Equine program boosts female student numbers

WA College of Agriculture – Denmark’s increase in the number of female students is due to the college’s growing equine program, says acting principal Kevin Osborne.

The school began the program six years ago and since then have had a more than 20 percent increase in the number of female students.

“It had been a priority area for us because we thought it was a good opportunity to attract stronger girl numbers to the college,” Mr Osborne said.

“When we first introduced the program, girls made up 22 per cent of our cohort in 2010 and girls now make up 45 per cent.

“We are not staying it is all because of the equine (program) but we feel the area has played an important part of boosting those numbers.”

Mr Osborne said the program was open to all genders but attracting female students to the college allows the students to experience agriculture firsthand.

“With agriculture these days and the really diverse nature of agriculture we want to see as many young people come into that industry as possible,” he said.

“There are so many fantastic career opportunities in agriculture as well it is about enabling girls to become aware of the opportunities out there.”

On June 27 the equine will undergo renovations to build a riding area under cover to ensure the program’s continuation through the wetter months.

Construction is expected to take five weeks and Mr Osborne said he hopes this new development will boost the program and female cohort further.

“This is an opportunity for the students to continue riding their horses even when the weather is very wet and windy,” he said.