Brooksby College Kicks Off 2026 Masterclass Series for Equine Students

The Masterclass series has become a standout feature of Brooksby College’s Equine curriculum this year, giving second-year Level 3 students the chance to deepen their industry knowledge, build practical skills, and explore future career paths through bespoke workshops with key industry professionals.

The series launched in January with three practical demonstrations led by Andrew Hepburn, Equine Behavioural Specialist from Professional Equine Services. His sessions explored equine learning theory, ethical training methods, loading techniques, and how to better understand horse behaviour. Students were able to see first‑hand how subtle changes in approach can influence a horse’s confidence, willingness, and overall welfare.

They were then joined by Matt Bryan, an Equine and Animal Mediator, who offered a unique perspective on reading equine body language. Matt demonstrated how he interprets what horses are communicating, identifies discomfort or pain, and mediates between horses and their handlers to improve welfare and performance.

The practical theme continued with Katie Barber from Barrowcliffe Cross Country, who delivered an eventing‑focused demonstration in the college’s indoor arena. Students observed flatwork and showjumping exercises while learning about the structure and demands of different eventing levels. This will soon be followed up by an off-site trip to Katie Barber’s cross‑country course at Barrowcliffe, where students will watch further demonstrations in a real competition environment. 

That’s not all – additional sessions planned for the upcoming weeks include an in‑house masterclass on faecal egg counting, a course‑building workshop, a session with Laurie Appleton on rural policing apprenticeships, and a visit from Animal Aid exploring ethics within the animal and equine industry. Level 2 students are also preparing for an educational visit to Leicester Racecourse with Racing to School, where they will gain behind‑the‑scenes insight into the racing industry.

Applications are now open for students wishing to enrol onto a Brooksby Equine course for September 2026. With courses ranging from Level 1 through to Level 3, a course at Brooksby is the perfect next step for students wishing to follow their passion for Horse Care and Equine Management at Post-16 level. Find out more on the Loughborough College Group website or by visiting a Brooksby College Open Day.