Van Hall Larenstein University of applied sciences

Martí

Martí shares how ESB combines his passion for horses with business knowledge and prepares him for a successful career in the international equine industry.

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Martí

Martí Ponsa Tobías - ESB testimonial

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Martí shares how ESB combines his passion for horses with business knowledge and prepares him for a successful career in the international equine industry.

Hands-on learning and career opportunities

BachelorFull-timeAnimalsAnimals, Society and BusinessEquine, Sports and Business

My name is Martí Ponsa Tobías, and I am studying Equine Sports and Business. I chose this programme because it perfectly combines my passion for horses with business knowledge, giving me the skills I need to build a career in the equine industry. Studying in the Netherlands, a major hub for horse sports, was an extra bonus.

Why I chose this programme

I’ve always loved horses and knew I wanted to work in the equine industry, but I also wanted a degree that would prepare me for the business side of things. This programme stood out because it blends practical equestrian training with business education, which is exactly what I was looking for.

What I really like about this study is how broad it is. It’s not just about working with horses, you also learn about management, marketing, and finance, all of which are crucial if you want to succeed in this field. Another big plus is the career opportunities after graduation. Whether you want to work hands-on with horses or focus more on the business aspect, this degree gives you a lot of options.

My experience so far

One of the best things about this programme is the practical approach. Almost an entire year is dedicated to internships, which means you get hands-on experience in companies of your choice. I was lucky enough to intern at Glock Horse Performance Center, a well-known stud, where I got to see firsthand how high-level equestrian sport and management work.

I also had the chance to specialise in entrepreneurship, which was an incredible experience. I took a six-month course where I worked on my own start-up business, and that really helped me develop new skills and confidence in running a business in the equine industry.

Another thing I love about this programme is the international environment. Studying alongside people from all over the world has given me a broader perspective and helped me build a global network in the equestrian world. The combination of hands-on learning, interesting subjects, and networking opportunities has made my time in this programme really valuable.

What this programme has given me

One of the biggest benefits of this study is that it made me aware of all the different career paths in the equine industry. I wasn’t sure exactly which direction I wanted to take, but now I have a much clearer idea and the tools to follow that path.

Another major advantage is the strong network I built during my studies. I’ve connected with riders, veterinarians, business owners, and even my classmates and teachers, all of whom are valuable contacts for the future. These connections have already helped me professionally, and I know they will continue to do so.

Right now, I’m working towards my career goals, putting everything I’ve learned into practice. The combination of business knowledge, practical experience, and networking opportunities has given me a solid foundation for success in the equine industry.

My advice for future students

If you’re passionate about horses and want to develop both your equestrian and business skills, I can definitely recommend this programme. You don’t just learn about horses, you also gain knowledge in areas like breeding, nutrition, finance, and marketing, which opens up a lot of career opportunities.

Another huge part of the experience is living abroad. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, helps you grow as a person, and opens doors to international job opportunities.

Whether you want to manage stables, start your own equine business, or work in professional horse sport, this programme gives you the knowledge, experience, and connections to achieve your goals. I highly recommend it!

More about Martí's programme