About the course
The College offers the opportunity to study at level 3 (A level equivalent) for students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of Equine Management - encompassing practical techniques, academic knowledge and technical skills. It is a popular option for both school leavers and successful Level 2 Technical Certificate Equine Care students. The course incorporates a mix of practical activities, lectures, industry visits and case study exercises. Students will also undertake work experience, which will enhance their employability skills. During the Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate/Diploma, students will gain practical experience in riding, working horses from the ground, yard duties, preparation for presentation and horse tack and equipment.
Course Modules
Advanced Extended Technical Diploma (1080) � Year 2: The Principles of Horse Fitness
This unit allows students to understand the requirements for preparing horses for fittening, planning fitness programmes and monitoring the horse throughout a fitness programme. Understanding physiological effects on the horses� systems throughout fittening will also be included.
Biological Systems of Horses
Biological Systems of Horses
The purpose of this unit is to develop your understanding of the structure and function of the horses� biological systems. The aim is that by the end of this unit, you will be able to apply an understanding of adaptations to the structure and function of the biological systems of the horse. You will be able to explain how and why specific traits arise. This unit is designed to provide you with knowledge of the anatomical and physiological systems of horses. You will be equipped with sound knowledge of the basis of how the horse�s body functions under normal conditions. You will examine the control mechanisms of the horse�s body and how the animal�s senses have adapted to their environment.
Business Management in the Land-based Sector
You will look at the business environment, the roles and responsibilities of those employed in land-based businesses and resource requirements. You will develop your skills in business operations and produce a business plan.
Contribute to Managing an Equine Event
Contribute to Managing an Equine Event
Successful running of equestrian events can be a great income stream for many businesses. This module teaches the students the relevant regulatory framework so that they can apply the correct business management skills to running an equine event. Learners will take part in the planning and running of an event during the module. Learners will be required to evaluate it in terms of success and make recommendations for future events.
Customer Care and Retail Merchandising (Optional)
Equine Feeding and Nutrition
The purpose of this unit is for you to develop your knowledge and understanding of Equine nutritional needs. You will be able to describe the function, digestion and absorption of the major nutrients. You will explore the nutritional values of different food types and be able to calculate the dietary requirements for horses at different life stages. This will be used this to design, monitor, record and evaluate feeding regimes. You will also investigate nutritionally responsive disorders, the effect these have on animals and the impact on their dietary requirements.
Equine Health
Equine Health
The purpose of this unit is to provide you with an understanding of the principles of equine health. You will be able to recognise the signs of good and ill health in equines and evaluate these as indictors of health. You will carry out health checks on equines and produce equine health plans. The structure and role of pathogenic organisms will be examined in addition to prevention and treatment of a range of diseases and disorders covered. You will be able to carry out routine and non-routine treatments for equines.
Exercising Horses
Exercising Horses (Optional)
Exercising Horses (Optional)
This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the principles of riding and exercising horses and how these can be applied in practice. The aim of the unit is to enable you to exercise horses safely under saddle. Whilst you are required to follow instructions, on completion of this unit you will be able to ride a horse in the arena, in the open and on a road. The learner will also be able to ride through a jumping grid, and jump a short course of small fences.
Horse Behaviour and Welfare
This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the principles of horse behaviour and welfare. The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the horse�s natural instincts and behaviour and the effects of domestication you will also be able to recognise and determine the cause of stereotypical behaviour. The evolution of the horse will also be examined. You will also observe horse behaviour, record the results and analyse the findings. By the end of the unit you will know how to promote the welfare of horses.
Horse Tack and Equipment
Horse Tack and Equipment
This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the principles of horse tack and equipment and how these can be applied in practice. The aim of this unit is to provide you with the skills to be able to carry out the fitting and evaluation of horse tack and equipment. You will be able to fit and evaluate the fit of saddles, bridles, rugs, bandages, boots and other equipment. You will also develop and understanding of the requirements of different disciplines and of the effects of a range of training aids.
Introduction to Equestrian Coaching (Optional Preston)
Introduction to the Principles of Young Horse Handling, Training and Backing (Optional Preston)
Prepare Horses for Presentation (Optional)
Prepare Horses for Presentation
The purpose of this unit is to provide you with an understanding of the principles of horse presentation and how these can be applied in practice. The aim of this unit is to provide you with the skills to be able to carry out the preparation of horses for public presentation. The unit will prepare you to go on and continue to practice and improve these skills if they progress. You will develop skills in clipping and trimming horses to improve their appearance and present them appropriately.
