Equine Behaviour and Welfare

Equine behaviour and welfare is a specialist discipline that applies scientific understanding of animal behaviour, cognition and welfare to the horse, examining how horses learn, how they communicate, how they experience their environment and how human management practices can either support or undermine their wellbeing. The human-horse relationship is one of the oldest and most complex in the history of animal domestication, and understanding it from a scientific and welfare perspective has become increasingly important as expectations around animal care, training ethics and equine management have risen.

At Hartpury University, this five-year programme includes a foundation element before the main degree and a sandwich placement year, giving you a supported entry into the subject and substantial professional experience in an equine context. You will explore the science of equine learning and cognition, ethology, welfare assessment, health and management, and the ethical dimensions of human-horse interactions. Work placement experience is integrated throughout, connecting your academic study to the practical realities of working with horses in professional equine settings.

You do not need to ride horses to study this programme: a genuine interest in understanding horse behaviour, learning and welfare is what the degree requires.

Graduates in equine behaviour and welfare pursue careers in equine welfare consultancy, animal behaviour practice, rescue and rehabilitation organisations, equine science research, equestrian education and management. Some move into roles with equine charities or governing bodies, or into veterinary support and equine therapy. The scientific underpinning of the degree also opens pathways into broader animal behaviour and welfare roles across different species.

Postgraduate study in equine science, animal behaviour or veterinary behavioural medicine is a natural progression for those with research or clinical ambitions.