Whether you’re a dressage, showjumping or eventing star of the future with the potential to represent your country, we can offer you all the support you need to hit the heights in your chosen discipline. You’ll be supported by a world-class team of coaches and experienced support staff, plus you and your horse will have access to our multi-million pound facilities.
In certain circumstances we aim to offer you competition support at high profile events, visits to top-level riders and trainers’ yards and access to a range of professional support services. The elite and elite development squads have access to rider performance and biomechanical analysis, psychology, strength and conditioning and physiotherapy – both human and equine.
If you meet the required standard of the first application stage of our Equine Academy application process, you'll be invited to a ridden trial that will take place early in the academic year.
Applicants for squads are also eligible to apply for Hartpury Equine Scholarships, which provide financial support alongside the equestrian coaching programme available. Please refer to the application criteria specifically for scholarships.
What is available?
- Weekly 1:1 training session in all disciplines with Equine Academy Director, Lizzel Winter; shared jumping of flat work for jumping
- Access to show jump coaching with Academy show jumping coach, Corinne Bracken and invitational dressage coaching sessions with Nick Burton and Carl Hester (depending on discipline and diary availability)
- Assistance with planning competition schedule
- Support from the Hartpury Sports Academy Team with includes Rider Analysis, individual tailored S&C programs, physiotherapy, and life style advice
- Group and 1:1 sports psychology sessions
Applications to join the Elite Squad are invited from event riders who have competed successfully and won points CCI3*L/4*S (or equivalent national class) and above, dressage riders who have won points at Advanced level, Show jump riders who have 2 double clears at 1.30 level above and Para dressage riders who have scored 60% at any CPEDI3* show in any Grade.
All combinations in the Elite Squad will show the potential to perform successfully on an international stage.
There are a limited number of places available for the Elite Development Squad. Selection for this squad is for riders currently competing at Development level (or above) and showing the potential to be at Elite level in the future. Consideration for this squad is at the discretion of the Equine Academy Director in consultation with the panel at the ridden trial.
What is available?
- Weekly group or occasional individual training sessions in all disciplines with Equine Academy Director, Lizzel Winter, or occasional guest coaches
- Show jump coaching with Academy showjumping Coach, Corinne Bracken (depending up on diary availability)
- Assistance with planning a competition schedule
- Group sessions covering psychology, nutrition, lifestyle advice and weekly S&C group session
- Access to Hartpury Sport-specific Microsoft Teams Academy information page
Applications to join the Development Squad are invited from Event riders who have competed at BE novice level or the equivalent national class at 1.10 or above equating to 6 points or FEI CCI2*Short with a top 5 placing. Dressage riders who have won a minimum of 15 points at Elementary level and above (or their National equivalent), Show Jumpers with 4 double clears or first place with money won at 1.10 level in any BS class or FEI class with results to verify the criteria met and Para Dressage riders who have scored 60% in any Para CPEDI 2* or below or any BD National Para class.
Equestrian athletes who have previously been a part of ALL the Squads have gone on to achieve in a range of both competitive and business environments.
The final squad selections are announced the after all of the selection trials have taken place with the exception of any trial that is held at a later date due to veterinary issues and a written feedback form will be provided for each rider. Selection for the Elite Development Squad will be at the discretion of the Equine Academy Director.
If you don’t make it into our equine academy initially, there are still lots of opportunities to develop your riding whilst at Hartpury, including with Hartpury Equestrian Club and with formal riding and coaching sessions from our on-site specialists in your discipline or through visiting freelance coaches (self-funded).
Livery applications must be made separately to Academy applications and an academy place does not guarantee onsite livery. Please note, the demand for stabling is high and continuously exceeds our capacity, we therefore operate a waitlist for livery stables. Applications for Student DIY livery open inline with accommodation.
Elite squad
What is available?
- Weekly 1:1 training session in all disciplines with Equine Academy Director, Lizzel Winter; shared jumping of flat work for jumping
- Access to show jump coaching with Academy show jumping coach, Corinne Bracken and invitational dressage coaching sessions with Nick Burton and Carl Hester (depending on discipline and diary availability)
- Assistance with planning competition schedule
- Support from the Hartpury Sports Academy Team with includes Rider Analysis, individual tailored S&C programs, physiotherapy, and life style advice
- Group and 1:1 sports psychology sessions
Applications to join the Elite Squad are invited from event riders who have competed successfully and won points CCI3*L/4*S (or equivalent national class) and above, dressage riders who have won points at Advanced level, Show jump riders who have 2 double clears at 1.30 level above and Para dressage riders who have scored 60% at any CPEDI3* show in any Grade.
All combinations in the Elite Squad will show the potential to perform successfully on an international stage.
