Schools 14-16 – City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care (Equine Studies)

The City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care (500/8771/X) has been developed to provide an engaging introduction to the equine industry, a valuable sector which contributes around £8 billion a year to the economy.

Students will have the opportunity to learn the technical knowledge and skills sought after by the industry at our Equestrian Centre which is equipped with a purpose-built indoor arena, an all-weather outdoor school, a cross-country schooling field and off-road riding tracks around the beautiful Broomfield estate.

This course is delivered over two years, starting in Year 10, and students will study at Broomfield Hall one day a week.

There are two available pathways within this qualification: a riding pathway and a lunging pathway. For students wishing to undertake the riding pathway, we operate a personal weight restriction of no more than 13 stone (82.5kg) to ensure the welfare of our horses. Students must also be able to walk, trot and canter independent of the rein – this will be assessed at the start of the term to ensure the riding pathway is suitable.

There are no formal entry requirements: you just need a strong interest in caring for horses and adequate experience of working with or riding horses.

You will need to complete four mandatory units:

• Undertake work-related experience in the land-based industries
• Carry out and understand the principles of feeding and watering horses
• Undertake routine stable duties
• Undertake horse handling

You will also need to complete three optional units plus the units relevant to the pathway you are undertaking:

• Fit and maintain horse tack and clothing
• Undertake horse grooming, trimming and plaiting
• Understand the principles of horse biology
• Introduction to riding horses on the flat (riding pathway)
• Riding horses over fences (riding pathway)
• Introduction to lunging horses (lunging pathway)

You will learn on-site 

Students must supply their own equipment and Derby College Group uniform (this will be discussed at interview). You will also be required to supply your own writing materials and folders to store work in.

The course is assessed using a range of methods both practical and theoretical: verbal discussions, demonstrations, written reports and presentations. You will be required to build a portfolio of evidence of your practical skills, knowledge and understanding.

Further Study

Upon completion of the qualification, and depending on the grades achieved and other qualifications gained, students may wish to progress to:

• The Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management
• An apprenticeship programme at Level 2 or 3
• A-levels

You will be able to access advice and guidance while studying at the College to learn more about the post-16 opportunities available for you.

Careers

Further study can lead to a variety of careers, including:

• Coach/Instructor
• Stud Supervisor
• Work Rider
• Welfare Officer
• Clinical Assistant

For more information, email the 14-16 team at 14-16@derby-college.ac.uk

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk