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 (720) � Year 2: 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.
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.
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 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.
Exercising Horses
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 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.
Prepare Horses for Presentation (Optional)
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
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 module 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.
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 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
This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the principles of stable yard operations and how these can be applied in practice. The unit will enable you to plan, carry out and manage a range of activities on the yard. You will be able to produce daily work routines and manage the work of others on the yard. You will also be able to undertake health care checks, including assessing the condition of horse�s feet and shoes, and produce preventative care treatment schedules. You will be able to apply skills to care for and manage stable and grass kept horses.
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
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.
Biological Systems of Horses
Business Management in the Land-based Sector
Contribute to Managing an Equine Event
Customer Care and Retail Merchandising (Optional Liverpool)
Equine Feeding and Nutrition
Equine Health
Exercising Horses
Exercising Horses (Optional)
Horse Behaviour and Welfare
Horse Tack and Equipment
Introduction to Equestrian Coaching (Optional Preston)
Introduction to the Principles of Young Horse Handling, Training and Backing (Optional Preston)
Prepare Horses for Presentation
Prepare Horses for Presentation (Optional)
Principles of Health & Safety
Principles of Health and Safety
Riding Horses on the Flat (Optional)
Riding Horses over Fences (Optional Preston)
The Principles and Practices of an Equine Stud (Optional Liverpool)
The Principles of Competition Grooming (Optional)
The Principles of Equitation
The Principles of Horse Fitness
The Principles of Horse Rehabilitation and Therapy (Optional Liverpool)
The Principles of Horse Rehabilitation and Therapy (Optional)
Undertake a Specialist Project in the Land-based Sector
Undertake and Review Work Experience
Undertake Stable and Yard Operations
Working and Training Horses from the Ground
Working and Training Horses from the Ground (Optional)
Entry requirements & additional information
Advanced Technical Certificate (360) – Year 1 An English Language GCSE at C (4) or higher plus a minimum of three others at C (4) or higher, including Maths or Science 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 Advanced Extended Technical Diploma (720) – Year 2 An English Language GCSE at C (4) or higher plus a minimum of three others at C (4) or higher, including Maths or Science Advanced Extended Technical Diploma (1080) – Year 2 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.
