a science branch; it’s got a business branch and it has an equitation branch.”

All students undertake common modules for the first two years providing a strong base in science. You will take modules in anatomy and physiology, feeding and behaviour, reproduction, health and disease, and nutrition. On top of this, business is established, with modules in economics, marketing and accounting.

Practical

There are also some very hands-on and practical elements to the course throughout the first two years. Every semester students will have one practical module out of five so previous experience with horses, while not a prerequisite, would be beneficial.

Equitation teacher Ciara King-Urbin says, “I have them for the equitation when they come in first. The difference between the ones that have been around horses, a little bit, versus the ones that haven’t – and it is not that often, but there is an occasion when we will have somebody who has never even petted a horse – it means they have to study 10 times harder and they have to put in an awful lot more in the beginning.”

Certificate in Equine Science course director and equitation teacher, Soraya Morscher says, “We have an auxiliary facility out in Adare that we bus the students to and they do a day out there, hands-on, so they ride lunge, stable management and I have some practical lectures on that as well and that will happen once a week.”

Choice

In the third year, students will also have the option of whether to focus on equitation or equine business for semester 1. The equine business management option offers modules in enterprise formation and development, principles of risk management, business consulting and strategic management. The equitation option offers modules in the young horse, equestrian facilities, performance rider development and training and managing the performance horse.

The following semester (semester 4 for level 5/6) will see students going on an eight-month cooperative placement, either at home or abroad. This work placement will allow you to exploit and develop the skills that you have already acquired while simultaneously gaining professional experience in the industry and is a great opportunity to make contacts in the industry.

“They have eight months of either working in a stud or some other type of environment that they basically get quite a good practical experience on the ground as part of their degree,” Soraya says.

In their final year, students will also take on a research project on some aspect of the horse industry, which will be developed into a proper scientific study.

“With us, they have to come up with their own ideas and their own project so it is largely driven by the students, which prepares them really well for post-graduate studies afterwards.”

To assist students with their projects, UL has cultivated a lot of connections within the industry, some of whom will also be giving lectures throughout the course.

Opportunities

Given the broad nature of the course, there are a lot of career opportunities available for students after graduating from the programme, in a variety of sectors. For those who want to further their education, there are several postgraduate course options available including veterinary medicine.

Recent graduate Danielle Mullin spoke to Irish Country Living about her equine science journey. “You get a very well-rounded education of the industry, it kind of covers all aspects, it gives you a good broad education and it is up to you then to decide what suits you the best.”

Entry requirements can be found on the website. There is a requisite grade in maths, a minimum of O6 (ordinary) grade or H7 (higher) grade. However, students who fall short here but meet all the other criteria may take a special mathematics entrance examination before the second round of offers. Mature students are also welcome to apply via the CAO.

More information

www.ul.ie/courses/bachelor-science-equine-science

www.ul.ie/courses/certificate-equine-science-diploma-equine-science#what-you-will-study

@EquineScienceUL

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