• Course Level:Level 3

    Course Duration:2 Years

    Programme Aims

    This programme provides learners with comprehensive training in all aspects of management within the horse industry and also enables them to take the BHS (British Horse Society) examinations. These qualifications support both career prospects and educational progression, enabling students to continue onto a foundation degree programme, if so desired.

    The programme is especially useful for the education and training of people who care for horses and are employed, or are hoping to be employed, in riding stables, stud farms or livery stables.
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    Entry Requirements

    It is essential that your Initial Assessment results show that you are working towards Level 2. You will also need to have achieved one of the following:

    •  4 GCSEs at grades A-C, including English, Maths and Science
    •  GNVQ Intermediate
    •  NVQ Level 2
    •  BTEC First Diploma
    •  City and Guilds National Certificate or equivalent

    Any riding at the College is subject to a satisfactory riding assessment.
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    Course Structure

    Learning is carried out through a balanced programme of lectures, practical instruction, group discussions, individual assignments and work-based learning. Visits to therapy centres, racing yards and the London International Horse Show at Olympia are part of the course. There is a non-riding option for learners.
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    What you will study

    Subjects may include some of the following

    • Animal biology
    • Animal health
    • Competition grooming
    • Equestrian teaching
    • Equine behaviour and welfare
    • Equine fitness and training
    • Equine rehabilitation and therapy
    • Equitation practical
    • Equitation theory
    • Event management
    • Horse tack and equipment
    • Principles of animal science
    • Riding and training on the flat
    • Riding over fences
    • Stable skills
    • Work experience
    Additional Qualifications (All Students):
    • Functional skills in communication, numeracy and IT
    Optional Additional Qualifications (for which an additional fee will be charged):
    • British Horse Society examinations
    • Riding and Road Safety test
    • First Aid
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    Assessment

    Progress is monitored by continuous assessment.
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    Progression

    On completion, this will equate to three A levels and as such there is an opportunity to progress to a degree or foundation degree (see our Higher Education prospectus for further details on Foundation Degrees available at Bicton College).

    Successful learners might obtain employment in a wide and diverse range of horse related industries as grooms, instructors and yard managers. A number of graduates have progressed to become responsible for their own equine businesses.
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