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Level 1 in Work-Based Horse Care

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Subject

Equine

Level

Level 1

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1 year

Start Date

September 2025

The course

Practical vs Theory

50%

50 %

This is a practical programme with an emphasis on working with horses to allow you to gain the skills required to work in the equine industry. As part of the course, you will also develop your basic knowledge and understanding of horse care and what it entails.

Please note, the units studied may vary depending on the options chosen. Riding and non-riding options are available.

Course Information

  • Develop your skills ready to work within the equine industry
  • Allow your basic knowledge and understanding of horse care and what it entails
  • Maintaining health and safety in the workplace
  • Principles of maintaining good working relations with others
  • Principles of feeding and watering horses
  • How to groom and wash horses
  • Principles of and assisting with cleaning the stables and yard
  • Principles of and assisting with putting on and taking off tack and rugs
  • Principles of and assisting with cleaning tack and horse clothing
  • Principles of and assisting with leading and controlling a horse for inspection under direction
  • Principles of and assisting with catching and moving horses
  • Principles of and riding under supervision in enclosed spaces
  • English and Maths, as required

You will need a full Entry Level 3 qualification, or equivalent, as well as 3 GCSEs at grades 1-2, including Maths and English. A passion for the subject and one satisfactory reference are also required.

Regular practical equine experience is essential. For the riding option, you must also demonstrate a suitable level of riding.

We also have a maximum weight limit of 13 stone.

One year full-time, normally in college three days a week.

You will undetake a superivsed work placement with a college tutor.
Assessment includes a variety of techniques, including class tests, portfolio-based and practical assessments. GCSE/Functional Skills exams in English and/or Maths will be compulsory if you have not achieved these at grade 4 when you start the course.
  • Folder with dividers to organise your work and assignments.
  • Stationery including notepad for use in class, pens and pencils.
  • Riding hat and hairnets. Hats must be at current British Standards with logo (PASO15, VG1, ASTM F1163 or SNELL 2001) Hats solely with BSEN 1384 will not be accepted.
  • Dark coloured jodhpurs.
  • Dark coloured gloves.
  • Dark coloured waterproof coat/gilet.
  • College-branded polo shirts and sweatshirts.
  • Yard boots or wellington boots (NB: Boots are not permitted within the classroom, so a change of footwear is required).
  • For riding units, you will also need dark coloured riding gloves, long riding boots or short boots with gaiters (leather) and a schooling whip.
You will be able to progress to the Level 2 Diploma at the college.
The course provides you with opportunities to seek a junior position in industry, including grooms and yard workers. More senior positions can then be pursued.

Careers this course could lead into

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