The Open College of Equine Studies aka TOCES

Hello,

I am looking for a distance learning bachelor's in Equine Science (or something quite related, like livestock management for non-food production, etc.) I've searched the threads for people's opnions on distance learning for equine studies, and so far all I can tell is:

a) Breyer State University is a no-no (which I thought would be evident, just looking at its website!)

and

b) Charles Sturt offers a bachelor's program in Equine Studies.

I have as yet been unable to find anyone who can offer me any opinions, insight, etc. on The Open College of Equine Studies which is un the UK.

http://www.equinestudies.co.uk/index.jsp

It offers non-credit courses and bachelor degrees as well (. Their degrees (they say) are vaildated by the University of East Anglia and/or the Royal Agricultural College, which are indeed real schools. Apparently, the degree itself is identical to that of either the U of East Anglia or the RAC (it depends on what you major in thru The Open College), but the coursework is studied through The Open College instead. It also requies one week of residency per year, each year.

Obviously, it teaches things like anatomy, business, management, nutrition, etc. - not practical things like handling or equitation. I presume that handling and things like, for example, the proper adjustment of a saddle, is taught at the residency week.

Can anyone offer me any information, personal experience, etc. with TOCES? It is relatively new.