This page provides details and contacts for all enquiries related to equestrian training, equine therapy, and events at ARU Writtle's Cow Watering Campus. The Equine Training & Development Centre at ARU Writtle is a well-established facility, purpose-built to provide a high standard of accommodation for horses of all types. This centre is at the heart of equestrian education at ARU Writtle, and fe
atures a comprehensive selection of infrastructure to support both horse welfare and student learning. Our facilities include two large indoor arenas (measuring 24m x 60m and 24m x 55m) as well as a smaller indoor arena (24m x 24m), providing flexible and weather-proof spaces for training, practical teaching, and riding. In addition, there is a floodlit outdoor menage (20m x 60m) for outdoor schooling, four dedicated therapy barns—including a cutting-edge hydrotherapy water treadmill—solariums for equine care and recovery, a covered oval horse walker, and newly fenced grazing areas to ensure safe turnout and enrichment. The Centre is home to a permanent population of resident horses, supplemented by a variety of loaned horses that arrive throughout the academic year. At any time, the yard houses around 80 horses, representing a broad spectrum—from native pony types to show jumpers, eventers, youngstock, and versatile all-rounders. These horses are an essential resource for the educational and practical experiences of our students, giving them hands-on access to diverse breeds and disciplines. ARU Writtle has made a significant investment in the ongoing development of the Equine Training & Development Centre, allocating more than £2 million in recent years. This funding has enabled us to maintain and enhance our status as a leading equestrian teaching facility in the UK. Students benefit from access to first-class amenities that directly support practical training for all Higher Education (HE) and Further Education (FE) Equine courses. Facilities are also used for teaching grassland management, equine therapy, rehabilitation, and to generate real-world economic data for students studying business management modules. The Centre is exceptionally well-resourced for research purposes, attracting undergraduate and postgraduate students to undertake research projects in a wide range of fields, from equine science and therapy to facility management. Moreover, external commercial partners—including feed companies, bedding manufacturers, and stable equipment suppliers—also use the Centre for product testing, research, and trials. Beyond the curriculum, the Equine Training & Development Centre is available for limited hire, hosting shows, demonstrations, clinics, pony club camps, and other equestrian events. This further cements its role as a hub for both student and community engagement, ensuring that our facilities benefit a wide audience while continuing to enrich the learning experience at ARU Writtle.