Principles of Health & Safety
Principles of Health and Safety
This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the principles of health and safety and identify how these can be applied in practice within land-based or related industries. You will be able to recognise common health and safety practices and processes which you will encounter within the workplace. The land-based sector has one of the worst fatal accident records of any major industrial sector and a lack of basic training and/or competency is often a contributory factor.
Riding Horses on the Flat (Optional)
Riding Horses on the Flat (Optional)
This unit develops the riders position further from riding and exercising horses to be able to ride a variety of horses on the flat. They will develop the horses using a wide range of training exercises and assessing the horses performance.
Riding Horses over Fences (Optional Preston)
The Principles and Practices of an Equine Stud (Optional)
The Principles of Competition Grooming (Optional)
The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with skills and knowledge to be able to prepare a horse for a competition and provide care for it throughout the day. The unit includes the theory behind the preparation of the horse prior to competition, including routine and specialist care and monitoring fitness. The learner will develop the skills to prepare the horse and the necessary equipment for the competition day and they will be required to look after a competition horse for the duration of the event. The unit also covers the immediate and long-term aftercare of the horse, equipment and vehicle.
The Principles of Equitation
The Principles of Equitation
This unit covers the theory side of training horses from the ground, on the flat and over fences. They will study the techniques required and methods used for a range of horses in different situations.
The Principles of Horse Rehabilitation and Therapy (Optional Liverpool)
The Principles of Horse Rehabilitation and Therapy (Optional)
An excellent unit for those wishing to rehabilitate horses in the future. It allows learners to understand the nature of horse performance injuries, effective use of therapeutic and diagnostic techniques, complementary therapies and the laws and regulations relating to equine rehabilitation.
Undertake a Specialist Project in the Land-based Sector
Research projects are often carried out to create or improve a product, service or process. This module allows students to select and carry out their own research project.
Undertake and Review Work Experience
Undertake and Review Work Experience
The aim of this unit is to give you the skills needed to identify, participate in and review work experience in the environmental and land-based sector. You will examine career and progression opportunities within the environmental and land-based sector. You will develop skills in understand and progressing through the application process. There will be a focus on interpersonal skills and you will have the opportunity to present evidence of your achievements through the unit.
Undertake Stable and Yard Operations
Working and Training Horses from the Ground
Working and Training Horses from the Ground (Optional)
Working and Training Horses from the Ground (Optional)
The purpose of this unit is for you to have an understanding of the principles of working horses from the ground and how these can be applied in practice. The aim of this unit is to develop your practical skills in traditional methods of schooling from the ground, whilst developing an understanding of contemporary approaches to training from the ground. This unit is largely practically based and you will work horses on the lunge as well as understand how to use alternative methods to exercise. You will also develop your skills in assessing and improving horses when working them from the ground.
Working and Training Horses from the Ground
Ideal for those who wish to develop their skills and learn how to develop horses on the flat, as well as the reasons for why this is so important in training a wide variety of horses. It is also an excellent opportunity to form background knowledge of working with young horses and alternative methods, which are both traditional and contemporary. It is a very hands on practical unit with an extensive range of horses on site to work with.
Advanced Extended Technical Diploma (1080) � Year 2: The Principles of Horse Fitness
This unit allows students to understand the requirements for preparing horses for fittening, planning fitness programmes and monitoring the horse throughout a fitness programme. Understanding physiological effects on the horses� systems throughout fittening will also be included.
Biological Systems of Horses
The purpose of this unit is to develop your understanding of the structure and function of the horses� biological systems. The aim is that by the end of this unit, you will be able to apply an understanding of adaptations to the structure and function of the biological systems of the horse. You will be able to explain how and why specific traits arise. This unit is designed to provide you with knowledge of the anatomical and physiological systems of horses. You will be equipped with sound knowledge of the basis of how the horse�s body functions under normal conditions. You will examine the control mechanisms of the horse�s body and how the animal�s senses have adapted to their environment.
Business Management in the Land-based Sector
You will look at the business environment, the roles and responsibilities of those employed in land-based businesses and resource requirements. You will develop your skills in business operations and produce a business plan.
Contribute to Managing an Equine Event
Successful running of equestrian events can be a great income stream for many businesses. This module teaches the students the relevant regulatory framework so that they can apply the correct business management skills to running an equine event. Learners will take part in the planning and running of an event during the module. Learners will be required to evaluate it in terms of success and make recommendations for future events.
