This course is a one year, full-time programme and includes 8 mandatory units and 1 optional unit. The course is split equally between practical and theoretical sessions.
You can choose riding as an optional unit, however, please note that if you are over 13 stone you may not be able to ride due to our weight limit policy. If you do not want to ride there are other optional units you can choose to complete your qualification, such as care of the competition horse.
This course will prepare you for work in a range of businesses, including riding schools, livery yards, welfare charities and will also prepare you for Level 3 progression to equine management.
The course includes health and safety, equine health and welfare, feeding and watering, tack and equipment, stable duties, feeding and watering, an introduction to lungeing, handling and grooming and riding on the flat. You will undertake real work experience both at the college yard and in an external placement.
You will need 4 GCSE's at grade 3-9 including Maths and English.
| Study level | Cost | Additional fees |
|---|---|---|
| 16-18 | Free | There may be some additional costs during the year, such as trips or equipment. All learners are expected to wear uniform, which is ordered at the time of enrolment. You will be expected to have appropriate riding and yard clothing to undertake the course. You will also need classroom equipment, including a folder, paper and pens so that you can take notes when in class. |
The course includes both theory (classroom) and practical sessions. The course is assessed with a multiple choice exam and a synoptic assessment, which assesses both your practical and theoretical skills, as well as optional units.
If you are aged 16-18 you will also study maths and english (unless you have already achieved a grade 4 in these subjects). These lessons are interspersed throughout your time table.
You are expected to undertake a minimum of 150 hours of work experience which will generally be in an external placement. There is the opportunity of more significant work experience and your tutor will advise you of this at the start of your course. This can lead to an apprenticeship or full time employment and can offer additional financial support for transport and food.
The equine department has an extensive range of industry links. We aim to link each student to a suitable placement. A placement with one of our industry partners can enhance both your CV and employment chances, which are linked to individual career plans.
You tutor will advise on placements at the start of your course. Guest speakers and former students are invited into the college to offer advice and guidance on future careers.
You will be at college for 4 days per week. There is a 2 week block placement in the summer term and learners will also undertake INDEX hours on the college yards to give a mimimum of 150 hours per year.
There will be homework and course work to complete in your own time.
The aim of the course is to develop your skills and knowledge in horse care to allow you to progress to further learning/training and/or a career in the equestrian industry. There are riding and non-riding options.
You will gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge that are important when you are working with horses, or to progress you to further learning at Level 3.
You will study 8 mandatory modules:
- Health and safety
- Equine health and welfare
- Working in the equine industry
- Horse tack and equipment
- Undertake routine stable duties
- The principles of feeding and watering horses
- Horse Handling and gooming
- Introduction to lungeing
Optional units you can chose from:
- Introduction to Biology
- Riding horses
- Assist with the transportation of horses
- Competition Grooming
City and Guilds
Students will also complete masterclasses with industry experts and personal development tutorials.
You could progress to a Level 3 in equine studies or gain employment in the industry working with horses.
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Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted
NSS, 2024
94% Overall pass rate for T Levels
2022-23
Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement
NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024
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