Equine Studies

Jump in To Equine

Love everything about horses? Why not make caring for horses your career with EDC's equine courses, taught at our stunning Houghall campus just outside of Durham?

At our multi-million pound equine centre (more on that later!) you'll be learning both the theory behind equine care, studying equine science, animal handling and feeding and much more. This is supported by practical work, riding horses, mucking out their stables, taking care of your equipment and taking advantage of our amazing facilities to the fullest.

There's a reason why we're the largest specialist land-based training provider in the North East - once you see our equine facilities for yourself, you'll understand too!

We could waffle on for ages about how great our equine course is, but why not see it for yourself first? Give our video a tap below to watch what equine is like at EDC!

Our Fantastic Equine Centre

With East Durham College, you get some of the best equine facilities available anywhere in the North East. We've invested £2.5 million into our incredible Equine centre, giving our students everything they need during their equine course.

Our investment into the Houghall Equine Centre gives students a real place of excellence to work and study during their equine course. The centre includes:

• Modern stable block with 28 stable block accommodation - we house several of our own college horses, as well as looking after horses from members of the public who use our livery service.
• International Standard 40m x 40m Indoor Arena - our indoor arena is available all-year round, and includes all the space you need to ride and practice jumping. The arena is open to the public too, with viewing area and is available for bookings.
• 60m x 40m All-Weather Outdoor Menage - our indoor arena is complemented by the outdoor menage area, a dedicated arena where you'll ride horses outdoors. All jumps and equipment can be taken both indoors and outdoors, as needed during your training.
• Training Workshops - plenty of classroom space for the theory side of our equine courses.
• Tack Room - maintain your horses' and your own equipment with our tack room.
• Automatic Horse Walker - regular exercise is an important part of a horse's condition, so our automatic horse walker helps to make sure they keep fit and compliments the rest of your studies.

On top of all this, the campus also includes a cross-country trail, schooling field and a 20 acre paddock which students will be able to take advantage of during their course.

The centre is approved by The British Horse Society.

The equine centre, training facilities, paddock and x-country trail are available to hire and the college also offers full, working and grass livery services. For more details, please check out our livery services page or call the Equine Team on 0191 375 4738.

Jump Into Eventing with our Advanced Racewood Eventing Simulator!

When you're not honing your skills with our real horses, you can still practice on our amazing Racewood Eventing Simulator!

This state-of-the-art robotic horse completely simulates the real thing, with authentic movements, pressure sensors and it'll even whinny and neigh whenever it fancies.

The simulator allows students to practice everything from standard riding to cross-country and eventing, and is a fantastic addition to our already incredible equine centre!

Check it out for yourself below!

The Equine Industry

In the UK the equine industry is massive, with a turnover in the region of £1b per year. It encompasses many different sectors, from racing, driving and endurance to dressage, horse trials and show jumping. These are supported by a large ancillary industry which provides extensive career opportunities.

Students achieving a full level 3 programme have the opportunity to apply for university entrance to study on higher education courses such as equine science, equine behaviour, equine sports performance and coaching, equine business management and a range of other equine-related courses such as veterinary nursing or bioveterinary science.

Our learners progress into employment at riding schools, livery yards, competition yards, rescue centres and in tack shops. Opportunities in the UK and indeed overseas include veterinary practices, equine rehabilitation centres and working for equine-related charities.