An equine studies programme is being run at St Kevin's College, and assistant principal and programme co-ordinator Jo Walshe said the course would both take advantage of the school grounds and offer pupils a practical study option.
''We see this as a great use of our resources and a wonderful opportunity to make links with our community.
''We want to encourage both current riders and those students who have never had the opportunity to work with horses to have a go.''
In the past, the college had allowed its boarders to keep horses in the school paddocks, and had also provided grounds and services for the Oamaru Pony Club when it ran the Springston Trophy.
The school wanted to further its relationship with the pony club with a three-day educational and show event next year, Ms Walshe said.
The course would involve multiple components, including NCEA credits and hands-on experience, and would be tailored to suit riders of any level. It would be taught by Swedish tutor Ingela Anklew. Ms Anklew and her partner moved to New Zealand in 2012 and have now settled in Oamaru.
She previously studied professional grooming and equine care before working in professional stables in Denmark, Sweden, Spain and the United States.
