Courses

The equine industry is one of the most rapidly expanding service sectors in Scotland and offers a diverse and exciting range of career opportunities to anyone wishing to work with and care for horses.


Oatridge is recognised as Scotland's foremost Equestrian College and is a member of the Scottish Equestrian Association (SEA), the national governing body for 34-member organisations, representing all sectors, from carriage driving to show ponies. It is also a training and examination centre for the British Horse Society.

Horses in indoor arena

Our range of courses in horse management is designed to meet the needs of the industry by giving students a balanced mix of practical, hands-on experience and theory, which can prepare them to work in riding schools, livery yards, with trainers and breeders, in horse racing, or with charitable organisations specialising in the therapeutic use of riding.

All of our full-time students are encouraged to undertake British Horse Society examinations as part of their studies.

Jumping in Outdoor Arena

Oatridge College has also established the Scottish Racing Academy to try to address the shortage of trained lads and lassies in Racing Yards.

The number of horses kept by Oatridge College is determined by the number of students we have enrolled in any one year.  The result of this is that when they are not being used by our students, the horses are being rested. Therefore we do not offer them for riding lessons to children or members of the general public.

It is the stated aim of Oatridge College to become a National Centre of Excellence in all Equestrian Sports and our facilities reflect that ambition: From a new international standard indoor performance arena, to all-weather gallops and a cross-country training course, the College is investing heavily. Our stables are in three yards and include tack rooms, clipping and shoeing areas and an indoor school, and house 44 horses, from cobs to racehorses. Additional stabling is being provided under our development plans.

Progressing further

It is possible to continue from Certificate level to HNC then to HND level in Horse Management. Students can progress further, to Degree level study, at one of several Higher Education institutions which offer courses in Equine Science or Equine Management.

Career opportunities :

  • Instructor or Coach
  • Head Groom
  • International Groom
  • Competition Yard Supervisor
  • Yard Assistant/Groom
  • Yard Manager
  • Event Rider
  • Stud Farm Manager
  • Mounted Police Officer