Level One Horse Care

About the course

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.

Students will infill with the full time post 16 group. Units achieved will depend on days attended, students are likely to achieve a College Certificate unaccredited award only on this programme.

Please note we are unable to confirm appropriate delivery days until the post 16 timetable is set over the summer period.

Course units achieved will depend on days attended, students are likely to achieve unit accreditation only on this programme

Year 1

Year 1

Assist with cleaning the stable yards

This unit focuses on the various types of mucking out and you will develop the knowledge and understanding of sustainability within a stable yard

Assist with putting on, taking off and cleaning

Within this unit you will assist with applying an assortment of horse clothing and tack including the importance of maintaining the good condition of tack and equipment.

Assist with handling horses

In this unit you will learn to safely turn out and catch horses along with understanding the importance of field safety checks

Ride horses in an enclosed area

Suitability for this unit will be assessed by a ride interview

Assist with the care of horses

This unit includes the daily care of the stabled and grass kept horse to include colours and markings, grooming, clipping and health checks, feeding and watering

Maintain health, safety and good working relations

This unit is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to ensure that health and safety becomes part of routine working practices; to build habits of working with regard for personal safety and that of others. You will consider the advantages of team work. You will gain knowledge of how to work positively as a team member

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

This course gives a practical introduction to the equine industry. Students need to be over 14, demonstrating confidence and competence in basic horse care skills. Academic qualifications are not essential, just a willingness to learn.

Your school or Home Educating Parent or Guardian must complete Application Form Part B before your application will be processed.

For home educated applicants your Parent or Guardian must complete the Home Educated Form and return before your application will be processed.

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 students 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.

Progression

Year 10 students may wish to continue into year 11 to complete additional units. Year 11 students may progress onto a full time Further Education or Apprenticeship Programme.

Special requirements

Costs that are mandatory for the course:

Course fees apply for school educated students (see 14-16 prospectus)

Equipment and/or Clothing:

Plain navy 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 plus gloves and hairnet. Riding boots or leather gaiters (suede chaps are not allowed as they rub the horses’ sides). Jumping whip and schooling whip, plus back protector for jumping lessons. (Hooded jumpers, bright or garish clothing are not acceptable on the yards)

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.

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!