About the course
This highly practical course is an excellent course for students progressing on from successfully completing the BHSQ Level 1 Diploma. It is also an ideal course for students looking to retrain or develop their skills and knowledge to enable career progression or entry into employment. This qualification enables the student to carry out practical horse care skills under limited supervision. Learners will be able to demonstrate their skills and apply their knowledge through a range of work activities and routine tasks related to the care and use of horses. 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 2026
Preston Campus
September 2026
Course Modules
Assess grazing land for the introduction of horses (Optional)
Care for horses after exercise (Optional)
Carry out routing care and monitor the health and well-being of horses
Clean and groom horses for appearance (Optional)
Clean and maintain stables
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Fit and remove horse clothing (Optional)
Fit, remove and maintain tack for exercise (Optional)
Jump a schooled horse (Optional)
Long rein a horse under supervision (Optional)
Maintain and develop personal performance
Monitoring and maintaining health and safety
Plait and trim horses manes and tail (Optional)
Prepare a stable for a horse (Optional)
Restrain horses using specified methods
Ride a horse in the open (Optional)
Ride a schooled horse (Optional)
Ride horses on the road (Optional)
Turn out, catch and maintain horses when turned out (Optional)
Entry requirements & additional information
Students needs to be over 16 and either hold a Level 1 Equine qualification or be able to demonstrate confidence and competence in basic horse care skills. (Students under the age of 16 may be eligible but specific funding arrangements will apply, please contact the College for further details).
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 have completed the Level 1 BHSQ qualification and who wish to combine a practical based training programme with sound theoretical knowledge. 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.
Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 14.5 stone for this unit. Students completing this one year course will be well prepared for employment in the equine industry.
City and Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care.
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