Top college vows to get stronger after scrapping Equine Business course

Cover image courtesy of Marcus Oldham College

Despite recent updates aligning Marcus Oldham College’s Equine program with its Agricultural and Agribusiness curricula, enrolment numbers simply did not reach a sustainable level for it to continue beyond 2025.

Early this year, the College Council also engaged an independent consultant to thoroughly review its program and present options.

But this wasn’t enough for the program to be seen as a viable long-term option, with a full teach-out to be conducted for students in the final cohort next year.

That still meant the decision to scrap it was a painstaking one, according to the College Principle of Marcus Oldham College, Andrew Baker.

“The decision to discontinue the Equine Business Management program was incredibly difficult and not made lightly,” he told The Thoroughbred Report.

“The program has been a valued part of the college for over 40 years, and we’re proud of the many graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions to the equine industry.

“However, after a thorough review, it became clear that sustaining the program was no longer feasible.”

With enrolments decreasing, the college made the call to instead focus on its more popular Agribusiness and Agriculture programs.

“Interest and enrolments have steadily declined over the past decade, with many prospective students opting for our Agribusiness and Agriculture programs instead,” Baker said.

“This trend, combined with the growing demand for places in those programs, led to the decision to focus our resources where they can have the greatest impact.”

Baker said the rise of anti-horse racing and primary-industry activists – a recent example being the federal government's ban on live sheep exports – played no part in the decision for Marcus Oldham College to discontinue its Equine Business Management course.

“We don’t see this as a reflection of a lack of importance placed on farming or the equine industry. In fact, agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of Australia’s economy and identity, with strong demand for skilled professionals in rural industries,” he said.

“At Marcus Oldham, we are inspired by the passion and commitment of our students, graduates and industry partners, who are embracing both challenges and opportunities in agriculture and equine-related fields. These industries are evolving rapidly, with innovative approaches to sustainability, animal welfare and technology shaping their future.

“The decision to expand our Agribusiness and Agriculture programs reflects the increasing interest from students in contributing to these dynamic sectors. We remain committed to supporting our graduates to make meaningful contributions, whether they choose to work in the equine industry, farming, or other areas of rural enterprise.”

Gallery: Image courtesy of Marcus Oldham College

Baker said his institution’s Agricultural and Agribusiness courses would only get stronger in the coming years.

“Marcus Oldham is proud to be ranked second in the country for student satisfaction among all higher education institutions and to hold the highest graduate employment rates nationwide,” he said.

“These achievements reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional learning experience and preparing our graduates for success. The combination of these outcomes is truly remarkable and would be the envy of any educational institution globally.

“We are looking forward to further developing the Agricultural and Agribusiness programs in the coming years so that we can offer more young people the opportunity to excel in our wonderful and essential industry.

“While we face the same economic realities as any institution, our independence ensures that the decisions we make, like the recent expansion of the Agribusiness and Agriculture programs, are driven solely by what’s best for our students and the industries they will go on to serve.”

Baker added his college remained committed to its unique Marcus Learning Model, which combines small class sizes, blended applied learning and theoretical study, industry engagement and immersive study tours.

“While the Equine program will no longer be offered, students interested in the equine industry may find opportunities within our Agribusiness and Agriculture courses. These programs focus on essential business and management skills that can be applied across diverse sectors,” the college said in a statement.

Gallery: Some of the graduates from Marcus Oldham College's Equine Business Management course

Equine education facing a battle

CEO of Thoroughbred Industry Careers, Lindy Maurice, lamented that tough economic times are affecting equine education programs throughout Australia.

In May 2022, TAFE Richmond saw its Equine course axed by the then Liberal-National Dominic Perrottet Government, which saw 12 staff lose their jobs.

The partnership between TAFE Richmond and Thoroughbred Industry Careers saw over 100 students go on to be employed in racing.

Maurice said her business was still reeling from the decision.

“It was absolutely gutting,” she told The Thoroughbred Report. “You need training, and you need to have training available for young people. The fact that colleges are shutting down is devastating.”

Maurice said she got in touch with the Labor Chris Minns Government shortly after it was elected to office in March last year, in an effort to get the Equine course at TAFE Richmond back up and running.

But it was to no avail.

“We did get in touch with them again, but they said the decision was made,” she said. “I don’t know whether that will ever be reversed at Richmond.

“Because we didn’t work in the TAFE system, it’s very hard to get a handle on the goings-on. Our numbers would’ve kept it afloat.”

Maurice said a combination of current tough inflationary conditions and a decline in the use of horses on livestock farms were proving to be key body blows for the sustainability of equine education.

“I think it’s an economic decision (for Marcus Oldham College),” she said. “The use of horses on farms isn’t as great. It’s more for leisure now. There’s been a whole changing face of how we use horses.

“Racing is the major employment provider, so outside of racing maybe there’s just not the demand for it.”

Pony Racing Series is thriving

Fortunately for Thoroughbred Industry Careers, its pony racing program – in partnership with Pony Club Australia – is thriving.

The popular National Pony Racing Series is now in its second season.

It includes jumpstart weekends, where Pony Club Australia members of all ages, on any size pony or horse, learn about riding techniques and race-ready skills from experienced coaches.

“We’re just focusing on the grassroots on our pony racing,” she said. “We’ve just kicked off Season 2 of the National Pony Racing Series. We were in South Australia last weekend and we’re in Newcastle for the NSW qualifiers this weekend.

“We’re on the road going around Australia educating young people about careers in the racing industry, and horse welfare. They’re our two pillars. The fun, fast bit is the riding down the track.

“But there’s a broader educational program behind that, and we’re loving that.”

Maurice said she was delighted at the way her students were learning and growing with their equine education learned through pony racing.

“The kids love it, and we feel like we’re really making headway in terms of educating kids on how well racehorses are looked after through teaching them how to look after their ponies, just like a racehorse is looked after in a stable,” she said.

“It’s also a nice, fun way to engage with them because now after a showjumping round they’ll say, ‘I’ve checked that my horse isn’t dehydrated, and its heart rate is fine’.

“We teach them to take their temperatures every morning before a pony race, and they can look for vital signs.

“So, through education, we’re hopefully leaving an impression on young people in Australia who ride horses about racing’s best practices. And showing them what they can do. Teaching them that if they love horses, saying ‘here’s an industry you can work in’.

“That’s because it can take you around the world. That’s really positive and we’re really enjoying doing that.”

Baker delighted with Agribusiness and Agriculture courses

Despite the concerns raised by Maurice, and Baker making the difficult call to cut his Equine Business Management program, he believes his college will continue to produce top-calibre graduates in his Agribusiness and Agriculture courses.

“We are not alarmed; in fact, we are optimistic about the future of Australia’s agricultural industries. While challenges exist, agriculture remains one of the most critical and innovative sectors in our country,” he said.

“The increasing adoption of technology, a focus on sustainability and the resilience of rural communities are driving positive change.

“At Marcus Oldham, we’re proud to play a role in this transformation. Our graduates are highly sought-after, with the latest federal government QILT survey showing a 100 per cent graduate employment rate, an achievement we’re incredibly proud of.

“The demand for skilled professionals continues to exceed the number of graduates we produce, highlighting the strength of the sector and opportunities available to our graduates.

"The decision to expand our Agribusiness and Agriculture programs reflects this demand and aligns with our mission to prepare students for meaningful careers that contribute to the future of Australian agriculture. We believe the sector is well-placed to adapt to challenges and thrive in the years ahead.”