Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Horse Care)
About The Course
This course will provide a basic introduction to horse care and riding skills within an educational environment. Delivery of the course is practically based with some theory lessons including English and maths as necessary. Learners will focus on team building, relevant industry placement and developing skills ready to make their next step.
As part of this study programme students are required to study GCSE maths and English if a grade 4 has not already been achieved. This is an essential part of the programme in order for students to develop the literacy and numeracy skills required for successful entry into employment and/or progression onto future courses.
The course is delivered through a series of 7 Units composed of both practical and theoretical components. Delivery will be through student-centred theory and practical lessons, complemented by interactive, computer-based activities and yard work.
A high degree of importance is placed on the development of the practical skills students will be using within the equestrian workplace.
Entry Requirements
Two GCSEs at grade 2 or above.
Applicants must be able to pass a riding assessment at an interview. The minimum requirement is to walk, trot and canter competently on a well-schooled horse. All students will need to be physically able and be willing to take part in all aspects of practical horse care and stable management.
More information
This course can lead to Groom in a variety of equestrian settings.
The programme is made up of seven units, including but not limited to:
- Safe and effective working practices in land-based industries
- Develop performance in land-based industries
- Assist with the preparation for exercise and aftercare of horses
- Exercise horses under supervision
- Industrial experience in land-based industries
- Assist with feeding and watering
- Maintain the health of horses
- Internal and External Work Experience
Practical work and routine stable duties in the BCA Equestrian Centre are integral to this programme of study.
*NB – BCA has a 15st weight limit for all riders (weight is inclusive of all riding equipment and saddle).
Please be aware that we have a 15st weight limit for all riders (inclusive of all riding equipment and saddle). Students are weighed each half term and during induction for the above purpose.
Working in the equine industry can be highly rewarding but it requires hard work and dedication. You will need to be comfortable with working outdoors in all weathers, You will undertake a wide range of practical tasks working within teams of students and staff throughout the course. We have a strict dress code for working on our Equine Centre and, as such, you need to be prepared to follow instructions from all staff in order to maintain your own health, safety and welfare and that of our horses.
English and Maths will be built into your college timetable should you have not achieved a Grade 4 in these areas.
Equipment/uniform:
- A riding hat to the current standards of PAS015, ASTM F1163, SNELL E2001 AND AS/NZS 3838 are required. All hats will be checked and tagged prior to riding and any deemed old, worn or dangerous must be replaced before students will be allowed to ride.
- A back protector to the current standard (Level 3 2009) is required for all pole work, jumping and hacking lessons, students are also welcome to use these for flat sessions if they wish.
- Gloves are compulsory for all practical and riding sessions and for internal work experience when leading horses. Hairnets are compulsory for all riding and groundwork sessions.
- Students should have a short jumping whip and a long dressage whip for riding lessons. We advise 2-3 pairs of dark plain colour jodhpurs (no bright or patterned colours) for everyday use and one pair of cream/white jodhpurs will be needed for assessments and British Horse Society (BHS) exams if you decide to take them alongside your main study programme.
- BCA polo shirts and jumpers/rugby shirts must be worn for practical, riding lessons and internal work experience days. NO hoodies, leggings, vests or jeans are allowed on the yard at any time. In wet weather over trousers and full chaps are of course permitted for yard sessions.
If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability or Additional Educational Need, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can also assist you with this.
You may be required to make set contributions towards educational trips and/or travel expenses to local events.
- Level 1 Diploma in Land-Based Studies (Horse Care)
- GCSE maths and English
Additional qualifications:
All students wishing to take British Horse Society (BHS) exams are required to be Gold members of the BHS, training will be provided but the actual exam cost must be paid by the student/parent.
We will be running Ride Safe exams throughout the academic year and will advise when these are available and booking is via the college’s online system. The deposit for a space in the exam is £50 with the maximum cost being £95 in total (these exams reduce in cost the more spaces we fill).
We run the Progressive Riding Tests alongside the level 3 programme which are the equivalent to the BHS Stage 1 qualification and then a BHS Stage 2 in the spring. The cost of this is approx £250 please speak to riding instructors and tutors if you wish to book a space
Most units are assessed internally and are set and marked by your tutors through a range of approaches including practical, oral and written assessments with an online exam.
Compulsory internal work experience in the form of routine stable duties and 1 week of external work experience within the equine industry.
