Equine degree student success at awards ceremony
A student from UHI North, West and Hebrides has been recognised at a prestigious national awards ceremony for her outstanding contribution to disability sport.
Nineteen-year-old Millie Boo, who is based in Stirling and is currently in her first year of the BA (Hons) Equine Business Management received the Inspire Award at the Forth Valley Disability Sport Awards. She was also shortlisted for both the Achievement Award and the David Lawrie Services to Sport Award.
Forth Valley Disability Sport is a charity organisation based in Stirling, Scotland, covering the three local authorities in the Forth Valley area - Stirling Council, Falkirk Council and Clackmannanshire Council. These awards celebrate the efforts of athletes, volunteers and clubs across the region.
Millie Boo has become an advocate for inclusion in sport and alongside her studies, dedicates significant time to volunteering, coaching development and raising awareness of opportunities for people with disabilities.
Speaking after the ceremony, she said: “I am so delighted to win this award, it was a fantastic day hearing all the amazing stories and seeing all the nominees and volunteers.
“I am working towards my Boccia Level 1 coaching qualification through the Young Start Programme delivered by Scottish Disability Sport and am an active member of the Young Persons’ Sport Panel. We work together to help shape the future of disability sport in Scotland, contribute to events and raise awareness through social media and engagement activities.”
"I hope to be involved in horse riding coaching in the future. I want to give back to the equestrian community, especially to riders with disabilities, and be a positive role model for young people facing challenges.
“I’m really enjoying my course. It’s hard work and challenging, but I’m passing my assessments and get on great with my lecturers.”
Diane Ross, Programme Leader for the Equine Business Management degree at UHI North, West and Hebrides said, “We are very proud to have Millie Boo as one of our students and equally proud of her achievements. Millie Boo is committed to her studies at UHI and enjoys the programme while still finding time for her other volunteering activities. Millie Boo is an inspiration to us all.”
The BA (Hons) Equine Management degree at UHI North, West and Hebrides offers students a flexible and engaging route into the equine industry, with the choice of a riding or non-riding pathway to suit different interests and levels of experience.
Delivered online to students across Scotland and beyond, while practical elements for the riding route are supported through the university’s Rural Studies Centre in Halkirk, home to specialist facilities and experienced staff. Whether students want to develop their riding and coaching skills or focus on the business and management side of the industry, the degree provides a modern, industry aligned learning experience designed to help them progress into a wide range of equine careers.
For more information about the equine degree or horse care courses at UHI North, West and Hebrides, visit: Equine studies - UHI North, West and Hebrides