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 support any learner through a range of hands-on practical and theory sessions to achieve successful employment or further study.
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Level 1 BTEC in Land and and Environment (Animal and Equine option)
Level 1 BTEC in Land and Environment
(Animal and Equine option) (1 year)
This programme is specially designed for students who have a general interest in working with animals.
Programme Content
This programme is made up of nine units to include:
Starting Work in the Land Based Industries
Working Safely in the Land Based Industries
Skill Development
Personal Effectiveness
Financial Management
Three optional modules will need to be completed
from the following:
Animal Husbandry
Horse Husbandry
Machinery Operations
Caring for Small Animals
Riding Horses
Moving Small Pet Animals
Other topic areas will include:
Information Technology
Basic Skills (Literacy and Numeracy)
Tutorials
Group Seminars
Entry Requirements
Four GCSE’s at Grade E or above or any Entry Certificate equivalent. Those students wishing to be considered for the Riding Horses module will be required to attend a riding assessment and be able to demonstrate a basic riding ability of walk and trot.
Progression
Successful candidates will be
eligible to progress to the
BTEC Level 2 programme
(subject to achieving a merit).
This programme also provides
underpinning knowledge for
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s)
and therefore supports entry to employment.
Level 2 BTEC in Horse Care (1 year)
This programme offers the opportunity for those who want to work with horses to obtain a vocational qualification by full-time study. You will learn through a combination of lectures and practical sessions, including work experience and assignment work.
Programme Content
This programme covers the following subjects:
Horse Care
Horse Handling and Exercise
Industry and Organisations
Introduction to Biology
Industry experience
Key Skills
Optional Modules
Riding Horses
or
Show Preparation
Each module is assessed continuously using a combination of assignments, practical assignments, work experience assessments and short written tests. In order to develop the vocational skills that ensure our students can reach industry standard and be competitive in the market place, work experience is a part of this programme and takes place in the Spring/Summer term. Students will also be required to attend practical duties on the college yard throughout the year, to develop and demonstrate industry skills.
Entry Requirements
A standard of literacy and numeracy supported by four GCSE grades D or above to include English and
Maths, or a BTEC Level 1 at Merit level. This is a practical course so prior practical experience with horses
in stable management is essential.
Students wishing to take the riding option will have a riding assessment as part of the interview process. The minimum requirement for riders is to walk, trot and canter a well mannered schooled horse safely whilst maintaining a basic balanced position. Jumping is part of the riding modules requirements, so students must be prepared to work on the flat and over fences during the programme.
Progression
On successful completion of the programme at Merit or Distinction level you may progress onto the National Diploma programme. Alternatively, you may enter employment within the industry and study towards industry qualifications, such as BHS and NVQ programmes.
BTEC Level 3 in Horse Management
(2 years)
This programme provides both the practical and management skills required to pursue a career in the equestrian industry and associated professions.
Programme Content
This programme covers the following subjects:
Year one
Stable Skills
Animal Biology
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Horse Behaviour and Welfare
Practical Equitation
Business Planning
Theory of Equitation
Grassland Production
Work related experience in the Horse sector
Year two
Horse Husbandry
Investigative Project
Ride and train on the flat
Ride over fences (optional)*
Horse Rehabilitation and Therapy
Horse Nutrition
Nutrition
Fitness and Training
Event Management
* Optional units to Ride over fences may include:
Animal Health
Animal Behaviour
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Each module is assessed continuously using a combination of assignments, practical assessments, duty assessments and short written tests. In order to develop the vocational skills that ensure our students can reach industry standard and be competitive in the market place, work experience is a part of this programme. This takes place during the summer period between Year 1 and 2 and within duty sessions on the college yard. (The work related experience module will be based on this work placement).
All students will be required to undertake duties on a rota system to allow further development of practical skills. Some weekend work and attendance will be required.
Entry Requirments
You should possess one or more of the following:
Four passes at GCSE grade C or above (including Maths, Science and English)
BTEC Level 2 in Horse Care at Merit or Distinction level
These conditions may be modified for mature candidates or for those with previous practical experience and training. This programme contains practical elements so applicants should be able to demonstrate a good basic level and knowledge of stable management.
Students wishing to take the riding option will have a riding assessment as part of the interview process. The minimum requirement for riders is to walk, trot and canter a well mannered schooled horse safely while maintaining a basic balanced position. Jumping is part of the riding modules requirements, so students must be prepared to work on the flat and over fences during the programme.
Progression
The BTEC Level 3 is equivalent to three A Levels and can provide entry to Higher Education programmes. You will also have the opportunity to work towards NVQ and BHS qualifications.
This programme is geared towards the modern horse industry and the subjects studied provide the correct background for progression onto Higher Education programmes. The science base to the options studied also allows students who successfully complete the programme to apply for Equine Science degrees or professional training programmes such as Vet Nursing at other institutions.
Employment opportunities may include Riding Schools, Livery Yards, Farms or Self Employment.
