Clarissa studied BSc (Hons) Equestrian Sports Coaching and now works as a Yard Technician at Hartpury.
Hartpury experience
"I studied at Hartpury for college and when it came to applying for university I looked around a few others, but nowhere else had facilities that could compete. The staff I met on the open day were really friendly and helpful and the Equine academy was a big factor as I compete with my horses.
The Equine academy allowed me to train full-time alongside my degree. I had training from excellent coaches, strength and conditioning gym classes, worked with a nutritionist and psychologist, and received support planning for competitions. Hartpury also supported me to take my British Horse Society exams.
My lecturer Becky Coleman taught me in college before becoming a university lecturer, she really helped with the transition and adapting to the change in learning. She also coached me on my horse, encouraging me in both my academic work and competition."
Developing industry connections
"Completing my work placement at Hartpury’s summer equine events was a great experience. I learnt how to run events, secure sponsorship deals, organise volunteers, and ensure arenas and stables are ready for competitors. I even got to compete in an event myself. I built contacts and connections with a range of people, including the Hartpury Equine management team, which led to my role as Yard Technician today.
Fliss from Hartpury’s Innovation, Careers and Enterprise Centre (ICE) team would come and speak to us in third year once a week to help support us in making career choices. I had a one-to-one with the team to discuss my options but they couldn’t persuade me to go anywhere else!
My current role as a Yard Technician allows me to pass on the knowledge I have learnt here to students, and I get to work with lots of different horses while still learning and competing within the fantastic facilities on offer.
Hartpury has given me the confidence to focus on my own goals and plans – and the belief that I can succeed."
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