This qualification is aimed at you if you are aged 16-19 and looking to start a career working with horses. You will need to have some previous knowledge or experience to start this qualification, which is assessed via exams and a formal assessment period.
We have excellent facilities and extremely experienced, fully qualified teaching staff. Merrist Wood Arena has one of the largest indoor surfaces in the Southeast holding regular British Dressage, British Show Jumping and unaffiliated dressage, show jumping, and showing events. We have a modern purpose-built yard catering for 35 horses, used in practical equitation lessons. The equine department has fully equipped classrooms, one of which can incorporate a horse for lectures when necessary.
You need to have a minimum of grades 2-3 in GCSE English and maths. 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 C in these subjects. This applies for each year of a course until studies are completed.
What you'll learn
You will study theoretical aspects of the subject and apply them to practical tasks, topics include:
- Equine health and welfare
- Health and safety for the land-based industries
- Horse tack and equipment
- Undertaking routine stable duties
- The principles of feeding and watering horses
- Horse handling and grooming
- Working in the equine industry
- Horse behaviour
- Lunging horses
- Anatomy and physiology
How you'll learn and be assessed
The Level 2 in Horse Care blends practical sessions and classroom-based learning to give you a solid foundation in both hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge. You’ll study key topics such as horse care, stable management, horse health, and welfare, with a focus on developing the skills needed to work in the equine industry.
Assessment includes a variety of methods, such as written assignments, practical portfolios, and an online theory exam to test your understanding of the core concepts. A major component is the synoptic exam and assessment, where you’ll be required to demonstrate a range of practical and theoretical skills in a real world scenario, showcasing your ability to manage horse care independently.
Progression
Our Level 2 qualifications naturally progress to Level 3 in Equine Management at Merrist Wood, or an apprenticeship pathway. Alternatively, you can progress straight to employment, such as working in one of the following establishments:
- riding school
- equestrian centre
- competition yard
- stud centre
- trekking centre
You could work as:
- assistant groom
- assistant yard worker
- trekking assistant
- assistant stud worker/hand
Entry requirements
Applicants must have a minimum 2 GCSEs at grades 2 or above, including Maths, English and a Science, or a Level 1 qualification at Merit or above.
If you are interested in the Riding pathway, you will be required to complete a riding assessment. The minimum riding standard is the ability to walk, trot, and canter. However, if you do not meet this level, a non-riding pathway is available.
For the welfare of our horses, a weight limit of 13 stone applies. All riders at the centre are weighed prior to riding activity
Additional information
In addition to the comprehensive curriculum, yard duties are an essential and valuable component of our hands on training programs. These duties not only reinforce practical skills but also help students develop responsibility, time management, and teamwork, which are critical for success in the industry.
- Level 2 Program: Yard duties are required one day a week. This allows students to gradually build their confidence and competence in real world scenarios while balancing their other studies.
- Level 3 Program: Students will undertake a full week of yard duties (Monday to Friday) as part of a 4-week rotational schedule. This experience provides a deeper understanding of day to day operations, offering greater exposure and responsibility.
These structured yard duties are designed to give students a realistic insight into the demands of the profession, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
