Level 1 BHSQ Diploma 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.

Key Information

Location: Liverpool Campus or Preston Campus

Course length: One Year (35 weeks)

Available course dates: Please select the appropriate campus and start date to apply online.

Liverpool Campus
September 2025
Preston Campus
September 2025

Course Modules

Assist with Cleaning Tack and Horse Clothing

Assist with Cleaning the Stables and Yard

Assist with Feeding and Watering Horses

Assist with Putting on and Taking off Horse Rugs

Assist with Putting on and Taking off Tack

Catch and Move Horses Under Direction

Groom and Wash Horses Under Direction

Lead and Control a Horse for Inspection Under Direction

Maintain Good Working Relations with Others

Maintain Health and Safety in the Workplace

Mount and Dismount Quiet Horses Under Supervision

Principles of Catching and Moving Horses Under Direction

Principles of Cleaning Tack and Horse Clothing

Principles of Cleaning the Stables and Yard

Principles of Feeding and Watering Horses

Principles of Grooming and Washing Horses Under Direction

Principles of Leading and Controlling a Horse for Inspection Under Direction

Principles of Maintaining Good Working Relations with Others

Principles of Maintaining Health and Safety in the Workplace

Principles of Mounting and Dismounting Quiet Horses Under Supervision

Principles of Putting on and Taking off Horse Rugs

Principles of Putting on and Taking off Tack

Principles of Riding Horses in an Enclosed Area

Ride Horses in an Enclosed Area Under Supervision

Assist with Cleaning Tack and Horse Clothing

Assist with Cleaning the Stables and Yard

Assist with Feeding and Watering Horses

Assist with Putting on and Taking off Horse Rugs

Assist with Putting on and Taking off Tack

Catch and Move Horses Under Direction

Groom and Wash Horses Under Direction

Lead and Control a Horse for Inspection Under Direction

Maintain Good Working Relations with Others

Maintain Health and Safety in the Workplace

Mount and Dismount Quiet Horses Under Supervision

Principles of Catching and Moving Horses Under Direction

Principles of Cleaning Tack and Horse Clothing

Principles of Cleaning the Stables and Yard

Principles of Feeding and Watering Horses

Principles of Grooming and Washing Horses Under Direction

Principles of Leading and Controlling a Horse for Inspection Under Direction

Principles of Maintaining Good Working Relations with Others

Principles of Maintaining Health and Safety in the Workplace

Principles of Mounting and Dismounting Quiet Horses Under Supervision

Principles of Putting on and Taking off Horse Rugs

Principles of Putting on and Taking off Tack

Principles of Riding Horses in an Enclosed Area

Ride Horses in an Enclosed Area Under Supervision

Entry requirements & additional information

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 plus 3 GCSE’s Grade 1 -2 including English or Maths or equivalent Entry Level 3 Qualification. Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 14.5 stone for the riding units.

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.