Equine Massage and Stable Based Exercises

Taster Day at Bicton College

23 February 2022, 09:30-15:30

Read More

Future careers to take centre stage at college open day

22nd October 2021

Year 11 pupils from across the south west are being invited to explore a world of opportunities at a top rural college during the first open event of the term next month. 

Read article

Diploma in Equine Management

Level 3 • Full-time • Bicton College

If you already have experience with horses as well as the passion & determination to turn it into a career then this is the course for you. It will help you to take your existing skills to a professional sphere & prepare you to work in the equine industry or progress to higher education. You will have lectures in a range of subjects from Nutrition to Fitness, as well as practical lessons. Our top class facilities include stabling for 24 horses, horse walker, solarium, and covered practical area, 20m x 60m indoor arena with viewing gallery and 30m x 60m outdoor arena. We provide a range of horses to suit all abilities including cobs, thoroughbreds, young horses and competition horses. You’ll be able to ride a range of horses at college that are suited to develop your individual skills. Level 3 students organise and run shows in a range of disciplines and also have the chance to compete in them on our college horses. We are also a BHS exam centre so can support you in taking these additional qualifications. When on yard duties you will be undertaking normal horse care tasks such as feeding, mucking out, grooming and also clipping throughout the winter. As part of the duty team you will also have the opportunity to learn supervisory skills, getting you ready for a career with horses. We often have competitions at weekends in our Equestrian Centre so you will also have the opportunity to get involved with these. You could learn to be a steward, work with a course builder or write for a dressage judge. You’ll be learning from experienced and well qualified staff, who are there to ensure you reach your full potential.

View course

Equine Groom Apprenticeship Level 2

Level 2 • Work-based • Bicton College

In order to start your apprenticeship in horse care you will need to join the Level 2 course and learn the basic skills needed to progress on to Level 3. Apprenticeships allow you to work while gaining a nationally recognised qualification at the same time, so why not combine your love of horses with earning money? Over the course of 15-18 months, you will be working in paid employment within the equine industry and you will spend one day every two weeks during term time at college. You’ll study a wide range of subjects around the care of all different types of horses. If you ride or do not ride, don’t worry – there are specialised routes that you can take which include riding, non-riding, racing, breeding or driving. Both Bicton College and Duchy Stoke Climsland capuses are located in beautiful countryside and provide dedicated equestrian facilities, which include indoor and outdoor schools and working yards. Here you will have the opportunity to practice your skills in preparation for the end point practical assessments. Expect to spend time away from your employer on Day release with practical and theory delivery helping you to prepare for your EPA (End Point assessment) with the support of your work coach. Assignments will also be set as well as various classroom activities, workshops and tasks to help you gain the skills and knowledge needed alongside support and training from your employer in order to prepare you for a career in the equine industry. Remote and Blended delivery – If you live too far away from the college to attend college each week then we can arrange for you to go onto a remote programme of delivery and assessment with more one to one support by your work coach and assessor. Please read the 2020 BHS Approvals Hat Guide for more information about Hat requirements.

View course

Technical Certificate in Horse Care

Level 2 • Full-time • Bicton College

If you can’t get enough of horses and have your sights set on working with them, then this is the course for you and can be your first step into a career working in the equine industry. The course is made up of a mixture of academic lessons and practical lessons, with lots of opportunities to work around the horses and on the yard. You’ll be working on a range of different topics and units on this course including: Horse health, the equine industry, feeding and watering, grassland management, anatomy and physiology, tack and equipment and environmental and land-based business studies. Basically, you will be studying all aspects of equestrianism to build and develop you theoretical knowledge and working on improving your practical skills. Our top class facilities include stabling for 24 horses, horse walker, solarium, and covered practical area, 20m x 60m indoor arena with viewing gallery and 30m x 60m outdoor arena. We provide a range of horses to suit all abilities including cobs, thoroughbreds, young horses and competition horses. As a Level 2 qualification, this Technical Certificate is all about introducing you to the equine industry and developing your essential skills. You’ll be learning from experienced and well qualified staff, who are there to give you the very best start to your career. There are 2 options on the course, riding or non-riding.

View course