BCA is the leading equine training centre in the Thames Valley. Our excellent facilities include indoor and outdoor arenas, horse walker, round pen, stabling for over 50 horses, extensive grass rides, BE eventing and cross country courses. Click here to view the facilities.
As a professional our programmes will enable you to develop your career potential and qualifications. For individuals our training will help expand your own skills and knowledge in horse management.
To ensure access to practical training and ‘hands on learning’ numbers of learners on the courses will be restricted, however courses may be repeated during the year. Early booking is recommended.
Courses available: Click on a course to find out more
Apprenticeships (opens in new window)
BHS
Practical Clipping
Horse Anatomy and Physiology
Horse First Aid
British Horse Society Courses
Please note that there may be the opportunity to take the BHS exams at BCA. Applicants should be BHS Gold members and will be contacted prior to the commencement of the course. Should courses be oversubscribed, priority will be given to those who have booked the exam.
BHS Horse Owners Certificate – Level 1
The course is aimed at first time horse owners, potential owners or anyone wishing to update their knowledge. The content covers the care and management of horses. The horse owners certificate is achieved on passing a written exam paper, which is verified by the BHS. This is mainly a theory based course, but will include some practical sessions.
| Date | Monday 03/10/11-14/11/11 |
| Duration | 6 weeks |
| Time | 1830-2030 |
| Course Code | EQNE/M/P101 |
| Total Fee | £138 |
BHS Horse Owners Certificate - Level 2
This course is aimed at those who have successfully completed Level 1 of the course and wish to improve their skills in horse care and understanding of stable management.
| Date | Monday 23/01/12 - 19/03/12 |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Time | 1830-2030 |
| Course Code | EQNE/M/P201 |
| Total Fee | £172 |
BHS Horse Owners Certificate - Level 3
The course is aimed at those who have successfully completed Level 2 of the course and will provide an increasing depth and knowledge to support and underpin the care of the horse.
| Date | Tuesday 16/04/12 - 28/05/12 |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Time | 1830-2030 |
| Course Code | EQNE/M/P301 |
| Total Fee | £172 |
British Horse Society Stage 1
Preparation for Riding and Stable
Management
This course covers the horse knowledge and care along with the riding required for the BHS Stage 1 examination. The course is designed for those working towards the examination or those wishing to broaden their horse knowledge skills. A riding assessment will be required prior to enrolment on the course for those wishing to participate in riding sections.
| Date | Monday 03/10/11 – 28/11/11 |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Time | 1030–1530 |
| Course Code | EQNE/M/P102 |
| Total Fee | £342 |
BHS Stage 2 Care Only Preparation Course
This course covers the horse knowledge and care requirements of the BHS Stage 2 examination to include lunging and elements of the Stage 3 Grooms Certificate. The course is designed for candidates working towards further BHS stage examinations or those wishing to broaden their horse care skills.
| Date | Monday 23/01/12 – 19/03/12 |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Time | 1030–1530 |
| Course Code | EQNE/M/P102 |
| Total Fee | £342 |
BHS Preliminary Teaching Preparation Course
This course covers the requirements for the BHS PTT examination. Applicants must have their BHS Stage 2 before enrolling. The course is designed for those working towards the exam and will include practical and theory sessions.
| Date | Monday 16/04/12 – 18/06/12 |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Time | 1030–1530 |
| Course Code | EQNE/M/PX03 |
| Total Fee | £342 |
Practical Clipping
This day course is aimed at anyone wanting to find out how to clip horses safely or for those who wish to update their skills in this area. The course will cover the theory and safe use of clippers as well as practical setting up of clippers, clipping and after-care of the clipped horse.
| Date | Saturday 08/10/11 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 1000-1500 |
| Course Code | EQNE/M/PX01 |
| Total Fee | £42 |
Horse Anatomy and Physiology - An introduction to include dissection
This course will be of interest to anatomy students or anyone interested in finding out more about horse anatomy. The day will involve theory, practical dissection and assessment static and dynamic conformation.
| Date | Saturday 12/05/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 1000-1500 |
| Course Code | EQNE/M/PX02 |
| Total Fee | £47.50 |
Horse First Aid
This course will cover basic ailments, injuries, treatments and bandaging for a range of scenarios to include both theory and practical.
| Date | Saturday 04/02/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 1000-1500 |
| Course Code | EQNE/M/PX04 |
| Total Fee | £47.50 |