Equine Feeding and Nutrition
The purpose of this unit is for you to develop your knowledge and understanding of Equine nutritional needs. You will be able to describe the function, digestion and absorption of the major nutrients. You will explore the nutritional values of different food types and be able to calculate the dietary requirements for horses at different life stages. This will be used this to design, monitor, record and evaluate feeding regimes. You will also investigate nutritionally responsive disorders, the effect these have on animals and the impact on their dietary requirements.
Equine Health
The purpose of this unit is to provide you with an understanding of the principles of equine health. You will be able to recognise the signs of good and ill health in equines and evaluate these as indictors of health. You will carry out health checks on equines and produce equine health plans. The structure and role of pathogenic organisms will be examined in addition to prevention and treatment of a range of diseases and disorders covered. You will be able to carry out routine and non-routine treatments for equines.
Exercising Horses (Optional)
This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the principles of riding and exercising horses and how these can be applied in practice. The aim of the unit is to enable you to exercise horses safely under saddle. Whilst you are required to follow instructions, on completion of this unit you will be able to ride a horse in the arena, in the open and on a road. The learner will also be able to ride through a jumping grid, and jump a short course of small fences.
Horse Behaviour and Welfare
This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the principles of horse behaviour and welfare. The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the horse�s natural instincts and behaviour and the effects of domestication you will also be able to recognise and determine the cause of stereotypical behaviour. The evolution of the horse will also be examined. You will also observe horse behaviour, record the results and analyse the findings. By the end of the unit you will know how to promote the welfare of horses.
Horse Tack and Equipment
This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the principles of horse tack and equipment and how these can be applied in practice. The aim of this unit is to provide you with the skills to be able to carry out the fitting and evaluation of horse tack and equipment. You will be able to fit and evaluate the fit of saddles, bridles, rugs, bandages, boots and other equipment. You will also develop and understanding of the requirements of different disciplines and of the effects of a range of training aids.
Introduction to Equestrian Coaching (Optional)
The unit provides learners with the skills necessary to apply basic principles of equitation and stable management in a teaching context. The learner will develop the skills to include clarity of communication and confidence with dealing with a range of learning needs. The unit enhances understanding of equitation and stable management techniques. Learners will develop their teaching ability by conducting riding lessons on the flat and over ground poles plus a lead rein and lunge lesson and deliver a short lecture.
Introduction to the Principles of Young Horse Handling, Training and Backing (Optional)
Myerscough College provides their students with a range of young horses from two years old and above. The students have the unique opportunity to work with these horses and develop them for real through their training, which includes halter training to backing and beyond. A very practical, hands on unit with extremely rewarding results.
Prepare Horses for Presentation
The purpose of this unit is to provide you with an understanding of the principles of horse presentation and how these can be applied in practice. The aim of this unit is to provide you with the skills to be able to carry out the preparation of horses for public presentation. The unit will prepare you to go on and continue to practice and improve these skills if they progress. You will develop skills in clipping and trimming horses to improve their appearance and present them appropriately.
Principles of Health and Safety
This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the principles of health and safety and identify how these can be applied in practice within land-based or related industries. You will be able to recognise common health and safety practices and processes which you will encounter within the workplace. The land-based sector has one of the worst fatal accident records of any major industrial sector and a lack of basic training and/or competency is often a contributory factor.
Riding Horses on the Flat (Optional)
This unit develops the riders position further from riding and exercising horses to be able to ride a variety of horses on the flat. They will develop the horses using a wide range of training exercises and assessing the horses performance.
Riding Horses over Fences (Optional)
This unit develops riders to understand effective jumping techniques. It requires them to ride horses through grids and over courses of fences. The horses will be varied to ensure a wide range of experience is achieved by all riders. The module also requires the riders to ride over cross country fences.
The Principles of Competition Grooming (Optional)
The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with skills and knowledge to be able to prepare a horse for a competition and provide care for it throughout the day. The unit includes the theory behind the preparation of the horse prior to competition, including routine and specialist care and monitoring fitness. The learner will develop the skills to prepare the horse and the necessary equipment for the competition day and they will be required to look after a competition horse for the duration of the event. The unit also covers the immediate and long-term aftercare of the horse, equipment and vehicle.
The Principles of Equitation
This unit covers the theory side of training horses from the ground, on the flat and over fences. They will study the techniques required and methods used for a range of horses in different situations.
The Principles of Horse Rehabilitation and Therapy (Optional)
An excellent unit for those wishing to rehabilitate horses in the future. It allows learners to understand the nature of horse performance injuries, effective use of therapeutic and diagnostic techniques, complementary therapies and the laws and regulations relating to equine rehabilitation.
