Equine Care - Level 1
Start Date: 1st September 2027
- Length 1 Year
- Study Full-Time
- Location Kidderminster College
More about the course
This level 1 Equine Care Diploma introduces you to the basics of horse care. It's a great stepping stone for people who are keen to work with horses, but don't currently have any experience.
You'll spend one day a week at the Sugar Loaf Equestrian Centre and then the rest of your time at the college's main campus.
Our expert staff will help you learn skills in handling horses, grooming, and general horse care, plus delivering weekly riding lessons. There will also be opportunities to learn about stable management and go on off-site trips.
Entry requirements:
There are no formal entry requirements.
You will have a basic interest and a willingness to learn.
You will successfully complete an assessment day to demonstrate suitability for the course.
Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.
What will I achieve?
Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a BHSQ Level 1 Diploma in Horse Care with the option to go down either riding or horse care.
What will I learn?
- Feeding and watering
- Grooming and washing
- Cleaning stables
- Principles of riding horses
- Catching and moving horses
How is the course taught?
- Theory work
- Practical work on the yard – one day a week
How am I assessed?
- Portfolio
Work experience opportunities:
As part of your course, you will be required to complete a period of work experience. This forms an essential component of your overall study hours and is designed to support your learning and progression. The number of hours you need to complete will vary depending on the level and type of qualification you are undertaking. There is an expectation that your placement will be relevant to your chosen course, helping you gain valuable insight and practical skills in your subject area. While learners are expected to secure their own placement, our dedicated Work Experience Coordinator will support you throughout the process and ensure that all placements meet the necessary compliance and safeguarding requirements.
English and Maths:
Maths will be included in weighing foods and horses when health checking and counting the footfall of horses.
English will be included in using correct terminology, listening, and following instructions.
Tutorial
Tutorial is a program of essential topics affecting you as a potential employee and member of a community. You will cover topics to improve employability skills, mental fitness (both for you and those around you) and much more. It is an essential part of your personal development.
As part of you weekly timetable, you will be expected to take part in Tutorial. This consists of a 1-1 meeting (at least 3 a year) and Personal Development activities that develop you both personally and professionally. Part of the focus is to raise digital Standards and take part in Employer Engagement Activities such as guest speakers, logging Work Experience and in person and online networking.
We work with Student Experience, Careers and your Curriculum team to ensure your Tutorial elements link to your industry area and to create opportunities to develop key skills for profile raising as well as enabling you to create competitive applications and CVs.
Tutorial is also an opportunity to check in with you as part of a group and individually. You can discuss any issues you might be having that affect your learning and essentially identify strategies and support available to you.
Where can I progress?
Upon successful completion of this course, you can progress onto our Level 2 Equine Care course.
Get in Touch
Meet our tutors and students
Oonagh Dervish-lang
Tutor - EquineI am a lecturer in the Further Education Equine Department, where I am course lead for BHS Work-Based Horse Care Levels 1 & 2 and Level 3 Technical Equine Management Level 1 & 2. I have lectured for four years in the Further Education and Higher Education sectors. I currently teach a range of practical and theoretical sessions, including ground schooling, coaching, biology and equine management topics for Equestrian Practice. Concentrating on building confidence with knowledge and understanding to help prepare students for the industry for the benefit of the horse. My main area of interest is equitation. I enjoy competing and training my horse in British Dressage.
Equine
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What's happening?
Events
November Open Day
Kidderminster College
Saturday 7th November 2026
10:00am - 1:00pm
February Open Evening
Kidderminster College
Tuesday 9th February 2027
5:30pm - 7:30pm
May Open Evening
Kidderminster College
Wednesday 12th May 2027
5:30pm - 7:30pm
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