The National Core Curriculum for Equine Studies and Horse Training 2026 (UÇEP-ATÇILIK 2026), developed to standardize education and training in associate degree programs in Equine Studies and Horse Training across Türkiye, define graduate competencies within a common national framework, and train qualified human resources in line with the needs of the sector, has been approved.

The National Core Curriculum initiative, which represents a first in Türkiye at the technical and associate degree level, was carried out through the collaboration of 14 universities, including the Equine Studies and Horse Training Program of Necmettin Erbakan University Kemal Akman Vocational School. Bringing together the academic expertise of participating universities on a common platform, UÇEP-ATÇILIK 2026 marks an important step toward establishing a shared national educational standard for Equine Studies and Horse Training.

Covering Equine Studies and Horse Training programs offered at 14 higher education institutions across Türkiye as of the 2025–2026 academic year, the initiative aims to achieve national standardization in curriculum, educational quality, practical training standards, and graduate competencies.

A National First in Equine Studies and Horse Training Education

UÇEP-ATÇILIK 2026 has been structured in alignment with the Bologna Process, the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), and the Turkish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education, comprising four semesters and a total of 120 ECTS credits. Based on a student-centered and practice-oriented approach to education, the curriculum stipulates that elective courses should account for at least 25% of the program.

The program aims to ensure that students acquire essential professional knowledge, skills, and competencies in areas including horse breeding, care and feeding, riding, training, competition preparation, equine business management, equine health and welfare, and occupational health and safety before graduation.

Education Focused on Practice, Equine Welfare, and Safety

UÇEP-ATÇILIK 2026 is founded on the principles of animal welfare, ethical responsibility, safe working practices, experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Students are expected to develop essential professional skills through hands-on practice, including safely approaching and handling horses, grooming, feeding, stable management, equipment use, training support, health and behavioral observation, risk management, and record keeping and reporting.

In addition to university practice facilities, the educational process is expected to include field-based training at equestrian clubs, racecourses, stud farms, horse breeding farms, and equestrian sports centers.

Digital and Data-Driven Skills Integrated into the Curriculum

In addition to traditional equine studies and horse training competencies, the program incorporates 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, data analysis, technology use, problem solving, communication, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

Through the use of sensors, performance monitoring systems, video analysis, and digital record-keeping applications, the program aims to enhance students’ ability to evaluate performance data and make data-driven professional decisions.

Two Key Areas of Professional Competency for Graduates

The implementation of UÇEP-ATÇILIK 2026 is also intended to provide significant professional benefits for students enrolled in Equine Studies and Horse Training programs.

In this context, as a result of studies conducted in line with the evaluations of the General Directorate of Education, Research and Coordination / Department of Education of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the academic vision of Mr. Hasan Engin Tuncer, President of the Turkish Equestrian Federation, the aim is to establish a structure that will enable graduates of Equine Studies and Horse Training programs to obtain Level 1 Riding Coach qualification without taking an additional examination, subject to the completion of the necessary regulatory and implementation requirements.

Accordingly, upon graduation and depending on the characteristics of the institution and program from which they graduate, students are expected to acquire competencies not only in flat-racing training within the framework of the Jockey Club of Türkiye, but also in Level 1 Riding Coaching under the Turkish Equestrian Federation.

This structure is particularly significant in enabling Equine Studies and Horse Training programs to provide students not only with an academic associate degree education but also with multifaceted professional competencies that have strong relevance to the sector.

A Joint Academic Initiative of 14 Universities

During the development of UÇEP-ATÇILIK 2026, the academic expertise and field experience of 14 universities were brought together under a common curriculum framework. This collaborative effort has established an important model of cooperation in Equine Studies and Horse Training education in Türkiye.

The Equine Studies and Horse Training Program of Necmettin Erbakan University Kemal Akman Vocational School also took part in this joint academic initiative, contributing to the process of establishing national standards for equine education.

By bringing together the academic expertise of different higher education institutions, integrating sectoral needs into educational programs, and defining graduate competencies at the national level, UÇEP-ATÇILIK 2026 represents a significant initiative in Turkish higher education.

Implementation to Begin in the 2026–2027 Academic Year

UÇEP-ATÇILIK 2026 is expected to be implemented in Equine Studies and Horse Training programs beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year.

The program aims to establish a common national curriculum for Equine Studies and Horse Training education in Türkiye, strengthen graduates’ professional competencies, standardize practical training, support quality assurance, and meet the sector’s need for qualified human resources.

Developed through the joint academic efforts of 14 universities, including the Equine Studies and Horse Training Program of Necmettin Erbakan University Kemal Akman Vocational School, the National Core Curriculum for Equine Studies and Horse Training 2026 (UÇEP-ATÇILIK 2026) represents an important step toward national standardization and the enhancement of professional competencies in Equine Studies and Horse Training education.