Undertake a Specialist Project in the Land-based Sector
Research projects are often carried out to create or improve a product, service or process. This module allows students to select and carry out their own research project.
Undertake and Review Work Experience
The aim of this unit is to give you the skills needed to identify, participate in and review work experience in the environmental and land-based sector. You will examine career and progression opportunities within the environmental and land-based sector. You will develop skills in understand and progressing through the application process. There will be a focus on interpersonal skills and you will have the opportunity to present evidence of your achievements through the unit.
Working and Training Horses from the Ground (Optional)
The purpose of this unit is for you to have an understanding of the principles of working horses from the ground and how these can be applied in practice. The aim of this unit is to develop your practical skills in traditional methods of schooling from the ground, whilst developing an understanding of contemporary approaches to training from the ground. This unit is largely practically based and you will work horses on the lunge as well as understand how to use alternative methods to exercise. You will also develop your skills in assessing and improving horses when working them from the ground.
Working and Training Horses from the Ground
Ideal for those who wish to develop their skills and learn how to develop horses on the flat, as well as the reasons for why this is so important in training a wide variety of horses. It is also an excellent opportunity to form background knowledge of working with young horses and alternative methods, which are both traditional and contemporary. It is a very hands on practical unit with an extensive range of horses on site to work with.
Entry requirements & additional information
Advanced Technical Diploma (540) – Year 1 An English Language GCSE at C (4) or higher plus a minimum of four others at C (4) or higher, including Maths and Science
Ride assessments will take place at the start of the academic year to determine skills and abilities. Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 14.5 stone for the riding units. Applicants for all courses in Equine Studies are expected to show a strong commitment to the industry and a strong personal statement. Learners are required to have practical experience of handling and working with horses.
Assessment of technical qualifications is a mixture of internal practical assessment of skills conducted by the teaching team, internal written assignments marked by the teaching team, an externally set synoptic examination that combines the knowledge and practical skills of all of the mandatory units, an external online exam that combines the knowledge of all mandatory units and an online health and safety exam. The assessments and exams are spread throughout the year. Optional Units: Study programmes are designed to be individualised to the needs of each student and we offer different optional units to cater for these needs. The three riding units allow students to progressively develop their riding and training ability both in the saddle on the flat and over fences. This route is practically demanding and we require students to be riding at BHS Stage 2 level for entry which would be assessed and discussed at the formal interview stage and once the course has started. The working horses from the ground unit allows students to develop their ability to work a range of horses on the lunge, in long reins and loose. These are skills that are in high demand in the industry and will help anyone wishing to undertake the role of groom or backing young horses. The young horse unit (year 2), allows students to become familiar with the art of working young horses from the ground and backing and training of young horses. The College has a minimum of four young horses each year that are specifically for the use of students undertaking this unit. Students work with the staff team and each other to back the young horses and train them in all aspects of ridden work. The new businesses unit (year 2) allows students to develop the key skills of exploring new business initiatives within the land-based sector to ensure that any future business they operate will be able to take advantage of the current market status. Stable Yard Practical Students will gain work experience on the College Yard and at the Preston Centre will be required to attend weekend duties where they will care for the horses one weekend in five. A rota is produced at the start of the year with the students allocated weekend yard for the entire academic year. Students also work on the yard, looking after the college horses, one day per week within their normal timetabled hours.
On successful completion of the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management learners will be able to progress onto a Higher Education courses or into employment in the equine industry. University Centre Myerscough offers a Foundation Degree (FdSc) with Honours Top-up (BSc Hons) in Applied Animal Science (Equine Management.) Progression onto degree programmes at other universities is dependent upon their own individual entry criteria. This might include specific requirements relating to the type of course being studied, the particular ‘modules’ or ‘units’ studied on a course, the work-experience that you’ve undertaken or even previous GCSE attainment. Entry requirements can also change from year-to-year. It is essential that, if you have a clear career goal in mind, you check and confirm the entry requirements of your preferred degree programme prior to commencing your Level 3 studies here at Myerscough. Information, Advice and Guidance will be provided by the College to support you in making the right choices, but please ensure that you have taken time to consider your future career goals and the specific entry requirements at other universities. The UCAS website is a good starting point: https://www.ucas.com/
Costs that are mandatory for the course: Specialist Clothing and Equipment (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 WHW £5 Badminton Horse Trials £150
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.
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.
