Course modules
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 assistance, 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 PAS015 or BSEN1384 along with the Kitemark
- 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.


Student Livery
More information about student livery can be found here
Equine Showcase & Applicant Day - Information
Saturday March 18th, starting at 10am
As part of Myerscough College’s Course Advice Morning on this date, we’re hosting an equine showcase and applicant day at our Bilsborrow campus.
You can enjoy subject area talks, chat to staff about the range of equine programmes on offer, student life, and much more, including:
- Ride on ‘Frankie’ – our state-of-the-art mechanical simulator
- Riding demonstrations
- Tour of the equine department
- Anatomy and physiology session
Click here to book your place on the Course Advice Morning, or you can just turn up on the day!
Latest news, Equine studies
-
Equine degree students present research at national conference
- Published
- Thursday 11 May
-
Degree students share their research at Graduate Showcase
- Published
- Friday 28 April
-
Oonagh Murphy
- Published
- Friday 18 Nov 2022
-
National award recognition for Myerscough equine tutor
- Published
- Wednesday 2 Nov 2022
-
Myerscough equine student to represent her country in the Youth Equestrian Games
- Published
- Tuesday 14 Jun 2022











