Posted: 13th May 2021 | Back to news feed
Hundreds of event riders from across the country visited Moreton Morrell College to compete in a prestigious equestrian competition.
More than 280 competitors were involved in the British Eventing competition at the college in Warwickshire, which is part of college group WCG (formerly Warwickshire College Group).
The 2021 British Eventing season started in April and sees top riders travel around the country to compete in the competition.
Around 20 students from the college were on hand to support on the day with dressage and show jumping stewarding.
The event was closed to the general public but usually attracts families and friends of the riders from across Britain.
Moreton Morrell College is a nationally-renowned centre for equine training excellence and has been a host venue for British Eventing for more than 20 years.
The college now hosts two affiliated events a year and previous years have attracted high-profile competitors such as Zara Tindall.
Two students in their final year of the Equine Performance Coaching degree at the college competed on the day.
Jasmine Holmes competing at Moreton Morrell College (Credit: www.1stclassimages.com)
Jasmine Holmes, 21, and Francois Heyns, 24, run Long Shot Stables in Rugby and have continued day-to-day management of the business while completing their degrees.
Jasmine said: “I always try to have a horse competing at Moreton Morrell College competitions. I’ve been studying there since I was 15, and have been competing for those six years too. It’s close to home and a well run event with a good course.
“The college has been very supportive of us, so competing in their events gives something back.
“Running a business, competing and studying at the same time isn’t easy but the college has always been very understanding and supportive of work outside of our studies.”
Francois Heyns competing at Moreton Morrell College. (Credit: www.1stclassimages.com)
Francois added: “I’m from Namibia and have been competing for the last three years – which lined up with when I started my studies at Moreton Morrell College.
“The event went well. I had a horse that was quite young and only in its fifth event. The horse improved across dressage, show-jumping and cross country.
“The Equine Performance Coaching degree is perfectly in line with what I want to do in my career. We’ve been able to study while building our new business. The studies have been moulded around our lifestyle and it’s all been tailored to support us.”
Moreton Morrell College is home to a wide range of further and higher education equine courses, with expertise areas ranging from science and performance coaching, to therapy and rehabilitation.
Students studying the BSc Equine Performance Coaching course - such as Jasmine and Francois - are also given the opportunity to work towards a 1st4Sport Level 2 Certificate in Equestrian Coaching (General Riding).
The college has a history of graduates securing work in industry or going on to be accomplished freelancers, and graduates’ employability prospects are enhanced after achieving the industry-recognised 1st4Sportqualification.
Donna Allen, equine subject leader for Higher Education at Moreton Morrell College, said: “We have a long history of holding fabulous equestrian events for British Eventing.
“The event provided a fantastic opportunity for students to get involved, learn from elite competitors and develop new skills, whilst also showcasing the excellent facilities we have here at the college.
“Jasmine and Francois are excellent ambassadors for our Equine Performance Coaching degree and I’m certain they both have very bright futures working in the industry.”
To find out more about FE and HE equine courses available at WCG visit www.wcg.ac.uk/study
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