BHSQ Level 1 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care

About the course

This BHSQ Work-based Diploma course has replaced the NVQ award as a Level 1 introductory course in order to fit the new National Qualifications and Credit Framework.

This highly practical course is an excellent first step into the equine world. A passion for horses is transformed into a meaningful industry recognised qualification during this one year course.

This study programme covers the basics of horse care including essential everyday stable duties and grooming. Students look after the College horses, learning safe techniques for leading, turning out and catching them.

Location: Myerscough College (Preston) or Croxteth Park (Liverpool)
Course length
Available course dates: Please select a start date & location before you apply.

Location: Myerscough College (Preston)
Start date: September

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Location: Croxteth Park (Liverpool)
Start date: September

Select Selected

Course modules

Year 1

Year 1

Assist with Cleaning Tack and Horse Clothing

Principles of Leading and Controlling a Horse for Inspection Under Direction

Principles of Catching and Moving Horses Under Direction

Principles of Maintaining Good Working Relations with Others

Principles of Maintaining Health and Safety in the Workplace

Assist with Cleaning the Stables and Yard

Principles of Grooming and Washing Horses Under Direction

Mount and Dismount Quiet Horses Under Supervision

Principles of Mounting and Dismounting Quiet Horses Under Supervision

Principles of Riding Horses in an Enclosed Area

Ride Horses in an Enclosed Area Under Supervision

Assist with Putting on and Taking off Tack

Assist with Putting on and Taking off Horse Rugs

Lead and Control a Horse for Inspection Under Direction

Catch and Move Horses Under Direction

Maintain Good Working Relations with Others

Maintain Health and Safety in the Workplace

Assist with Feeding and Watering Horses

Groom and Wash Horses Under Direction

Principles of Feeding and Watering Horses

Principles of Cleaning the Stables and Yard

Principles of Putting on and Taking off Tack

Principles of Cleaning Tack and Horse Clothing

Principles of Putting on and Taking off Horse Rugs

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

This course gives a practical introduction to the equine industry. Students need to be over 16, demonstrating confidence and competence in basic horse care skills. Academic qualifications are not essential, just a willingness to learn. (Students under the age of 16 may be eligible but specific funding arrangement will apply, please contact the College for further details).

Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 14.5 stone for the riding units.

Learning and assessment

Stable management will be developed within the College yard and students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of horse care. It is extremely popular with school leavers who wish to combine a practical based training programme with sound theoretical knowledge. This course is ideally suited to students who wish to spend a year developing their knowledge and experience working with horses. The course contains plenty of practical work and so students applying for this course will be expected to be hardworking, keen to learn about horse care and willing to be hands on when working on the stable yard.

The optional Riding Unit allows students to develop their riding ability and skills. Students taking this unit will have one riding lesson per week.

Myerscough has some of the best teaching and event facilities in the UK. Students completing this one year course will be well prepared for employment in the equine industry.

Progression

City and Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care

BHSQ Level 2 Diploma in Workbased Horse Care (Liverpool)

Careers

Employment opportunities in Equine and its related industries are currently very good. The BHSQ Level 1 Diploma provides the qualification and experience for entry into the industry at an operational level. Former students have gone on to work as grooms, stable yard assistant, stud grooms and for charity organisations.

Special requirements

Costs that are mandatory for the course:

Specialist Clothing and Equipment:

Costs approx £100

Plain navy blue or black jodhpurs
College sweatshirt/ polo shirt in navy/ black, or similar plain sweatshirt/ polo shirt
Navy or black jacket (warm and waterproof advised)
Boots for yard work – wellingtons or strong boots
Riding hat to current standard with kitemarks – PAS 015 (2011), VG1 01.040 (2014-12), ASTM F1163 (2004a or 04a onwards), SNELL E2016, AS/NZS 3838 (2006 onwards) or EN1384:2023.
Gloves and hairnet
Riding boots or leather gaiters (suede chaps are not allowed as they rub the horse’s sides)
Jumping whip and schooling whip
Back protector is compulsory for jumping lessons
(Hooded jumpers, bright or garish clothing is not acceptable on the yards).

Resources and Facilities Contribution, approximately £95 Preston, £30 Liverpool (subject to change).

Costs that are optional for the course:

Students will be given the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities throughout the duration of the course. For example:

Horse of the Year Show £35
HAPPA £5
Badminton Horse Trials £150

Work experience

Work experience is an essential part of the course - working on the College's own yard - this will be one day per week. Students will also have the opportunity to be involved in world class jumping, dressage and show events to be held at the College.

Equine Studies

The equine industry in the United Kingdom is expanding rapidly, with a turnover approaching £1 billion per year. It encompasses many different sectors, from racing, driving and endurance to dressage, horse trials and show jumping. These areas are supported by a large ancillary industry which provides extensive career opportunities.

Student Livery

More information about student livery can be found here

Riding Hat Standards

More information about hat standards can be found here

Myerscough College - Equine Studies - Arena

Fantastic resources

The equine department at Myerscough College has excellent resources including a busy international equestrian arena, indoor and outdoor schools, motion analysis software, coldwater therapy spa and specialist laboratories. As well as this, we have more than 50 quality horses on site of various sizes, breeds and standards, stabled in three professional and friendly yards.

A Reputation for Excellence

Myerscough College is widely recognised as one of the leading equine colleges in Britain. The facilities and expert knowledge of tutors provides an ideal learning environment. Our staff are active in equine research, with a particular focus on equine performance and equine locomotion.

RESEARCH STUDIES:

Investigating Risk Factors in Equestrian Eventing

Setting the gold standard for equestrian sports surfaces

Latest news, Equine studies

Former student Harrison Ashton with a horse

Meet our Equine Mentors

At Myerscough we work closely with professionals from across the equine industry to give our students current and up to date information and help them to develop the knowledge and skills they need for the wide range of job roles available within the industry.

Our equine industry mentors' scheme is set up to give our students valuable career advice and guidance from industry professionals that have not only been very successful in their chosen careers but have also been students at Myerscough College.

Find out more!