Elite development squad
There are a limited number of places available for the Elite Development Squad. Selection for this squad is for riders currently competing at Development level (or above) and showing the potential to be at Elite level in the future. Consideration for this squad is at the discretion of the Equine Academy Director in consultation with the panel at the ridden trial.
Development squad
What is available?
- Weekly group or occasional individual training sessions in all disciplines with Equine Academy Director, Lizzel Winter, or occasional guest coaches
- Show jump coaching with Academy showjumping Coach, Corinne Bracken (depending up on diary availability)
- Assistance with planning a competition schedule
- Group sessions covering psychology, nutrition, lifestyle advice and weekly S&C group session
- Access to Hartpury Sport-specific Microsoft Teams Academy information page
Applications to join the Development Squad are invited from Event riders who have competed at BE novice level or the equivalent national class at 1.10 or above equating to 6 points or FEI CCI2*Short with a top 5 placing. Dressage riders who have won a minimum of 15 points at Elementary level and above (or their National equivalent), Show Jumpers with 4 double clears or first place with money won at 1.10 level in any BS class or FEI class with results to verify the criteria met and Para Dressage riders who have scored 60% in any Para CPEDI 2* or below or any BD National Para class.
Equestrian athletes who have previously been a part of ALL the Squads have gone on to achieve in a range of both competitive and business environments.
Squad selections
The final squad selections are announced the after all of the selection trials have taken place with the exception of any trial that is held at a later date due to veterinary issues and a written feedback form will be provided for each rider. Selection for the Elite Development Squad will be at the discretion of the Equine Academy Director.
If you don’t make it into our equine academy initially, there are still lots of opportunities to develop your riding whilst at Hartpury, including with Hartpury Equestrian Club and with formal riding and coaching sessions from our on-site specialists in your discipline or through visiting freelance coaches (self-funded).
Livery applications must be made separately to Academy applications and an academy place does not guarantee onsite livery. Please note, the demand for stabling is high and continuously exceeds our capacity, we therefore operate a waitlist for livery stables. Applications for Student DIY livery open inline with accommodation.
Applications
Elite Development Squad applications* will be considered from horse and rider combinations that have competed successfully within the previous 18 months at the following levels:
- Eventing: CCI3* Long / 4 * S (or equivalent national class) and above with points achieved at 3* level or above.
- Dressage: BD Advanced Medium level with points won (or equivalent national class with scores of over 64% being considered)
- Show Jumping: 2 double clears at 1.30 level in any BS class or FEI class with results to verify the criteria met.
- Para Dressage: To have scored 60% at any CPEDI3* show in any Grade.
Development Squad applications* will be considered from horse and rider combinations that have competed successfully within the previous 18 months at the following levels:
- Eventing: BE Novice with at least 6 BE points won (not foundation points) or equivalent national class at 1.10 or above equating to 6 points or FEI CCI2*S with top 5 placing
- Dressage: BD Elementary with a minimum of 15 points won (or equivalent national class with scores of over 62% equating to 15 points)
- Show Jumping: 4 double clears or first place with money won at 1.10 level or above in any BS class or FEI class with results verifying that the criteria has been met.
- Para Dressage: To have scored 60% in any Para CPEDI 2* or below or any BD National Para class.
*Applications for 2025 entry not open.
Scholarships
To support top level young riders in the Hartpury Equine Academy, we offer three scholarships annually from September of each year.
To be eligible to make an application for the Eventing Scholarship the rider will have been on either a British Eventing (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) Pony, Junior or Young Rider team or have been selected onto one of the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will ideally be competing successfully at CCI3L or 4* level.
To be eligible to make an application for the Dressage Scholarship the rider will have been on a British Dressage (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) Pony, Junior or Young Rider team or have been selected onto the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will ideally be competing at small tour level.
To be eligible to make an application for the Showjumping Scholarship the rider will have been on a BS (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) Junior, Young Rider or Senior team, or selected onto the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will ideally have jumped successfully in classes at 1.40 metres and above.
To be eligible to make an application for the Para Dressage Scholarship the rider will have been on either a British Para Dressage (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) team or have been selected onto the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will have ideally scored 70%+ in any Para CPEDI 3*in any grade.
Please apply for scholarship in writing upon completion of your academy application. The letter needs to state why you would like to be considered for a scholarship, this must be supported with an evidence-based competition record relating to the horse that you propose to bring to the academy. Please send your application and supporting letter to THE ACADEMY ADMINISTRATOR, HARTPURY UNIVERSITY AND HARTPURY COLLEGE, HARTPURY, GLOS, GL19 3BE.
Eventing scholarship
To be eligible to make an application for the Eventing Scholarship the rider will have been on either a British Eventing (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) Pony, Junior or Young Rider team or have been selected onto one of the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will ideally be competing successfully at CCI3L or 4* level.
