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At a glance

  • Full Time

  • 1 Year 

  • Pibwrlwyd Campus

This horse care course offers an ideal introduction to horse and stable management for those wishing to pursue a career in the equine industry or for those wishing to progress to a level three horse and stable management course.

The programme aims to develop the learners skills and provides a breadth of knowledge relating to horses and the equine industry.  Learners study theory in the classroom and practical activities at the college's competition arena which is a British Horse Society examination centre. 

The college has a variety of well-schooled horses which are used for instruction in dressage and showjumping. Students have the opportunity to participate in competitions hosted by the college and receive instruction from BHS instructors and examiners. 

The course includes a compulsory work experience unit which involves 150 hours of work experience throughout the year at a suitable equine establishment. Opportunities will also be provided for GCSEs in English and mathematics and for Welsh language development. 

The learner will also have the opportunity to take the British Horse Society stage one and Riding and Road Safety examinations when they reach the required standard. 

Programme Features
  • A competition arena with horses schooled for dressage and show jumping
  • The opportunity to take BHS stage examinations and the Riding and Road Safety assessment are available if learners meet required standards 
  • British Horse Society examination centre
  • A supportive learning environment  
  • Work experience and Essential Skills increase chances of employment after completing the course 
  • Opportunities to compete on your own or with college horses 
  • Learning support is provided in the classroom and weekly sessions are available in the Study Zone if required 
  • Regular tutorials monitor progress on the course
Programme content

Core Units: 

  • Health and safety for the landbased industries 
  • Working in the equine Industry 
  • Equine health and welfare 
  • Horse tack and equipment 
  • Undertake routine stable duties 
  • The principles of feeding and watering horses 
  • Horse handling and grooming 
  • Introduction to lunging horses 

Optional Units: 

  • Riding horses on the flat
  • Keeping horses at grass
  • Equine behaviour
Progression and employment

Students who successfully complete this course at merit or above may progress to the level three advanced diploma in horse and stable management or into employment following a successful interview and a previous minimum attendance of 85%.

There is an increasing demand for people with good practical skills to work in stable yards, stud work and racing, amongst other disciplines and areas. The British Horse Society examinations are industrially recognised worldwide.

Method of assessment

Synoptic assessment and individual unit assignments: These are externally set, internally marked and externally moderated.

End of year theory exam: This is externally set and externally marked and can be taken either online or as a written paper.

British Horse Society examinations are practical and theory based.  Both the horse knowledge and care and ridden sections can be undertaken at the college's Pibwrlwyd Campus equine unit.

This qualification is available to be assessed through the medium of English only.

Entry requirements

Three GCSEs (to include at least one GCSE (A* to C) in mathematics, Welsh or English) and successful interview and riding assessment.

Additional costs

All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment. 

You will need to provide your own stationery and you may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.

In addition, learners are required to provide their own riding equipment, including suitable riding boots, a hat to current industry standards and gloves. Learners on the non-riding pathway need to have suitable yard boots for working around the horses and equipment. There is financial support available for learners who meet the criteria for support.

Inspiring Learners

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Get in Touch

Graig Campus
Sandy Road
Pwll
SA15 4DN
01554 748000
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Coleg Sir Gar is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 08539630 and is a registered charity No. 1152522. 
The registered office is at The Graig Campus, Sandy Road, Pwll, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA15 4DN