About Equestrian at Exeter
The University of Exeter Equestrian Club benefits from one of the finest equestrian environments available to any UK university. Devon has an exceptional density of quality livery yards, affiliated equestrian centres, and competition venues — and Exeter students access this through the club's established partnerships. BUCS Equestrian competitions cover show jumping, dressage, and eventing at affiliated venues across Devon and the South West, and Exeter consistently competes with strong results in all three disciplines. The club is unusually inclusive in its experience range: structured beginner riding schemes run through partnerships with local riding schools, while experienced competitors and own-horse members pursue national championship pathways.
Club History
Exeter Equestrian has been active at BUCS level since the sport was formalised in the BUCS programme in the mid-2000s. The South West has always been traditional equestrian country, and Exeter consistently recruits students with Devon, Somerset, and Cornish riding backgrounds. The club has produced BUCS South West Regional champions in show jumping and dressage and has qualified riders for BUCS Equestrian National Championships. The own-horse member programme — significant at Exeter compared to most UK university clubs — reflects Devon's exceptional local equestrian infrastructure.
Joining the Equestrian Club
Open to all riders and those who want to learn. Beginner schemes run through partnering riding schools at university-negotiated rates — significantly cheaper than commercial lesson prices. Experienced riders contact the club in September and attend a try-out session at a partnering equestrian centre. Own-horse owners are specifically welcomed and the club community shares livery recommendations and transport arrangements. Team selection for BUCS events takes place in October.
Training
Competitive members train 2–3 times per week at partnering livery yards and equestrian centres. Club-arranged coaching sessions with BHSAI+ qualified instructors run at negotiated rates. Separate flatwork, jumping, and dressage training streams with specialist coaches. Rider fitness — yoga, Pilates, and strength work — organised through the Sports Park in collaboration with the university sport programme.
BUCS Competition
BUCS Equestrian South West Regional competitions at affiliated centres including Bicton College Equestrian Centre and East Devon venues. Season October through April. Regional qualifiers advance to BUCS Equestrian National Championships. Show jumping (clear round, novice, discovery), dressage (prelim to elementary), and team eventing formats.
Teams
Highlights & Alumni
BUCS South West Regional champions in show jumping and dressage across multiple seasons. Regular BUCS National Championship qualifiers. One of the more active own-horse member communities of any UK university equestrian club. Devon's equestrian facilities — Bicton, BE affiliated venues, and the quality local livery network — give Exeter riders access to infrastructure most UK universities cannot match.
Tips for Prospective Members
- Research Devon livery yards before arriving — yards near Exeter that cater specifically for student riders offer competitive term-time rates
- A car is close to essential — factor parking into your accommodation search and prioritise Heavitree or Mount Pleasant
- Join the club WhatsApp group before arriving in Exeter — transport coordination and livery recommendations are shared continuously
- BUCS competitions require university horse trailer transport — coordinate with the club logistics team well in advance of events
- The beginner riding scheme partnership is a significant perk — university-negotiated rates are much cheaper than commercial lesson prices
Student Accommodation for Equestrian Players
A car is close to essential for equestrian students — livery yards are typically 10–30 minutes from central Exeter, and competition venues require travel across the South West. Parking availability is therefore critical. Heavitree and Mount Pleasant offer the best parking availability in the main student areas. The Topsham Road corridor gives good access to Devon and Somerset road networks. Own-horse owners sometimes live further from campus for proximity to their horses.
View Properties Near the University →Popular Areas for Equestrian Players
Most University of Exeter equestrian players live in one of these student areas — all within easy reach of Streatham Campus and Sports Park:
Related Sports at Exeter University
If you play equestrian you may also be interested in these Exeter University clubs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of Exeter have an equestrian team?
Yes. Exeter Equestrian Club competes in BUCS show jumping, dressage, and eventing, with experienced riders, own-horse members, and complete beginners all welcomed through different pathways.
Can I bring my own horse to Exeter University?
Yes — own-horse owners are specifically welcomed. The club community shares livery recommendations, and several Devon yards near Exeter cater specifically for student riders at competitive rates.
Is Devon good for equestrian sport?
Devon is one of England's finest equestrian counties. The density of livery yards, riding schools, BE affiliated venues, and quality competition centres is exceptional and directly benefits Exeter students.
Do I need a car as an Exeter University equestrian student?
Strongly recommended — livery yards are 10–30 minutes from central Exeter, and competition venues require South West travel. The club organises shared transport for some BUCS events.
What accommodation is best for Exeter University equestrian students?
Properties with parking are essential. Heavitree and Mount Pleasant have the best parking availability in student areas. Some own-horse members live further from campus for proximity to their horses.
Where does Exeter University equestrian compete?
BUCS Equestrian South West Regional events at Bicton College Equestrian Centre and East Devon affiliated venues. The season runs October to April with regional qualifiers advancing to BUCS Nationals.