We are delighted to welcome Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) as a new member of the National Equine Welfare Council.

SRUC is a leading higher and further education institution dedicated to supporting the land-based and rural sector through education, research, and consultancy. With campuses across Scotland, including its specialist equine provision at the Oatridge Campus, SRUC plays a key role in training the next generation of equine professionals.

Equine welfare underpins all aspects of SRUC’s teaching and practical delivery. Its programmes are rooted in promoting a “good life” for horses, combining research-informed teaching with hands-on experience to ensure students develop both the knowledge and practical skills required to uphold high welfare standards in the industry.

SRUC offers a wide range of equine-specific courses across Further and Higher Education, from National Certificates in Horse Care through to a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science and Management, as well as modern apprenticeships. Students benefit from access to excellent facilities, including the Scottish National Equestrian Centre (SNEC), where competitions and training events are delivered with a strong emphasis on welfare.

The equine provision is supported by a dedicated team of academic, technical, and yard staff, all of whom share responsibility for maintaining and promoting high standards of equine welfare. This is reinforced through close links with industry and welfare organisations, including the British Horse Society, World Horse Welfare, and Blue Cross, with many students undertaking placements with these organisations.

As part of the wider School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, SRUC integrates the latest research into its teaching and ensures that welfare principles are consistently applied in practice. Through strong industry connections and a commitment to continuous improvement, SRUC is helping to shape a knowledgeable, welfare-focused equine workforce.

SRUC is already actively engaged in equine welfare at a national level, contributing to sector discussions and developments in Scotland. By joining NEWC, SRUC further strengthens its commitment to collaboration and to raising equine welfare standards across education and industry.

To learn more about Scotland’s Rural College and its work, visit: sruc.ac.uk