Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation (with Foundation Year)

Qualify as an equine sports massage therapist to support the overall wellbeing and performance of horses.

Our BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation degree focuses on the structure and function of the horse, relating that to how horses move and how natural gait may change when areas of tension are seen in the musculature.

It also explores how a team of professionals – including veterinarians, farriers, saddle fitters, dentists and trainers – can work together to enhance and optimise horses' wellbeing, body balance and performance.

As a student at ARU in Writtle you’ll be based in the Equine Training and Development Centre, which offers extensive facilities including a working stable yard, riding arenas and an equine therapy barn. There are around 70 horses on campus, and you’re able to bring your own horse to university too: find out more about our DIY Livery Yard.

Our course is accredited by the Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR), and prepares you to provide health services that protect animal welfare, as well as the interests of owners and referring professionals, such as veterinary surgeons.

As a graduate, you’ll be ready to work in an exciting and evolving part of the equine industry.

There are a number of ways to study this course. As well as our 3-year full-time degree (6 years part-time), you have the option of studying over:

• 1 year to gain a Certificate in Higher Education

• 4 years including a foundation year, to gain a BSc

If you study the Cert HE initially, you'll take five core modules then follow one of five pathways. Each pathway includes 2-3 optional modules, and is a route into one of our five BSc (Hons) equine degrees. These degrees are:

• Equine Behavioural Science

• Equine Bioveterinary Science

• Equine Performance Science

• Equine Performance and Business Management

• Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

All BSc students study the same modules, with the addition of foundation year modules for those taking the 4-year course. Cert HE students study Year 1 BSc modules.

As part of the course you will study the following core modules:
Level 4 (Year 1) Equine Anatomy and Physiology, Equine Practical Skills, Equine Health Management, Assessment for Performance and Health, Equine Nutrition, Introduction to Equine Therapy, Saddle Fit and Farriery, Functional Anatomy
Level 5 (Year 2) Research Methods, Business Skills, Animal Therapeutic Techniques, Exercise Physiology, Introduction to Animal Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Performance, Equine Health and Disease, Extrinsic Factors Affecting Equine Performance
Level 6 (Year 3) Capstone Project/Dissertation, Equine Massage and Remedial Exercise, Biomechanics, Complementary Therapies, Sports Medicine, Equitation Science

We'll use a number of methods to assess your progress, including course assignments, anatomy workbooks, laboratory reports, rehabilitation case study reports, poster presentations, practical assessments (yard competence and skills related to sports therapy), exams, and your dissertation – known as the Capstone Project.