Abingdon & Witney College

In 1990 Abingdon & Witney College established a fully operational and commercially-based thoroughbred stud facility and training centre. This was a ground-breaking initiative and the stud was the only one of its kind in public-funded higher or further education in the UK.

The education and training provision at the College’s Equine Centre ranges from open access level 1 courses through to full specialist and distinctive BSc degrees, with a strong track record of high-quality programmes designed and delivered with support from leading specialists in the industry. The Centre and thoroughbred stud facility have bridged the gap between the highly traditional academic veterinary route into the industry and the range of practical opportunities within the sector.

In the first 25 years since the Centre was established over 3,000 students have progressed into the equine industry. Graduates from the Centre have risen to many eminent and influential positions such as thoroughbred breeding specialists, racehorse trainers and business management experts. Overall, the industry is estimated to make an impact of £7bn to the UK’s economy and employs some 250,000 people.