The Equestrian Centre is the home of the Royal Agricultural University equine enterprise, situated in glorious Cotswold countryside and within easy reach of the main University campus. The centre supports the RAU with equestrian education and academic research.
A transcript of the video can be found here.
The stables are set out in eight barns ranging in size from three to 31 stables. The barns have been designed to allow good undercover working conditions and are light and airy with secure tack rooms. There are 58 paddocks fenced with electric rope; all have mains fed water troughs.
There is a 30 x 60m enclosed floodlit outdoor arena with an excellent Martin Collins surface. A 990 x 5m all-weather circular exercise track and a horse walker are also available. There is ample parking for cars, trailers and lorries.
Scientific research and teaching
The RAU Equestrian Centre has always helped run scientific projects for both commercial companies and students. Research focuses on observational and non-invasive studies in nutrition, parasitology, behaviour and welfare. Each year, a number of students use the facilities, such as the canter track (shown below) for their final year and master’s dissertation projects. Students also benefit from using the equestrian centre for practical equine lectures and demonstrations.
The British Horse Society rating
In September 2021, the facilities at the Equestrian Centre were inspected by The British Horse Society and judged as highly commended in six categories and approved in one category. More details on The BHS site.
Find us
The Equestrian Centre, Coates, Cirencester, GL7 6NX.