My RAU experience

I chose to study at the RAU because I liked the wide variety of modules that this course covered, which helped me shape my career prospects post-uni.

The Irish Bloodstock trip was a real highlight, as well as all the trips we went on across the three years. As someone from a non-equestrian background, these trips really helped me understand how the industry works on a practical level, and I gained knowledge that I’ll use forever.

There are many things to enjoy about studying at the RAU. Firstly, the friends you make and the people you meet, both at university and in the local community, are people you will be in contact with for life. Also, the course content has been so enjoyable that it has sparked my interest in areas of the equestrian world that I previously hadn’t considered. The passion from the lecturers can really be felt through their teaching which makes learning that much easier.

In the future I plan to work abroad in the equine industry, specifically in breeding and training roles. The RAU has helped me in finalising and refining my CV, bringing in speakers from abroad to broaden our possibilites, and university staff from all departments have been available to help whenever I have needed assistance. At times, I found assessment briefs difficult to interpret and found it hard to make a start. University lecturers and staff were always happy to help, and offered resources and additional support throughout assessments.

 

What I gained from the RAU 

I carried out my placement year at Downe Livery Stables, where my position was Assistant Manager and Sales Assistant. I loved being able to work practically with horses, and training young people to be able to become suitable and safe for riding - an opportunity that I have never come across before, and most likely wouldn’t have done had a placement not been part of the course.  I learned all about the practicalities and reality of working with horses, as well as how to juggle employed life with general life, social life and leisure. I enjoyed experiencing full-time employment, as it made the prospect of working full-time after university less daunting.

I have since been offered a role at my placement provider as an Assistant Manager once the yard is in need of additional full-time staff member. This role will include performing general yard duties, as well as training and selling sale horses, and instructing.

To any student thinking about studying this course, I would say make the most of all the opportunities available to you. Attend all the workshops, extra sessions, guest speakers etc, as you never know what you may learn!