For many students, continuing a passion for horse riding alongside further education can feel like a challenge. For Lola, a student studying for the Professional Business Diploma at Oxford Media & Business School, it’s all about finding the right balance.
Here we find out more about her decision to study with us, and how she has maintained her passion for riding throughout the academic year….
A lifelong passion for riding
Riding has always been a constant for Lola, alongside her secondary school education and now her higher education studies.“I’ve always made time to ride – either after school or as my main sport during term. At weekends, it’s always been my favourite way to switch off and reset before the week ahead.”
In her final year at Millfield School, she took on the role of Vice Captain of Riding, something she looks back on positively. “It came with a lot of responsibility, which could be challenging at times, but I really enjoyed it.”
Choosing a different path after school
Lola knew quite early on that university wasn’t the route she wanted to take: “I’d always had it in my mind that studying at uni wasn’t for me, so when I came across Oxford Media & Business School, it just felt like a really good fit.”
The intensive one-year structure of the Professional Business Diploma was a big part of that decision for her. “I liked that it was intensive and only a year long. I wanted something that would prepare me for work without spending three years at university.”
Being based in Oxfordshire also meant that Lola didn’t have to give up riding. “I originally planned to bring my horse with me from the start. That didn’t quite happen, but now I’m in my third term; I’m moving her up to a local yard, which I’m really excited about.”
Fitting riding around an intensive course
Even with a full academic schedule, Lola has found ways to stay involved in equestrian sport. “I joined the Oxford Brookes polo team, which is possible even though I don’t study with them, and it has been great. It’s also a really nice way to meet friends outside of the business school.”
She’s already looking ahead to the opportunity of competing with them this summer in a prestigious tournament – “I’ll be playing in the SUPA tournament in June, which I’m really looking forward to.” Up until now, Lola’s horse has remained in stabling at home, so she’s been heading home when she can to ride, but that’s soon going to change now that she has secured a place in a local yard. “Once she’s here, I’ll be able to ride a lot more regularly, which will be amazing.”
Advice for students who want to keep riding
Lola is clear that continuing with riding while studying is very doable – you just need to be a bit organised. “There are quite a few options if you want to keep riding. You can join university riding or polo clubs, or even work at a local yard in your spare time.”
Her biggest piece of advice?
“If you’re thinking about bringing your horse with you, start planning early. There are some great livery yards around Oxford within a 30-minute drive, but spaces go quickly.”
Looking ahead
As she approaches the end of her diploma, Lola is thinking about how to combine career plans with her passion for riding. “Over the summer, I’m hoping to compete because my horse will still have the required level of fitness, which I’m really looking forward to.”
She’s also planning to expand her skills within the equestrian world: “I’d like to gain my BHS equestrian teaching qualifications, just to have that alongside everything else.”
And in a very practical (and brave!) move, she’s also planning to take her HGV qualification so she can transport her horse to events. Alongside this, she’ll also be stepping into full-time work, using the business skills she’s developed during her year in Oxford.
“Ultimately, I’d love to find a balance where I have a career but can still ride and compete. It’s always going to be a big part of my life.”
A different kind of student experience
Lola’s experience is a good example of how a one-year business skills diploma in Oxford can fit around more than just academics. For students who want a focused route into the workplace, without giving up what they really love and enjoy doing, it offers a flexible and practical alternative to university.
Find out more about the Professional Business Diploma curriculum here.
