Level 1 - BTEC Introductory Diploma in Equine Studies
| Subject Area: | Course code: | Course Type: |
| Equine Studies | EQ224A01/25/1 | Further Education |
- Level 1 - BTEC Introductory Diploma in Equine Studies
- Course Information
- Overview
- Dates & Fees
- Materials Required
- Gallery
Course Information
This course is an excellent choice for those that have some experience of equitation and horse care and is an ideal introduction for school leavers wishing to start their career working with horses. Kingston Maurward College has fabulous facilities, well qualified and experienced staff which combine to develop your knowledge and skills, equipping you for a rewarding career in the equine industry. Included in the course is a balance of practical instruction and theory sessions and English and Maths GCSEs, should a grade 4 not yet be achieved.
You will be involved in the daily care of the horses during yard duties and assisting with our competitions at the weekends when on duty. You will take part in off site work experience, within the equine industry, to gain plenty of practical experience and essential employability skills vital for progression after your studies.
As a British Horse Society (BHS) examination centre, we encourage students to take relevant exams and the course content is applicable to the BHS exam system. Whenever possible trips are arranged for example, to Badminton Horse Trials and The London International Horse Show. There are also visiting equine experts, masterclasses and visits to a variety of equine establishments to help develop our students’ knowledge and experience of this vast industry.
Overview
Qualification
- Level 1 Equine Care
Course Content
-
Example units may include:
Maintaining Equine health and welfare
Routine stable duties
Transporting horses
Working with others
Caring for and feeding horses
Horse handling and grooming
Assist with the care and non-ridden exercise of horses
Riding horses under supervision
Developing estate maintenance skills
Personal development skills
Researching a topic
Using land-based Machinery
Yard duties on a rota basis at Manor stables throughout the year
External work experience
Masterclasses with industry professionals
English and maths if a grade 4 is yet to be achieved
Entry Requirements
- 4 GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English, Maths and Science. You must have experience working with horses, a genuine interest and enthusiasm for horses is also essential. You need to have basic handling skills and be confident working with a range of horses. Riding ability demonstrated at assessment needs to be BHS stage 1 standard to include the ability to ride over poles and basic jumping over individual fences from trot and canter at up to 50 cm. At Manor stables we have a weight limit of 85kg (13 Stone 5 lbs.) for all riders. The study programme does have ridden and non ridden pathways. A ride assessment will take place in induction week where a suitable pathway will be allocated based on skills.
Next Steps
- Level 2 in Equine with ridden or grooms pathways
Career Opportunities
- Livery yard assistant, Riding school assistant, Equine retail assistant, Horse groom and Equine welfare assistant.
Dates & Fees
Dates & Times| Start date: | End date: | Start time: | End time: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08-Sep-2025 | 19-Jun-2026 | 9.30 a.m. | 3.45 p.m. |
| Mode of attendance |
|---|
| Full Time |
| Day of the week | Number of sessions |
|---|---|
| Various |
|
There are no course fees for eligible students aged 16-18. Students aged 19-25 may also be eligible for government funding or a student loan depending on their circumstances. |
|---|
| Kingston Maurward College Equine Uniform which includes polo shirts, sweatshirts and jackets, which is worn at all times whilst at college.Contribution to study trips, BHS exams entry costs, which is optional for those who wish to gain another internationally recognised qualification alongside their vocational studies |
Materials Required
Basic stationery - pens, pencils, A4 lever arch files, ruler, eraser and back pack. Riding hat PAS 015 (2011) navy or black cover, body protector BETA 2018 level 3, hairnets for hair longer than collar length, schooling whip and jump whip. Navy waterproof coat and waterproof trousers, wellingtons and/or suitable sturdy footwear. Navy, black or brown jodhpurs or breeches (no running tights), black or brown long leather riding boots or jodhpur boots and leather gaiters. Suitable navy or black base layers for cold weather.