• 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.

    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.

    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

    The following units will be split with half the units being delivered in Year 1 and the remaining units being delivered in Year 2.   Work related experience will be carried out over the summer break between Year 1 and 2.
    .

    What you will study


    Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management (Business Route)
    Attendance of TEN weekend days each year will be expected in order to gain a good insight into the running of the commercial activities, events and yard management. Students will be expected to support the running of the Equine Shop - this will include some lunchtimes.

    The business route is a NON-RIDING route and will not require 8.30am starts for yard duties; this route is aimed more towards students who have additional responsibilities outside of their studies and will struggle with the early starts or students who regularly ride and care for their own horses.

    Mandatory Units

    • Understand and promote animal health
    • Undertake and review work related experience in the land based industries
    • Select, fit and evaluate horse tack and equipment
    • Plan and monitor animal feeding
    • Prepare horses for presentation
    • Undertake stable and yard management
    • Understand the principles of animal biology
    • Understand animal anatomy and physiology
    •  

      Shared Units

      • Working horses from the ground
      • Prepare and provide care for competition horses
      • Understand and apply the principles of horse fitness
      • Understand the principles of horse rehabilitation and therapy
      • Understand the principles of horse behaviour and welfare
      • Undertake equestrian teaching
      • Contribute to managing an event

      Business Units

      • Business Management in the land based sector
      • Undertake an investigative project in the land based sector
      • Undertake retail merchandising for the land based sector
      • Undertake estate skills

       

      Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management (Equitation Route)
      Attendance of Yard Duties at the Equestrian Centre will be expected in order to care for the horses.  In order to do the Equitation route you will carry out duties starting at 8.30am for 2 days each week, e.g. Tuesday and Thursday, and will be subject to a riding assessment.

      Attendance of TEN weekend days each year will be expected in order to gain a good insight into the running of the commercial activities, events and yard management.  There will also be plenty of opportunities to compete in the equine events held here either on your own horse or one of the suitable College horses.

      Mandatory Units

      • Understand and promote animal health
      • Undertake and review work related experience in the land based industries
      • Select, fit and evaluate horse tack and equipment
      • Plan and monitor animal feeding
      • Prepare horses for presentation
      • Undertake stable and yard management
      • Understand the principles of animal biology
      • Understand animal anatomy and physiology
      •  

        Shared Units

        • Working horses from the ground
        • Prepare and provide care for competition horses
        • Understand and apply the principles of horse fitness
        • Understand the principles of horse rehabilitation and therapy
        • Understand the principles of horse behaviour and welfare
        • Undertake equestrian teaching
        • Contribute to managing an event

      Equitation Units

      • Riding and exercising horses
      • Riding horses on the flat
      • Riding horses over fences
      • Understand the principles of equitation

     


    Assessment

    Progress is monitored by continuous assessment.

    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.