Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time
Summary
This is a 2 year Program of Study and you will achieve a Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma.
The first year covers a range of practical skills and knowledge that builds your core skills to work around horses, including how to work safely around horses, how to plan and carry out yard operations, understanding horse health care, handling, feeding and nutrition. You will learn about how to prepare horses for presentation, including how to fit a range of tack and equipment. Practical skills such as grooming, clipping, trimming and plaiting will be developed alongside husbandry skills such as mucking out and feeding.
In the second year you will develop an understanding and skills related to event management, as well as understanding the principles of equitation and how to run a business. You will continue to develop your skills related to your chosen pathway.
Equine students have the opportunity to attend a variety of trips, experiencing local industries and events. Previous trips include visits to the National Stud, Great Yarmouth Race Course, as well as supporting with events at Blackwater and Houghton International Horse Trials.
The Program of Study combines the City and Guilds Level 3 Technical Diploma in Equine Management (Year 1) and Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management in your chosen pathway (Year 2) , with work experience and weekend duties.
Students will need to purchase their PPE for the Equine Centre. Details with what is required will be provided at enrolment. Students will work in all weather conditions, both indoors and outdoors, ensuring our horses are provided with the highest welfare standards. Students will be involved with yard duties, which includes mucking out, maintaining the yards and paddocks, feeding, grooming and exercising the horses.
Why Our College?
£7bn
The UK equine industry is worth £7bn and is particularly strong in the East of England, which has a global reputation for horse breeding.
Gain industry experience
Our college has strong links with the industry, ensuring high quality work experience opportunities at livery stables breeders, trainers and equine charities.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our Equestrian Centre contains an outstanding range of facilities, is a highly commended British Horse Society approved yard and hosts a wide variety of dressage competitions and events throughout the year.
Entry Requirements
- Achieve 4 GCSE's at grade 4 or above, including English Language, science and maths.
- Completion of a taster day
Entry onto the Riding Pathway will require successful completion of a riding assessment. As a guide, students should have a riding ability close to the British Horse Society (BHS) Stage 2 Ride standard. Due to the nature and welfare of the horses at the college, there is a personal weight restriction of 85 kg. Non-riding options are available by taking the Groom Pathway.
Link to the BHS Stage 2 syllabus: https://www.bhs.org.uk/media/4sungv3d/bhsq-level-2-stage-2-qualification-specification-v4_200323.pdf
Learning Outcomes
In year 1, you will complete your core units, including:
- Stable Yard Operations
- Equine Health
- Horse Tack and Equipment
- Biological Systems of Horses
- Prepare Horses for Presentation
- Equine Feeding and Nutrition
- Horse Behaviour and Welfare
- Health and Safety
- Work placement (minimum 150 hours)
In the second year, you will study:
- The Principles of Equitation
- Managing an Equine Event
- The Principles of Horse Fitness
- Business Management
- Introduction to Equestrian Coaching
Riding Pathway students will focus on Exercising Horses and Riding Horses on the Flat units, whilst Groom Pathway students will focus on the Principles of Competition Grooming and Undertake a Specialist Project.
Please note, units are subject to review each academic year and may change.
Assessment
To achieve the Level 3 in Equine Management, students need to complete all the following components:
Year 1:
- Equine Management Synoptic assignment
- Equine Management Theory exam
- Health and Safety Theory exam
- Biology Theory exam
- Theory and practical assignments
- 150 hours of work experience and a portfolio
Year 2:
- Equine Management Synoptic assignment
- Equine Management Theory exam
- Managing an Equine Event assignment
- Theory and practical assignments
- Employer engagement
Progression
On successful completion of the Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management you may wish to progress on to Higher Education or an apprenticeship.
Career Progression
Groom Pathway:
- Groom
- Equine Handler
- Event manager assistant
- Retail Saddlery
Riding Pathway:
- Exercising Assistant
- Trainee Coach
- Yard Assistant
- Work Rider
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over fees may be payable.
There may be some costs for trips, visits or additional qualifications.
