What will I learn?
This qualification gives you the opportunity to learn about and build on the essentials of working with horses. You will develop further practical skills and gain an understanding of business skills which are important for progression into a wide and diverse range of employment opportunities. This qualification will also equip you with a wider range of more specialist skills and knowledge related to the equine industry. As a college we work with local employers who will contribute to the knowledge and delivery of training by providing demonstrations, talks on the industry and where possible work placements. This practically based training is ideal preparation for gaining employment in the equine industry or specialist further study.
Topics covered
- 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
- Exercising horses
- Undertake estate skills
- The principles of competition grooming
- Customer care and retail merchandising
- Undertake a specialist project in the land-based sector
- Riding horses on the flat
- Riding horses over fences
- Introduction to equestrian coaching
- The principles of horse rehabilitation and therapy
What grades will I need?
Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma – Five GCSEs including English, Maths and Science at grade 4, or a Merit on a relevant Level 2, plus GCSE English and maths at a 4 or above (or equivalent).
If you wish to pursue a Riding Pathway, we will invite you to a riding assessment, which we will use to confirm the most appropriate pathway for you.
What can I study next?
• FdSc or BSc degrees in Equine Science or Equestrian Performance Management, either at Sparsholt College or another institution.
This course gives you UCAS tariff points for entry to University. Complete a full Level 3 qualification with us and we’ll guarantee you an offer of a place on one of our relevant University Centre Sparsholt degree courses. Admissions Terms & Conditions apply – for full details go to Sparsholt.ac.uk/university-centre
Careers
- Riding instructor
- Farrier Apprentice
- Stud or stable manager and associated roles
- Equine veterinary nurse or technician
- Equine nutritionist
- Journalist
- Retail
- Event management
- Saddler Apprentice
- Country store management trainee
- Administrator or junior management trainee in a range of equestrian related businesses
- Yard office manager
- Work rider
- Groom
- Travelling groom
- Racing Industry
Optional Additional Qualifications
- British Horse Society Challenge Awards
- British Horse Society Stage qualifications – see www.bhs.org.uk for more information.
- British Horse Society Ride Safe Award