Course overview
This course is an excellent choice for those that have some experience of equitation and horse care and is an ideal introduction for school leavers wishing to pursue a career working with horses. Coastland College has fabulous facilities, well qualified and experienced staff which combine to develop your knowledge and skills, equipping you for a rewarding career in the equine industry. Included in the course is a balance of practical instruction and theory sessions and English and Maths GCSEs, should a grade 4 not yet be achieved.
You will be involved in the daily care of the horses, and assisting with our competitions at the weekends when on duty days. You will take part in off site work experience, within the equine industry, to gain plenty of practical experience and essential employability skills vital for progression after your studies.
As a British Horse Society (BHS) examination centre, we encourage students to take relevant exams and the course content is applicable to the BHS exam system. Whenever possible trips are arranged for example, to Badminton Horse Trials and The London International Horse Show. There are also visiting equine experts, masterclasses and visits to a variety of equine establishments to help develop our students’ knowledge and experience of this vast industry.
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English, maths and science. You must have experience working with horses, a genuine interest and enthusiasm for horses is also essential. Riding ability demonstrated at interview needs to be BHS stage 1 standard to include the ability to ride over poles and basic jumping over individual fences from trot and canter at up to 70 cm.The Equine Academy has a weight limit of 85kg (13 Stone 5 llbs) for all riders. The study programme does have ridden and grooms pathways.
Course Structure
Course Description
Units include:
Equine health and welfare
Horse tack and equipment
Routine stable duties
The principles of feeding and watering horses
Horse handling and grooming
Introduction to lungeing horses
Riding horses under supervision ( Ridden Pathway)
Equine Behaviour (Grooms Pathway)
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (Grooms Pathway)
Equine health and safety
Yard duties on a rota basis at Manor stables throughout the year
External work experience
Masterclasses with industry professionals
English and maths if a grade 4 is yet to be achieved
Progression
Yard groom, Retail saddlery trainee, Apprentice saddler/Saddle fitter, Country store assistant, Event staff, Junior management trainee in a range of equestrian related businesses, trainee coach, Equine Welfare Assistant, Travelling groom, Clinical assistant (veterinary). You may also wish to become self-employed, and undertake roles such as a freelance groom, breaking and training young horses. A responsible and challenging career in the equine industry in the UK or abroad, progression to university with further training.