Hartpury University Repository

Clark, C. C. T.

Moran, Jason

Drury, Ben

Venetsanou, Fontini

Fernandes, John

English

Actual vs. Perceived Motor Competence in Children (8–10 Years): An Issue of Non-Veridicality

Hermiston, Christopher

Montrose, V. Tamara

Taylor, Sienna

The effects of dog appeasing pheromone spray upon canine vocalizations and stress related behaviors in a rescue shelter 

Fagernes Dalen, A.

Davies, Emma

Pre-competition dietary habits and nutritional knowledge of affiliated showjumping riders

Howse, Jennifer

Badman-King, Alex

Williams, Jane

Bearman-Brown, Lucy

The Effect of Animal Handling Sessions on Student Wellbeing in a Further and Higher Education Establishment

Greening, Linda

Sleep vs. no sleep; equine nocturnal behaviour and its implications for equine welfare

Hernández, Sebastian

Ramírez-Campillo, Rodrigo

Álvarez, Cristian

Sanchez-Sanchez, Javier

Pereira, Lucas A.

Loturco, Irineu

Effects of plyometric training on neuromuscular performance in youth basketball players: a pilot study on the influence of drill randomization

Montrose, V. T.

Pig-ignorant: What do we know about guinea-pig cognition

Nankervis, Kathryn

Should Dressage horses walk on water?

Lewis, Victoria

Deyna, Eric

Contact author:  *victoria.lewis@hartpury.ac.uk   
Performance in Equestrian Sports Research Group     
Evaluation of an Equestrian Student 
Exchange
V.Lewis*, E. Deyna, E. Legendre and J.Michaels
University Centre Hartpury, UK and 
Institut Francais du Cheval et de l’equitation, Saumur
INTRODUCTION: Research demonstrates the value of international academic
exchange and study abroad programmes. However, this is not accessible to all students
and can be costly to both the students and the institution, often requiring in depth
agreements and contracts in order to meet the academic requirements set in each
country.
An exchange visit was organized between University Centre Hartpury and the French
National Riding School Saumur. This project started in 2015, with a 5 day visit to Saumur
in February and return visit to Hartpury in October, for 10 students (2nd year coaches
from Saumur working towards International level 2 and undergraduates from Hartpury
who sit on a variety of equine programmes). The project is now in its 3rd year. During
the visits the students gain an insight into the equestrian industry in the host country,
improve their foreign language skills, ride and coach, gain an understanding of the
history and development of each institution, network, experience new activities,
knowledge exchange and make new friends.
Positive Experiences Challenges Faced
Fun and exciting experience Cost to the students and school
Experience of riding different horses Level of horses not the same – create ways to add other activities
Riding improved Limited time available for visit to town (culture)
Fun experiencing other activities: Polo, Rugby, trampolining, French Boules, 
vaulting, x-c running, rider fitness, watched Paul Taper Clinic, Visit to Carl Hester’s 
yard
Organisation (classrooms, arenas, tack, horses, timetable) difficult during term time 
when scheduled activities still need to run
Professional development Size of the different programmes in the 2 countries is a challenge to networking 
between students
Improved English, learnt new terms Split over 2 academic years therefore not the same group of students (this will 
change this year)
Developed cohesion within the team Support from the school management for staff time to plan and take part, cover 
need for teaching during visits etc.
Discovered new equestrian system Limited onsite accommodation during term time. Use of hotels is an added cost
Learned and experienced the cultural differences between the two countries Home student commitment to other classes/activities during the week 
Networking opportunity Selection of students to participate
Friendships made 
Learnt about aqua treadmills and  new rehab techniques
Experienced a pregnancy dissection
Rode the equine simulator
Experience University theorectical lectures
Was pushed outside comfort zone and survived
Students were helpful and friendly
Excellent way to market school and programmes
Collaboration between the two schools
Coaches developing long lasting friendship
Experience embedded in modules and used for assessments (live briefs)
Opportunity of knowledge exchange: staff and students
AIM: To evaluate and reflect on the value of
an equestrian exchange and suggest how
adaptations may support future
developments.
METHOD: A qualitative analysis of the
feedback given in the form of focus groups
and written reports from the students (n=50)
and coaches (n=4). The data was analyzed
meaningful units identified and grouped into
general themes set out in table below.
Key developments have been to link to curriculum:
 French students teach English students in Dressage through the week then teach these students in their level 2
assessment, in English
 2 English coaches assist in the level 2 assessment
 English students write a reflective report and presentation as a ‘live’ assessment contributing to their
Undergraduate Degree


Evaluation of an equestrian student exchange

Dumbell, Lucy

The role of the coach in elite equestrian sport

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