Course overview
If you have the drive and passion to work in the equine industry or move towards Higher Education in your near future and you want to gain outstanding knowledge and skills in all aspects of horse care, management and riding, then this is the course for you. The course offers the perfect balance between theory and practical based learning working alongside experienced and highly qualified staff. It is a two year course, it is equivalent to three A levels, and this exciting study programme ensures you can leave Coastland College with internationally recognised qualifications in the equine industry.
Students undertake external work experience in industry in both years, which allows students the opportunity to gain valuable experience with a wide range of specialist employment providers. Students are actively involved in caring for the horses at Manor Stables. Students develop supervisory and teamwork skills regarding the running our yard and all students are fully immersed in our commercial activities which includes assisting with running our equine competitions on a rota basis on duty weekends.
As a British Horse Society (BHS) examination centre, students also have the opportunity to take BHS exams (additional cost involved. )We actively encourage the students to take these additional assessments in order to gain further internationally recognised qualifications alongside their study programme which increases employment opportunities and strengthens their CV when ready to progress for life after Coastland. Throughout the course, whenever possible, there are visits from guest speakers, industry experts, masterclasses and trips to a variety of equine establishments and also events, for example, Badminton Horse trials and The London International Horse show to just name a few.
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 to include English, maths and science. Equine experience and a determination to succeed, passion for the equine industry and the drive to work hard academically and practically. Riding ability to at least BHS Stage 1 standard on the flat and experience riding over short tracks of fences at 70cm. The Equine Academy has a weight limit of 85kg (13 stones 5llbs) for all riders. Riding assessments will be undertaken for ridden pathways in induction week. A ridden and a Facilities manager pathway are available to students and this can be discussed at interview.
Course Structure
Course Description
Year 1 – example 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
Exercising horses – Ridden pathway
Undertake Estate Skills – Facilities pathway
Year 2 – example units
The principles of competition grooming
Working and training horses form the ground
The principles of equitation
Contribute to managing an equine event
The principles of horse fitness
Business management in the land-based sector
Riding horses on the flat – optional pathway
Riding horses over fences – optional pathway
Introduction to equestrian coaching
Yard duties on a rota basis at Manor stables throughout both years
External work experience each year
Progression
Yard supervisor, Retail saddlery management trainee, Apprentice saddler/Saddle fitter, Country store management trainee, Event manager, Administrator/Junior management trainee in a range of equestrian related businesses, Yard office manager, Assistant Yard manager, Work rider, 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 or, with further training, a variety of therapeutic careers are attainable.