Programme Description
This is a two year Level 3 Equine Management Programme which focuses on developing the skills needed to pursue a career in Equine Management and is based the the College Competition Yard and BHS Assessment Centre. 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 & 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 & numeracy and opportunities are provided for GCSE's 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.
Programme Features
- The course comprises of 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 desciplines. 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 1 to Stage 4 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.
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.
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 Equipement
- Biological Systems of Horses
- Prepare Horses for Presentation
- Equine Feeding & Nutrition
- Horse Behaviour & Welfare
Optional Units:
- Exercising horses or working horses from the ground
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
- The principles of grassland management
- Introduction to Equestrian coaching
Optional Units:
- Riding horses on the flat/the principles of competition grooming
- Riding horses over fences/the principles and practices of an equine stud
Additional Qualifications:
- BHS Horsemanship Assessments & Ride Safe
Programme 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.
Programme Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs A*- C (to include Maths, English or Welsh) or a Level 2 qualification in a relevant subject plus one GCSE (A*- C) in either Mathematics, Welsh or English.
Additional Costs
All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £45 prior to enrolment.
You will need to provide your own stationery and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.