Diploma in Sporting Excellence open

Entries are now open for the Diploma in Sporting Excellence 2018 – 2020. In partnership with British Dressage and British Eventing, Hartpury College provides riders with opportunities to improve performance via a blended learning programme consisting of central ‘camps’ at Hartpury College and home visits from the rider’s assigned mentor/assessor.

The Equine AASE programme has become the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DISE) in line with the changing nature of government apprenticeship standards and funding.

The Hartpury programme offers a high quality training environment, access to modern, well-equipped facilities and the benefits of conditioning experts, physiotherapists, nutritionists and mentors. Their talented coaches – who have a vast amount of competition experience at the highest level – will encourage, nurture and support aspiring young riders through their development.

The programme consists of four central camps at Hartpury which must be attended:

• 23 – 24 October 2018
• 11 – 12 February 2019
• 1 – 2 April 2019
• 24 – 25 October 2019

To supplement this time, mentors will make regular visits to see students at home in their own training environment, and visits to high profile yards with access to industry-leading professionals are included.

“Hartpury provides the ideal training environment for people to start their career in the industry. I’m proud to be part of the College and working with the next generation of riders.” - Carl Hester | Hartpury Elite Dressage Coach | Olympic Gold Medallist

The programme reflects the broad range of skills, knowledge and performance required by elite level sports people. It measures the rider’s ability to plan, apply and evaluate their development in the technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of their sport. It also addresses wider issues such as nutrition, lifestyle, career development, communication, and health and safety.

Additionally, riders will consider four equine-specific units: horse training programmes, horse nutrition, horse health and wellbeing, and competition performance.

What is the Award in Sporting Excellence?
A Level 3 qualification designed for riders who have the realistic potential to achieve excellence and are seeking to perform at the highest level. It covers all aspects of training and sports performance support to enable riders to push themselves to the next level.

The award is notionally a two-year programme for riders aged 16-18 on the 1 September 2018 who are also studying other academic qualifications at a school or college. As a Level 3 qualification, the Diploma attracts 40 UCAS Tariff points upon successful completion, this the equivalent of a ‘B’ grade at A Level. (Please note at the time of publication this is still provisional and will be confirmed to applicants at the earliest opportunity).

How do I apply?
Please contact thomas.staten@hartpury.ac.uk (DISE Manager at Hartpury College) to request an application form. The closing date for applications is Friday 29 June.