Equine Studies

"I hope to become a better rider and to learn more about caring for horses" Showjumping Horse Yard Horse Walker

  • Equine Studies

    Bicton College has built up an excellent and deserved reputation for producing well-motivated and technically competent students who are assets to the equine industry.  Our equine programmes have helped students obtain employment in a diverse range of horse-related industries - working as grooms, instructors, lecturers, nutritionists, yard managers or running their own equine businesses.

    Staff consists of a BHS Examiner, a British Dressage Listed Judge, a BHS Instructor, an Equine Behavourist and an Equine Physiotherapist. All staff have excellent links to the Equine industry.

    Learners are welcome to bring their own horses on a variety of livery options. Contact 01395 562354 or email: equestrian.centre@bicton.ac.uk for details.

    Any riding at the College is subject to a satisfactory riding assessment. The Weight restriction for riders is 13 stone/82.5kg.

    All students will be expected to work on the Equestrian Centre to gain valuable practical and commercial experience. Work experience at the Equestrian Centre will take place throughout the year to include some weekends and Bank Holidays.

    Facilities

    Selected as an official training camp for teams in the 2012 Olympic Games, Bicton College offers top-class equestrian facilities and resources including:


    • British Horse Society (BHS) registered exam and training centre (up to BHS I level)
    • Horses; 20 loan horses of varying abilities for riding and 20 full livery for stable management training
    • Stables; 40 - these are based on two seperate yards, one of the American barn design and the other being external loose boxes
    • Arenas; 1 x 20x40m indoor arena with mirrors, gallery and jump store and 1 x 30x60m international size outdoor arena with judges box
    • Showjumping; 1 full set of BSJA standard show jumps including water trays
    • X Country; schooling paddock up to 3ft 6", portable X country jumps available
    • Hacking; free access to Woodbury Common for limitless off road riding to include gallop and hill work. All road work is on quiet country lanes. Plenty of opportunity to access natural water such as streams and ford crossings
    • Sandy beach within 5 miles
    • Grazing paddocks; 4Ha of paddocks
    • Other resources: horse walker, equine weighbridge, hard level Trot up surface of 70m approximately, heart rate monitor, lorry park

  • Available Courses

    1. Level 1 Diploma in Land-Based Studies (Horse Care)
    2. Apprenticeship in Horse Care
    3. Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care
    4. Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management (Business Route or Equitation Route)
    5. Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Horse Management
    6. Advanced Apprenticeship in Horse Care and Management