Aachen’s equine campus is offering an Equestrian Stable Management certificate programme in two tiers from next year.
In association with RWTH International Academy, the CHIO Aachen Campus is offering a junior programme for newcomers to the equestrian industry. Participants with more experience in the field can enrol for the Senior Programme.
Designed as an online course following the blended learning format, the participants of both year-long fee-based programmes have the advantages of e-learning, remaining flexible in terms of location and time and deciding themselves, when, and where they wish to learn whichever contents. Only the six-month obligatory on-site training that forms part of the Junior Programme is location-bound.
In Germany, the equestrian industry has a turnover of about €6.7 billion ($US7.1b; $NZ11.3b) and is undergoing radical change, said CHIO Aachen Campus director Stefan Knopp. He said that to remain competitive, establishments must satisfy new demands and take on a future-oriented approach. “The Equestrian Stable Management certificate programme conveys the necessary knowledge to suit this purpose,” Knopp said.
The senior programme targets professionals from the equestrian industry, such as equestrian stable managers, equine managers, grooms and professional riders, who are interested in educating themselves further. The junior programme, which costs €8000, is for newcomers to the profession, who can prove that they have completed an apprenticeship as an equine manager or obtained a comparable qualification.
Internships will be undertaken at the establishments of showjumpers Jos Lansink (BEL), Elizabeth Madden (USA) or Holger Hetzel (Goch), as well as with Isabell Werth (Rheinberg), who is the head coach of the Aachen Campus Programme of Excellence.
Knopp said these internships enabled participants to learn from the big names of the equestrian sport and gain insights into professional businesses.
Modules throughout the course include Equestrian Industry, Operational Management, Digitalisation and Communication Skills, with an exam at the end. All of the seminars will be held in English.
“In future, graduates will have the unique opportunity of using this academic qualification to stand out from the masses and will allow them to take on more responsibility in the establishment and professionalise the activities,” Knopp said.
The Aachen Campus is an international training centre and think tank for the further development of equestrian sport. The RWTH International Academy is Aachen University’s official academy for continuing education. Its expertise is in further education for skilled workers and executives.