This is a two year level three equine management programme based at the college competition yard and BHS assessment centre. The programme focuses on developing the skills needed to pursue a career in equine management. The course aims to develop the learner's practical skills and underpin these with the principles of theory on a range of topics such as horse health, anatomy and nutrition, horse husbandry and yard management. The course includes a compulsory work experience placement of 150 hours as well as compulsory employer involvement activities.
As part of the programme, learners will also build on essential skills in literacy and numeracy and opportunities are provided to undertake GCSEs in English and mathematics. Learner's bilingualism will also be developed.
Alongside the course, there will be the opportunity to take industry recognised British Horse Society (BHS) examinations subject to reaching the required standard.
This course provides the learner with the qualification needed to carry on and study at higher education.
At a Glance
Full Time
2 Years
Pibwrlwyd Campus
Programme Features
The course comprises both academic studies in the classroom and practical sessions on the college yard. The college has a competition yard with a variety of horses schooled in various disciplines. The yard has both indoor and outdoor arenas and various management and training facilities.
As part of the course, learners will have an opportunity to run and take part in both affiliated and unaffiliated competitions held at the college.
Coleg Sir Gar is an approved British Horse Society (BHS) assessment and training centre delivering and preparing learners for BHS assessments in complete horsemanship from stage one to stage four as well as the Ride Safe assessments and training. Learners also have the opportunity to take part in BHS training days and demonstrations.
The course includes visits to specialist equine establishments as well as lectures and demonstrations from industry professional guest speakers as part of compulsory employer involvement.
Learners will develop literacy and numeracy skills and will experience bilingual learning.
Programme Content
Year 1
Core Units:
Principles of Health & 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 & Nutrition
Horse Behaviour & Welfare
Optional Units:
Exercising horses or Estate Skills
Year 2
Core Units:
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:
Riding horses on the flat
Riding horses over fences / Specialist Project Management
Equine Rehabilitation
The principles of competition grooming
The principles of grassland management
Additional Qualifications:
BHS Horsemanship Assessments & Ride Safe
Progression & Employment
Successful students have the opportunity to progress to higher education, for example full or part time foundation degree courses, or to enter careers such as yard management, stud work, the racing industry or advisory services.
Both the extended diploma course and selected BHS exams carry UCAS points, enabling the learner to apply for higher education courses.
Method of Assessment
Synoptic assessment and indivisual unit assignments: Are externally set, internally marked and externally moderated.
End of year theory exam: Is externally set and externally marked and can be taken either online or as a written paper.
Internally marked and externally moderated diary of work placement.
British Horse Society exams are practical assessments in both ridden and horse knowledge and care sections.
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs A*- C (to include maths, English or Welsh) or a level two qualification to merit level in a relevant subject.
Additional Costs
All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.
You will need to provide your own stationery PPE for practicals and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.
Graig Campus Sandy Road Pwll SA15 4DN 01554 748000 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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