Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Equine Management
About The Course
Our Level 3 courses provide a range of different sized options in terms of modules covered, level of study and providing opportunities for progression either into employment or higher education. The majority of our students choose to take a two-year programme completing a National Extended Diploma in Equine Management which is equivalent to three A-levels.
This course is actively involved in the daily care and routine of the college’s horses through yard duties which in the second year includes weekends. This allows learners to develop their practical skill set which is essential when gaining employment within the industry.
The courses allow students to develop employability skills alongside gaining confidence in becoming independent learners. There are also opportunities to be involved in the running of college events such as dressage, showjumping and British Eventing through our annual event.
The course is delivered through a series of modules composed of both practical and theoretical components. Delivery will be through student-centred theory lessons, complemented by practical riding and stable management sessions. The students are assessed through coursework, presentations, exams and practical assessments.
There is an emphasis on both internal and external industry placement which is assessed throughout the course. A high degree of importance is placed on the development of the practical skills students will be using within the equestrian workplace.
Guest speakers, trips and visits are used to enhance the learning environment where possible.
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English, maths and science.
Applicants must be able to pass a riding assessment at 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
Progression can be on to further study, an Apprenticeship programme or a career within the equine industry. Careers after Level 3 can include:
- Instructor
- Specialist Groom
- Events Organisation
- Nutritionist
- Yard Supervisor
This programme is made up of a mixture of units including but not limited to:
- Equine Structure, Form and Function
- Equine Diet and Nutrition
- Managing Equine Disease
- Work Experience in the Equine Sector
- Equine Health and Husbandry
- Managing an Equine Yard
- Managing an Equine Event
- Introduction to Equine Coaching
- Managing Equine Injuries and Rehabilitation
Students will also have the option to train towards British Horse Society examinations.
Level 3 is offered as a riding programme depending on riding ability – a riding assessment forms part of the interview process.
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)
We have a 15st weight limit for all riders (weight is 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.
Uniform/Equipment:
- 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 Needs, 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.
There are four qualifications available:
Level 3 Extended Certificate in Equine Management (1 Year) which can lead onto Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management or Foundation Diploma in Equine Management (1 Year) which can lead onto National Extended Diploma in Equine Management. Each qualification can be studied as a standalone qualification (however, note that completion of a 1-year programme will have limitations in relation to progression particularly onto University).
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.
Assessment takes place through the completion of examinations, synoptic assessment, riding assessments, homework and successful completion of industry placement.
You will complete industry placement as part of your professional development every week in the form of weekly routine stable duties and 2 weeks of external work experience within the equine industry.
BTEC
