This study programme will provide you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to succeed in the horse industry. The Equine Centre has a wide range of horses for you to ride and care for, enabling you to develop your skills in a supportive environment. In addition, the range of subjects covered ensures you have a good understanding of health, welfare and behaviour, and will be able to apply this knowledge in your practical work. The programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to progress into employment, higher education or further training within equine-related sectors. The College yard is set in an ideal environment, with two indoor schools and access to bridleways where our qualified, experienced teaching staff will help you develop your skills and knowledge.
Entry requirements
To begin this study programme you will need...
Duration: 2 Years
- 4 GCSEs at grades A*-C or 9-4 ideally including English and maths
OR
- Horse Care BTEC Level 2 Diploma with Functional Skills
If you want to take the riding option you will be required to participate in a riding assessment. Please note that the riding centre has a 13 stone weight limit.
Course content
This study programme will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the equine industry, and you will develop skills in three areas: practical horse management, science, and business including event management. Practical aspects will include stable management skills, fitting tack and equipment and preparing horses for presentation. There will also be a focus on science, to include biological systems, health, fitness and nutrition. There are both riding and non-riding options available.
Mandatory units:
- Principles of health and safety
- Undertake and review work related experience in the land-based industries
- Undertake stable yard operations
- Equine health
- Horse tack and equipment
- Biological systems of horses
- Prepare horses for presentation
- Equine feeding and nutrition
- Horse behaviour and welfare
- Working and training horses from the ground
- The principles of equitation
- Contribute to managing an equine event
- The principles of horse fitness
- Business management in the land-based sector
Optional units:
- The principles of competition grooming
- The principles of horse rehabilitation and therapy
- Introduction to equestrian coaching
- Riding horses on the flat
- English and maths:
If you don't already have GCSE English and maths grade A*-C, we will work with you to help you develop your maths and English skills.
- Work experience:
You will be required to participate in weekend yard duties every third week to enable you to develop and apply practical skills in a realistic working environment. There is also a requirement to complete 150 hours of work experience.
- Personal development skills, study skills and employability skills
- Additional vocational learning and qualifications.
There may be opportunities to study:
Level 3 Mathematics in Context
Level 3 Extended Project Qualification
Assessment methods
You will be assessed by a variety of methods including assignments, presentations and practical assessments. There are externally set and marked assessments for the mandatory units. This includes three externally set and moderated assignments, four externally set, externally marked exams, sat under examination conditions and a portfolio of evidence.
Qualifications
Equine Care & Management City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma
Plus:
- English and maths skills
- Work experience
- Personal development skills
- Study skills
- Employability skills
You can also gain up to 168 UCAS points.
Further study and career options
On successful completion of this study programme you could progress to higher education to study an equine-related subject. Alternatively, you could go on to work in the equine industry, where there are a diverse range of jobs available. You could also progress on to the Animal Management Foundation Degree (FdSc) here at College.
Additional information
If commuting to Shuttleworth College will be difficult for you, then you can choose to live in our halls of residence on campus. Priority is given to those who live the furthest distance from the College so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment. Visit our accommodation page for more information - www.shuttleworth.ac.uk/accommodation.
There will be an additional cost of £25 for required clothing, £241 for personal equipment (such as riding hat, riding boots etc.) and £31 for any trips/visits. If you are aged 16-18, tuition fees, exam fees and College membership are free. However, there are additional costs associated with some courses. For example, you may be required to purchase specialist uniforms, equipment or books.
Funding information
All full-time Level 1 and Level 2 courses are now FREE for everyone, whatever their age. If you are looking to study a Level 3 qualification, courses are still free if you’re under 19 or 19-23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification. If you’re over 23 or studying a second Level 3 qualification, you will need to pay a fee. Find out more on our financial support page at www.bedford.ac.uk/finance