About the course
The Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care provides practical knowledge and experience combined with academic studies. Stable management and riding skills will be developed within the College Equine Department 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. This course is highly practical and learners applying for this course will be expected to be hardworking, keen to learn about horse care and willing to take a �hands on� approach when working on the stable yard.
This course provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the basic care of horses in the equine industry. It is extremely popular with school leavers who wish to combine a practical based training programme with sound theoretical knowledge. The course is designed to give you a broad understanding of horse care, with a view to progressing to one of our Level 3 Diploma courses, or to start work in the Equine industry.
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
Assisting with the Transportation of Horses (Behaviour route)
Equine Health and Welfare
Health and Safety for Land-based Industries
Horse Handling and Grooming
Horse Tack and Equipment
Introduction to Lungeing Horses
Principles of Horse Behaviour (Behaviour route)
Riding and Exercising Horses (Riding route)
Riding Horses under Supervision (Riding Route)
The Principles of Feeding and Watering Horses
Undertake Routine Stable Duties
Working in the Equine Industry
Entry requirements & additional information
This course covers practical skills and relevant background knowledge. Students are normally aged 16 or over and the following qualifications are needed:
3 GCSEs at Grade 3 (D) or equivalent, including English Language, Maths and Science (or related subject). Check FE Admission guide for changes and equivalencies.
Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 14.5 stone for the riding units.
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. Additional Qualifications: Learn to Work
Level 2 students can progress to level 3 programmes subject to published entry requirements and satisfactory performance at level 2.
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 (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