Start Date
- September 2027, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
If you're serious about building a future in the equine industry, this two-year programme offers the perfect mix of practical experience, academic study, and industry insight. You’ll work hands-on with horses while gaining the knowledge and confidence to progress into employment or higher education.
In your first year, you’ll learn how to:
- Handle horses confidently and safely
- Plan and carry out yard operations
- Understand horse health care, feeding, and nutrition
- Fit a range of tack and equipment
- Prepare horses for presentation, including grooming, clipping, trimming, and plaiting
- Carry out daily husbandry tasks such as mucking out and feeding
In your second year, you’ll explore more advanced topics such as:
- Event management – planning and supporting equine events
- Equitation principles – understanding riding theory and technique
- Business management – learning how to run an equine-related business
You’ll also continue to develop your skills one of the following chosen pathways:
- Groom Pathway – Focuses on advanced horse care, stable management, and preparing horses for competition or presentation.
- Riding Pathway – Includes flatwork and jumping, helping you refine your riding skills and deepen your understanding of equitation.
You’ll have the chance to take part in industry visits and events, gaining valuable insight into the equine sector. Previous trips have included Great Yarmouth Racecourse, The National Stud and supporting events such as the Royal Norfolk Show.
In addition to your main qualification, you will also complete 300 hours work experience across the two years, along with weekend duties. You will have the opportunity to complete the BHS Stage exams, starting at Stage 1.
Entry Requirements
- Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language, science and maths.
- Entry onto the Riding Pathway will require successful completion of a riding assessment. As a guide, your riding ability should be close to the British Horse Society (BHS) Stage 2 Ride Standard. For details please visit https://www.bhs.org.uk/media/4sungv3d/bhsq-level-2-stage-2-qualification-specification-v4_200323.pdf
- To ensure the welfare of our horses, there is a personal weight restriction of 85 kg for students on the Riding Pathway.
- Non-riding options are available by taking the Groom Pathway.
How You Will Be Assessed
To achieve the Level 3 in Equine Management, you will need to complete all the following components:
Year 1:
- Equine Management synoptic assignment
- Equine Management theory exam
- Health and Safety theory exam
- Biology theory exam
- Theory and practical assignments
- 150 hours of work experience and a portfolio
Year 2:
- Equine Management synoptic assignment
- Equine Management theory exam
- Managing an Equine event assignment
- Theory and practical assignments
- Employer engagement
Course Progression
On successful completion of the Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management, you may wish to progress on to Higher Education or an Apprenticeship.
Where Your Course Can Take You
Career options for those on our Groom Pathway could include: Groom, Equine Handler, Event Manager Assistant and Retail Saddlery.
For those completing our Riding Pathway, you could work as an Exercising Assistant, Trainee Coach, Yard Assistant and Work Rider.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16 to 18 on 31st August before the start of your course, your tuition fees will be free. If you are aged 19 and over, please contact the Advice Shop for more information by email at information@ccn.ac.uk or by calling 01603 773773.
There may be some costs for PPE, trips, visits or additional qualifications.
