Study programme

In the Equine, Sports and Business programme, you spend half the time taking business courses, and the other half equine courses. In the first year, you will build up very broad knowledge. Then, in years 2 and 3, you will delve deeper. From the third year, you will choose your own direction with a minor, an internship and a graduation assignment. You will learn everything about horses and the (inter)national business surrounding them. At VHL and in the professioal field. And often together with your fellow students.

Year 1: the basics

You use the first year to learn as broadly as possible. About horses: such as the industry at home and abroad, nutrition, reproduction and health, and social developments. And about business management: such as marketing, finance, agribusiness and management. Of course, you also have the opportunity to get your hands dirty. For instance during practical lessons and excursions. Throughout your studies, you will have a mentor with whom you will discuss your personal development.

You take these (and other) courses in year 1:

• Orientation professional field
• Nutrition and reproduction
• Animal health
• Land use and feed extraction
• Marketing

Year 2 and 3: deepening and practice

The start of your second year consists of a 10-week or 2x5-week internship. You will join a company with horses, such as a boarding stable or an equestrian centre. After that, you will deepen your knowledge: you will take another module on the horse and another one on the company. You will learn about research, nutrition, breeding and innovations. For instance, you create a plan to improve a company’s online marketing. And you develop an innovative business idea, including a business plan. You also analyse the horse-rider combination and write a recommendation about it.

You will also do a 20-week internship in the third year. This takes place in the service sector of the equestrian world or somewhere completely different. At a feed company, for instance, or at a sports association, consultancy firm, publisher or events organisation. You can also choose to do this internship in year 4. In such a case, you will take a minor in year 3. Both your internships and your minor can be organised at home or abroad.

Year 4: graduating

In the first part of year 4, you do a minor (or if you have already completed one in year 3, you do your internship). You may do that minor with us, or with another university or university of applied sciences. At home or abroad. As long as there is a link with your Equine, Sports and Business degree programme. This could be: Animal Science, Sport Psychology, Event Management, Digital Marketing or Entrepreneurship.

You conclude this year with a graduation assignment, which you carry out for a national or international client.

This is what your studies could look like:

Graduated?

Congratulations! You may call yourself Bachelor of Science (BSc) 'Animal Husbandry with major Equine, Sports and Business'. From now on, the world of horses and business lies open to you.

Check out your career opportunities