SOME of the region’s top animal health and behavioural students have travelled to Spain to share best practice and learn from one of the most devoted horse nations in the world.

Year 2 students on the FdSc equine, behaviour and training (EBT) and FdSc animal health and management (AHM) at Duchy College had a packed itinerary, which included visiting the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.

They travelled to Jerez de la Frontera, where there is a facility devoted to conserving the ancestral abilities of the Andalusian horse, maintaining the classical traditions of Spanish baroque horsemanship.

EBT student, Lucinda Grimshaw, said it was ‘a fantastic opportunity’. She said: “It was great to meet like-minded people who share our commitment to improve the welfare of horses and donkeys through education and training, whilst also learning about the history of the Andalusian horses, the Spanish culture, traditions and food.”

Other elements of the trip included a visit to Crocodile Park, meeting the largest captive crocodile in Europe, and El Refugio Del Burrito, a donkey sanctuary, providing a safe haven for donkeys and mules rescued from across Europe.

The students also had a private tour of Yeguada Cartuja Stud, which is the world’s largest ranch dedicated to the Carthusian horse, and finally a visit to a rescue centre for animals that have been seized by customs of the police, Zoo de Castellar.

HE team lead for animal science, Alison Abbey, said the tour of Spain had been ‘a resounding success with students offered future work placement opportunities at world-class breeding, training and rescue establishments’.

She added: “As an educational facility, we believe it is essential to deepen our HE students’ learning experiences through innovative delivery, building all their skills in preparation for gainful employment.”

AHM student, Victoria Edwards, described the study tour as ‘a once in a lifetime experience’, and said: “It delivered fascinating insight into how a wide variety of animals are kept and cared for outside of the UK in different cultures. I gained invaluable knowledge and enjoyed making many memories that will last a lifetime.”