Equestrian College Cittaverde receives nearly 2 million for quality change

Citaverde in Roermond has been awarded 1.9 million euros to improve its mbo horse training so that it can better meet the demand of the Limburg equestrian business community. The Hippisch College Limburg will provide more labor market-relevant education and integrate practical education into the equestrian courses. The expectation is that this will result in a quality shift that will better prepare students for what the equestrian sports and husbandry requires of personnel.

Three profiles

The nearly 2 million comes from the state, the province, various municipalities and the business community. With the money, the existing training will be arranged into three profiles. Director Charlotte Custers. "Instead of one broad education, we are creating one profile focused on horse husbandry, one for instructors and one for suppliers. After a first year where the students can get a taste of all three facets, they can choose the profile that suits them best."

Regoliation

A part of the teaching program is also held at the companies themselves under the name of regioleren. First year students spend one day a week at an internship site. Custers: "At the various internships, students experience how broad the sector is. One day is at a breeder's, the next at an equestrian center or in a horse store." The students also get practical lessons one day a week at riding school Op de Berg in Echt and Equestrian Centre De Peelbergen in Kronenberg. The rest of the week they are at school in Roermond.

Personnel shortage

The investment is important because in Limburg the sector has long faced a staff shortage. Breeding farms, riding schools, dressage and jumping stables, transport companies, recreation companies and stores have all kinds of vacancies. Approximately 40 equestrian companies and associations, together with Citaverde, have drawn up this major improvement plan to respond to this demand.

Sources: Agriholland, De Limburger, 1Limburg