Dressage scholarship
To be eligible to make an application for the Dressage Scholarship the rider will have been on a British Dressage (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) Pony, Junior or Young Rider team or have been selected onto the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will ideally be competing at small tour level.
Showjumping scholarship
To be eligible to make an application for the Showjumping Scholarship the rider will have been on a BS (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) Junior, Young Rider or Senior team, or selected onto the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will ideally have jumped successfully in classes at 1.40 metres and above.
Para dressage scholarship
To be eligible to make an application for the Para Dressage Scholarship the rider will have been on either a British Para Dressage (or the equivalent overseas National Federation) team or have been selected onto the British Equestrian Federation’s Talent Programmes. The rider will have ideally scored 70%+ in any Para CPEDI 3*in any grade.
How to apply
Please apply for scholarship in writing upon completion of your academy application. The letter needs to state why you would like to be considered for a scholarship, this must be supported with an evidence-based competition record relating to the horse that you propose to bring to the academy. Please send your application and supporting letter to THE ACADEMY ADMINISTRATOR, HARTPURY UNIVERSITY AND HARTPURY COLLEGE, HARTPURY, GLOS, GL19 3BE.
Meet the Academy Director
Lizzel Winter
Lizzel’s successful competition career spans three decades and covers eventing to 5*star level, producing and competing successfully in dressage up to and including Grand Prix and show jumping on the national county circuit to 1.50 level.
Lizzel is a National Dressage Judge and an International Eventing Ground Jury member. Lizzel works with many private clients at advanced level, coaching at home and abroad, having been Internationl Team Coach and Chef d'Equipe for Finland and Portugal.
Lizzel is a qualified NLP practitioner and Coach Educator with 1st For Sport qualified assessor and internal verifier working across several disciplines.
Meet the Academy Director
Lizzel Winter
Lizzel’s successful competition career spans three decades and covers eventing to 5*star level, producing and competing successfully in dressage up to and including Grand Prix and show jumping on the national county circuit to 1.50 level.
Lizzel is a National Dressage Judge and an International Eventing Ground Jury member. Lizzel works with many private clients at advanced level, coaching at home and abroad, having been Internationl Team Coach and Chef d'Equipe for Finland and Portugal.
Lizzel is a qualified NLP practitioner and Coach Educator with 1st For Sport qualified assessor and internal verifier working across several disciplines.
Register your interest
MSc Applied Equine Science
Apply theory to practice on a campus equipped with world-class equestrian facilities, including competition arenas, equine therapy and rider performance centres, as well as over 200 horses and riders of all levels.
Equine Performance and Rehabilitation (Postgraduate Certificate)
This course is ideal for those who want to integrate advanced science with high-level equine performance. Applying theory to practice in the real world, you’ll learn how to maximise equestrian athletic performance, aiding the selection of performance horses and extending successful careers of both the horse and the rider.
MSc Equitation Science
Improve the welfare of horse and rider through ethical decision-making underpinned by the latest scientific research. This course can be studied in CPD module blocks, making it ideal for professionals, or via more traditional academic pathways.
MRes Equestrian Science
This unique Master of Research (MRes) degree is a specialised master’s degree that provides the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the core principles of research as well as the ability to undertake research in the equestrian science subject area.
Over 250 international athletes have developed their talents at Hartpury over the past 15 years. From equestrian medal-winners at the Olympics, to our BUCS-winning squads for men's and women's rugby and men's football, we nurture the very best talent.
We have teams in the top tier of women’s rugby; the Premier 15s, and BUCS National League, and are previous BUCS champions. Our university team is coached by England star, Natasha Hunt. Recently, graduate Zoe Aldcroft was named World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year 2021.
Our successful student-led team, Hartpury University RFC, plays and trains on campus. Professional players Jonny May, Alex Cuthbert, Seb Negri, Harry Randall, Jonny Hill and Ben Vellacott are among our graduates.
We have teams in the BUCS league for football and futsal. Students play regularly in the Women's Futsal Super Series live on BT Sport. Players also feature for club sides in the National League.
Our senior football programme is among the best in the UK. We're 11-time BUCS Premier League winners and five-time BUCS national champions. Successful graduates include Ghana internationals Abdul Majeed Waris and David Accam, and Mustapha Bundu who played for Sierra Leone in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
Five former students and staff were named in Team GB rowing squad for the Tokyo Olympics. We've seen numerous Home International appearances, as well as Henley Regatta, National Schools and BUCS Regatta wins. We have a strong relationship with British Rowing.
We play in the top levels in the BUCS leagues, BUCS Golf Tour and The R & A competitions. Former student George Bryant won the English and Welsh BUCS Golf Championship, and Joe Buenfeld won the Junior European Open.
Our Netball Academy is coached by netball star Jess Shaw. We're a Team Bath Netball Academy Development Centre and BUCS league winners. Students play for Netball Superleague teams.
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