The study programme aims to provide relevant education and training leading to employment within the equine industry. The programme reflects a vocational approach to a diversified equine industry and aims to give a learning experience combining theoretical course study with practical skills in a competitive environment.
All 16-19 year olds on full-time programmes will be required to retake GCSE English and Maths or to undertake Functional Skills, if they have not already attained the equivalent of a GCSE grade 4/5 in these subjects, every year of their course, until they complete their studies.
This programme is ideal for anyone who has an interest in working in the equine industry and has some relevant experience. It caters for all levels and groups will be split accordingly.
>We have excellent facilities and extremely experienced, fully qualified teaching staff. Merrist Wood Arena has one of the largest indoor surfaces in the South East holding regular British Dressage and unaffiliated dressage, show jumping and showing events. You will have the bonus of discounted entries when they are run by Merrist Wood Arena and the opportunity to help at events and lecture demonstrations. We have a modern purpose built yard catering for over 42 horses and a cross country course that is used in practical equitation lessons. The equine department has fully equipped classrooms.
You will take part in trips and visits from external speakers to enrich your experience. The course presents the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge required to access and embark on a successful career within the equine industry. The course is taught by an expert teaching team with wide industry experience.
What you'll learn
Course content could include:
- Animal anatomy and biology
- Horse fitness
- Horse behaviour and welfare
- Riding and exercising horses
- Stable and yard management
- Horse nutrition
How you'll learn and be assessed
Through a range of practical lectures, classroom lectures, field trips, group discussions and guest speakers. Enthusiastic staff that are highly qualified and passionate about entering the equine industry. Homework: Independent study will be required to complete assessments in order to meet deadlines. Assessments are set throughout the year and most of this will need to be completed in your own time
Progression
Once you have completed this programme you could go on to the Equine Management Foundation Degree or pursue a career in the industry.
Entry requirements
You need to have 4 GCSE’S at grade 4 and above including English, Maths and Science, or a relevant L2 qualification at merit or above. (if the learner has dropped to a grade 3 in Maths only please put through to faculty approval so we can assess overall grade profile)
Additional information
Daily and weekend yard duties also form part of a regular and important part of the course. Visits are arranged to various events and other places of interest during the course.
The College takes the welfare of our horses and fitness of our riders very seriously. In order to ensure that horses are not put under undue duress or strain we will weigh all students and assign horses accordingly (there is a 13 stone weight limit for riding). This means that we may impose restrictions or limit opportunities depending on the horses we have available. We cannot guarantee always having horses that may be suitable.
