Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Learn how to support the overall wellbeing and performance of horses at ARU in Writtle, and qualify as an equine sports massage therapist.
If you study the Cert HE, you'll complete core modules from Year 1 of the BSc (Hons) course. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS 2025
Our BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation degree focuses on the structure and function of the horse related to performance, with particular attention on how equine bodywork can improve performance and prevent injury.
You'll explore 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.
This course prepares you to provide equine sports massage that protects animal welfare, as well as the interests of owners and referring professionals, such as veterinary surgeons, by optimising performance and preventing injury. As a graduate, you’ll be ready to work in an exciting and evolving part of the equine industry, with a high level qualification that enables you to join the Animal Health Professionals Register (AHPR).
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Find out more about studying Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation at ARU in this short video.
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Choose one of our DIY livery packages and bring your horse to university while you study
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Join our Equine Academy, which supports talented competition riders and provides coaching from UKCC-qualified coaches
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Students regularly present their research findings at conferences in the UK and internationally
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Our course team includes industry-experienced staff and practitioners in equine rehabilitation, behaviour, nutrition and breeding
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Our course is accredited by the Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR), and prepares you to provide health services that protect animal welfare
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
The knowledge and skills I acquired at Writtle have allowed me to get where I am today. I am very grateful for the theoretical and practical skills I learnt whilst studying. These skills allow me to work with professional confidence within the equine industry.
You'll have the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in the equine industry. You will also be able to apply for professional membership of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC), which offers ongoing support, mentorship and CPD opportunities as you progress in your career.
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Equine Performance Science or MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Teaching and modules
You’ll explore both theoretical and practical skills relevant to working with horses, covering their anatomy and physiology, health, nutrition, exercise, and how horses respond to external factors such as riders, tack, saddles and shoes.
Learn assessment strategies for health and performance and how to handle horses in your care. You’ll use a range of manual therapies and therapeutic techniques, explore rehabilitation from injuries and disease and sports medicine for animals.
You’ll also cover how to research and more general business skills. You’ll graduate being able to evidence 'first day competence' when applying for employment in the equine industry or setting up your own therapy business. On completion, this course enables you to obtain the relevant insurance required to work as a therapist and join an appropriate regulatory body to access continual professional development opportunities.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Equine Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
- Equine Practical Skills (15 credits)
- Equine Health Management (15 credits)
- Assessment for Performance and Health (15 credits)
- Equine Nutrition (15 credits)
- Introduction to Equine Therapy (15 credits)
- Saddle Fit and Farriery (15 credits)
- Functional Anatomy (15 credits)
- Into ARU
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Business Skills (15 credits)
- Animal Therapeutic Techniques (15 credits)
- Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
- Introduction to Animal Biomechanics (15 credits)
- Rehabilitation and Performance (15 credits)
- Equine Health and Disease (15 credits)
- Extrinsic Factors Affecting Equine Performance (15 credits)
- Major Project (30 credits)
- Equine Massage and Remedial Exercise (30 credits)
- Biomechanics (15 credits)
- Complementary Therapies (15 credits)
- Sports Medicine (15 credits)
- Equitation Science (15 credits)
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Academic and Personal Management Skills (20 credits)
- Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills) (20 credits)
- Maths for IT and Science (15 credits)
- Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits)
- Independent (Themed) Project (20 credits)
- Applied Industry Techniques (30 credits)
If you study the Cert HE, you'll complete core modules from Year 1 of the BSc (Hons) course. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
Our course team includes industry-experienced staff and practitioners in equine rehabilitation, behaviour, nutrition and breeding, as well as competition riders and UKCC coaches.
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Jane HartLecturer in Equine Performance
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Rosemary LawrenceLecturer in Equine
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Susan MooneySenior Lecturer
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Professor Roberta BlakeProfessor
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Charlotte Coleman-FryLecturer in Equine and Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Chloe MabbuttLecturer in Equine
Facilities
Study equine courses with ARU in Writtle and benefit from our Equine Training and Development Centre. We have around 70 horses on campus, with a working stable yard, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, an oval horse walker, therapy barn. On our 150-hectare campus with grazing and space for events we have a DIY Livery Yard for students' horses. Take a guided tour and meet our students.
You’ll also have access to the rehab yard and specialist biomedical equipment including Tekscan Saddle Pressure System, Quintic Gait Analysis, Equimetre, VERT and Equinosis and F-Scan pressure sensors.
You’ll also be able to make full use of facilities including extensive library and IT resources and access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Equine Academy: support for talented riders
The Equine Academy at ARU Writtle supports a group of competition-level riders every year. It offers training sessions for the rider, stabling for the horse, and access to our equine facilities and experienced support staff.
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Academy barn - Writtle students are able to bring their own horses to university with them on DIY livery.
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Central track and turnout which leads to our Equine Training and Development Centre
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Our Equine Training and Development Centre, home to all things equine and approximately 70 horses.
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Horse water treadmill
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This is the largest of our arenas (24m x 60m), each of which have a different surface. This allows students to assess the impact of surfaces on equine biomechanics.
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Our outdoor arena is 20m x 60m in size and located next to the horse walker.
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Tempo arena is one of our indoor arenas, 24m x 55m in size. DIY Livery students have access to all of our facilities when not being used for teaching purposes.
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The Therapy Barn is a large teaching space that allows presentations to be shared with students while simultaneously apply their learnt techniques.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Apply for Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Clearing places available
UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start