Diploma Horse Care Level 2

A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade D or above to include English and Science. You must also demonstrate a good standard of literacy and numeracy.  Candidates will also be expected to be computer literate. All applicants must be at least 16 years of age on entry. Other equivalent qualifications may be considered. You should also demonstrate a basic level of riding ability (applicants may be asked to undertake a practical riding assessment.

You will undertake work experience during the course. You will be encouraged to find your own placement, but we will support you in this where required.  Routine early morning and evening duties are undertaken on a set day(s) during the week, and at weekends usually one week in three, on the College’s equine yard. These duties allow you to develop confidence in working with horses, contribute towards your industry experience hours, and your skills in these areas will be graded as part of the course.

You will ride and handle a wide range of horses on the equine unit.  You will receive instruction in riding, both on the flat and over fences every week, in small groups according to your ability and prior experience. This is supported and complemented by practical stable management sessions and classroom-based theory. 

You will study various units to achieve 60 credits including a combination of the following topic areas:

• Feeding and Watering
• Grooming, Trimming & Plaiting
• Riding Horses on the Flat
• Riding over Fences
• Lungeing
• Tack and Clothing
• Horse Handling
• Keeping Horses at Grass
• Biology
• Environment and Land-Based Business
• Work Related Experience
• Functional Skills.

Classroom-based lectures are used along with directed study to underpin the knowledge and skills learned during practical sessions. Your progress will be monitored continuously throughout the programme, and you will be assessed via the following means:

• Written assignments
• Verbal assessments
• Practical assessments.

The Diploma in Horse Care is an end in itself, providing you with opportunities to seek a junior position in industry.  It will also develop the skills you need to take the next step on the route to obtaining higher level qualifications.

You will need to achieve a merit profile in all units and demonstrate a good level of attendance to pursue:

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management (you will be required to demonstrate appropriate practical experience with animals other than horses)

• Level 2 Apprenticeship in Horse Care

• Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Horse Care