Welcome to Wiltshire College Lackham’s Equestrian Centre

Situated in the beautiful 722-hectare estate farmed by Lackham, the Equestrian Centre is an outstanding equestrian facility providing training and development for those wishing to make a career in the equine industries.

There is a great range of qualifications on offer supported by a hands-on approach to the practical aspects of equine care in a purpose-built centre. With small group sizes and the wide-range of facilities, students love our unique study experience. If you want to learn in a smaller, more relaxed and friendly environment then Lackham could be the place for you.

The Equine industry is perhaps one of the most diverse within the land-based sector offering opportunities from livery operations through to thoroughbred racehorse training. Work in this dedicated industry covers the welfare, supervision and riding of horses to name but a few. Our staff are here to look after and support you every step of the way towards your dream career – there is a real family feel at Lackham.

Meet our staff

Our staff are from various backgrounds within the equine world, many of whom have competed at an international level, and will share their extensive knowledge and give you a wider understanding of the industry. Staff are heavily involved in the students’ progress and are themselves continually developing their skills and keeping up to date with current trends.

Philip Grant - Head of Division
Qualifications: TQFE – Cert Ed, BHSII

Philip has been with the College since 2005 and has previously competed internationally at 3 day events. His vast experience stretches from hunting and point-to-pointing to carriage driving. Running the Equine Division brings with it many challenges – Philip’s favourite part of the job. He has bred and trained horses up to world class levels and also broke and co-trained Regal Rock for Jerez 2003 and Badminton 2004. Philip believes the great facilities in Lackham’s beautiful surroundings put Lackham in a strong position to offer what the industry is crying out for, well-trained practical staff.

Anna Kendall - Equine Centre Manager
Qualifications: BHSISM.

Anna has been with Wiltshire College since early 2007, having previously worked as a travelling groom for two Olympic riders. In 2006 she was a finalist in the British Instructor of the Year and last season won 85% of the competitions that she entered. Anna spends day to day organising the Equine Centre and managing the staff, facilities and the horses. She also runs the commercial side of the business as well as teaches BHS. Anna’s favourite thing about her job is the variety it brings and being outside in the summer. Interestingly Anna’s current competition horse, Ivory Ice, used to belong to the bass player of the pop group Blur.

Chris Jordan - Programme Leader
Qualifications: Msc, Cert Ed, BHSIT.

Chris is the Programme Leader of both our National Certificate in Horse Management and the Equine Work Based Learning here at Wiltshire College. This involves the running of both programmes and monitoring performance through training co-ordinators and personal tutors. Whilst competing and following her chosen career path, Chris has worked her way up in the industry over 18 years from Stud Hand to managing a thoroughbred stud, and has been with us since 2003. She says the best thing about her job is helping young people reach their aspirations. Chris has previously ridden and won at Novice and Intermediate Level BE Eventing, the Badminton Horse Feeds Dressage Championships (on a home produced horse) and ridden and produced county level show hunters and cobs for professional owners. She also bred group and listed winners, and produced yearlings and horses out of training for top trainer Barry Hills – as well as producing Fethard Friend who once came 7th in the Grand National! The basis of Chris’ Masters Degree research, carried out on tendon skin temperature under brushing boots, was used to develop the Air Flow protective boot for New Equine Wear.

Jack Malcolm - Equine Lecturer
Qualifications: BHS AI, BHS INT SM, Cert Ed.

Jack has worked at Wiltshire College since 1996 and enjoys working outside with animals and people. He teaches BHS Stages 1 and 2, riding and stable management, and the assessing and IV of NVQ Level 1, 2 and 3. He also teaches training and examines riding and road safety.

Sarah Mullane - Equine Lecturer
Qualifications: Cert Ed, BHSII (SM), BHSAI, ABRS Grooms Cert, FAAW, D32/33.

Sarah has worked at Wiltshire College since 1993 helping young people to develop and progress their current practical skills and knowledge with horses, which in turn builds their self-confidence. Sarah enjoys working outside with a variety of horses everyday.

Aino Halla - Instructor/Technician
Qualifications: International Group for Qualifications in Training Horse and Rider – Level 2, Basic Education of Agriculture –speciality in Equine, Qualified first Aider.

Aino is from Finland and has been with us since Easter 2007. Part of Aino’s job is guiding and assessing students through the curriculum and helping them achieve their targets. She also teaches riding and practical stable management lessons, which is the favourite part of her job. She has previously competed in Dressage and Show Jumping and also has experience in schooling horses and riders from inexperienced to advance level. Having originated from Finland Aino has connections with friends there who have competed at national level in more than one Olympic riding event with the country’s own breed of ‘cold blooded’ Finnish horse.

Rebecca Hughes - Instructor/Technician
Qualifications: Biological Science degree (Equine BSc), Sociology degree (BA hons), BHS Assistant Instructor Certificate. Stage 3 in Riding and Care (BHS), Equine First Aid.

Rebecca’s role involves a variety of jobs including supervising students in practical and classroom activities, instructing for the Riding School, looking after the horses on the yard and running shows. Rebecca has been interested in horses from a young age and regularly competed in all disciplines, winning regularly at shows. She is fascinated by horse behaviour and in the future would love to spend time researching horses in the wild. She believes being patient and kind with horses will gain you their trust and respect. Having been here since 2007, the best thing about her job is working with the horses and students and being part of a team.

Alex Plank - Instructor/Technician
Qualifications: HND Equine Management, National Diploma in Horse
Management, NVQ2 Horse Care, Pony Club ‘B’ test, European Computer Driving License.

A former Wiltshire College Lackham student herself, the main part of Alex’s job is to work with the students – supervising and teaching them on a daily basis. She also ensures the horses are managed to a high standard – schooling young/naughty horses on the yard, she runs weekly competitions and teaches weekly in the Riding School. Alex enjoys working with horses and teaching the students.

Sarah Shore - BE Event Secretary and Commercial Administrator

Sarah is the Equine Division’s Commercial Administrator. She is also the Secretary for Lackham’s BE Event. Sarah loves working in a horsey environment. Part of her role is to handle daily enquiries and deal with anything from sponsorship to events.