Equestrian employers require well trained, qualified staff to support the £4 billion equine industry in the UK. Entrants into this industry must be able to demonstrate a high level of practical ability, coupled with a sound theoretical knowledge. Our aim at BCA is to develop riding, general skills and knowledge of horse management through a range of hands-on practical and theory sessions. We aim for you to gain successful employment, go on to further study, or to one day manage your own facilities.
BCA has excellent, modern equestrian resources, which include:
- Indoor competition size, floodlit arena,
with under surface irrigation and viewing gallery - All weather, competition size outdoor manage
- British Eventing, BE, 90, 100 and novice courses
- Horse walker and round pen
- Cross country course, excellent hacking and
grass rides across the estate - Stabling for over 50 horses in two modern yards
- Veterinary box and handling facilities
- Livery services
- A continuous programme of external events.
Click here to view the BCA equine facilities.
Click here for the latest equine news and student activities at BCA.
We also offer a range of part-time programmes including BHS Stages I – III, the BHS Preliminary Teaching Test and the BHS Horse Owners Certificates. To obtain a copy of our part-time prospectus, call us free on 0800 0711 666 or email equestrian@bca.ac.uk
All programmes with riding options require a riding assessment and also allow you to work towards BHS exams, which are held on site at BCA (subject to numbers).
Courses available: Click on a course to find out more
Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Animal Care)
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and Extended Diploma in Horse Management
Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Animal Care) (1 year)
The aim of this course is to provide a sound knowledge and the skills base which will allow progression to further learning or qualifications, or into employment opportunities.
Programme Content
This programme is made up of units including:
- Check that a small animal is healthy
- Assist with catching and restraining a small mammal
- Groom small animals
- Care of farm animals
- Maintain the safety of self and others in the workplace
- Working in a team
- Farm animal health
- Assist with the feedstuffs for small animals
- Maintain the health of horses
- Self-management skills
- Assist with animal accommodation
- Preparing for an interview
Other topic areas will include:
- Functional skills
- Tutorials
- Group seminars
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs at Grade E or above, or an Entry Certificate equivalent.
Plus a satisfactory school reference and successful completion of an Inital Assessment.
Assessment Method
All assignments are made up of a series of tasks, which are assessed as pass or fail only. Tasks can vary in format; some may be performance based and others will focus on the underpinning knowledge of the unit.
Equipment needed
BCA polo shirt, wellingtons and boiler suit.
Progression
Successful candidates will be eligible to progress to the BTEC Level 2 in Animal Care (subject to individual performance and attendance). This programme also provides underpinning knowledge for National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and therefore supports entry to employment.
Employment opportunities
On completion of the programme, you will be able to perform a range of work activities, some complex and non routine. You may seek employment in boarding and breeding kennels and catteries, pet shops, grooming parlours, zoos, animal collections, theme parks, bird parks, animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association or other animal related occupations.
Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care (1 year)
This course will provide an opportunity for those who want to work with horses to obtain a vocational qualification by means of full time study. You will learn through a combination of lectures and practical sessions, including work experience and assignment work.
Programme content
This programme is made up of seven units including:
- Work experience
- Feeding and watering horses
- Routine stable duties
- Horse handling
- Riding on the flat
- Riding over fences
- Principles of horse biology
Other topic areas will include:
- Functional skills
- Tutorials
- Group seminars
A minimum of one week work experience. You will also take part in routine duties at the college stables.
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs at Grade D or above (to include English, Maths and Science), or BTEC Level 1 in Animal Care (subject to individual learner performance and attendance).
Plus a satisfactory school reference and successful completion of an Inital Assessment.
Applicants must be able to pass a riding assessment at interview. The minimum requirement is to walk, trot and canter a well mannered school horse safely whilst maintaining a basic balanced position.
Assessment method
This course is assessed through assignments and practical assessments, graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Equipment needed
All students will require a riding hat and body protector to current UK standards, riding boots or jodhpur boots and matching chaps or gaiters, hair net, long and short whips, neutral, white or beige coloured jodhpurs or breeches. BCA Equine uniform to include polo shirts and jumpers for riding.
Progression
You may progress on to the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management (subject to achieving an overall Distinction). You will also be required to have shown sufficient ability and progression in your riding in order to progress.
Employment opportunities
On completion of the programme you should be able to perform a range of practical and routine work activities.
You may seek employment in riding schools, livery yards, competition groom apprenticeships, trainee instructor and working pupil positions.
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and Extended Diploma in Horse Management (2 years)
This course provides both practical and management skills required to pursue a career in the equestrian industry and associated professions, and can also lead to studying at Degree Level.
Programme content
This programme is made up of nineteen units over two years including:
- Animal health
- Animal biology
- Animal anatomy and physiology
- Horse tack and equipment
- Animal feeding
- Work related experience
- Animal nutrition
- Preparing horses for presentation
- Ground schooling horses
- Riding and exercising horses
- Principles of equitation
- Stable and yard management
- Running an equine event
- Horse behaviour and welfare
- Horse rehabilitation and therapy
- Riding horses on the flat
- Riding horses over fences
- Project
- Horse fitness
A minimum of three week’s work experience will take place over the two years. You will also take part in routine duties involving weekends at the college's stables. As you progress into the second year, you will take on increasing responsibility, such as organising and supervising other duty students.
Entry requirements
You should possess one or more of the following:
Four passes at GCSE Grade C or above (to include English, Maths and Science), or BTEC / C&G Level 2 in Horse Care (subject to achieving an overall Distinction).
Plus a satisfactory school reference and successful completion of an Inital Assessment.
Applicants must be able to pass a riding assessment at interview, the minimum requirement is to walk, trot and canter a well mannered school horse safely whilst maintaining a basic balanced position. Jumping is part of the riding module requirements, so students must be prepared to work on the flat and over fences during the programme.
Assessment method
This course is assessed through assignments and practical assessments, graded with Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Equipment needed
All students will require a riding hat and body protector to current UK standards, riding boots or jodhpur boots and matching chaps or gaiters, hair net, long and short whips, neutral, white or beige coloured jodhpurs or breeches. BCA Equine uniform to include polo shirts and jumpers for riding.
Progression
This programme is equivalent to three A-Levels and provides entry into Higher Education and university.
Employment opportunities
On completion of the programme you will be able to perform a range of work activities, some complex and non routine, often while supervising or guiding others. You may seek employment in a range of equestrian businesses to include riding schools, competition and livery yards, trainee instructor and stable manager positions, or self employment.
