Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management

Subject Area: Course code: Course Type:
Equine Studies EQ220A01/26/2 Further Education

Course Information

If you have the drive and passion to work in the equine industry or move towards Higher Education in your near future and you want to gain outstanding knowledge and skills in all aspects of horse care, management and riding, then this is the course for you. The course offers the perfect balance between theory and practical based learning working alongside experienced and highly qualified staff. It is a two year course, it is equivalent to three A levels, and this exciting study programme ensures you can leave Coastland College with internationally recognised qualifications in the equine industry.

Students undertake external work experience in industry in both years, which allows students the opportunity to gain valuable experience with a wide range of specialist employment providers. Students are actively involved in caring for the horses at Manor Stables. Students develop supervisory and teamwork skills regarding the running our yard and all students are fully immersed in our commercial activities which includes assisting with running our equine competitions on a rota basis on duty weekends.

As a British Horse Society (BHS) examination centre, students also have the opportunity to take BHS exams (additional cost involved. )We actively encourage the students to take these additional assessments in order to gain further internationally recognised qualifications alongside their study programme which increases employment opportunities and strengthens their CV when ready to progress for life after Coastland. Throughout the course, whenever possible, there are visits from guest speakers, industry experts, masterclasses and trips to a variety of equine establishments and also events, for example, Badminton Horse trials and The London International Horse show to just name a few.

Overview

Qualification
Course Content
  • Year 1 - example units
    Principles of health and safety
    Undertake and review work related experience in the land-based industries
    Undertake stable yard operations
    Equine health
    Horse tack and equipment
    Biological systems of horses
    Prepare horses for presentation
    Equine feeding and nutrition
    Horse behaviour and welfare
    Exercising horses - Ridden pathway
    Undertake Estate Skills - Facilities pathway

    Year 2 - example units
    The principles of competition grooming
    Working and training horses form the ground
    The principles of equitation
    Contribute to managing an equine event
    The principles of horse fitness
    Business management in the land-based sector
    Riding horses on the flat - optional pathway
    Riding horses over fences - optional pathway
    Introduction to equestrian coaching
    Yard duties on a rota basis at Manor stables throughout both years
    External work experience each year
Entry Requirements
  • 4 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 to include English, maths and science. Equine experience and a determination to succeed, passion for the equine industry and the drive to work hard academically and practically. Riding ability to at least BHS Stage 1 standard on the flat and experience riding over short tracks of fences at 70cm. The Equine Academy has a weight limit of 85kg (13 stones 5llbs) for all riders. Riding assessments will be undertaken for ridden pathways in induction week. A ridden and a Facilities manager pathway are available to students and this can be discussed at interview.
Next Steps
  • Higher Education or employment.
Career Opportunities
  • Yard supervisor, Retail saddlery management trainee, Apprentice saddler/Saddle fitter, Country store management trainee, Event manager, Administrator/Junior management trainee in a range of equestrian related businesses, Yard office manager, Assistant Yard manager, Work rider, Trainee coach, Equine Welfare Assistant, Travelling groom, Clinical assistant (veterinary). You may also wish to become self-employed, and undertake roles such as a freelance groom, breaking and training young horses. A responsible and challenging career in the equine industry in the UK or abroad, progression to university or, with further training, a variety of therapeutic careers are attainable.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Times
Start date: End date: Start time: End time:
07-Sep-2026 18-Jun-2028 9.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m.
Attendance
Mode of attendance
Full Time
Timetable
Day of the week Number of sessions
Various
Course Fees

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.
Coastland 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 (to current BHS standard) with plain navy or black cover, body protector (to current BHS standard), hairnets for hair longer than collar length, gloves schooling whip and jump whip. Navy or black waterproof trousers and wellingtons and/or yard boots. Navy, black or dark grey jodhpurs or breeches, black or brown long leather riding boots or jodhpur boots and leather gaiters. Suitable navy or black base layers for cold weather. Plaiting kit.
Please note those on the estates and facilities management pathway will need steel toe capped boots.

What's next?

Is this course for you? Go ahead and book online now. If you'd like more information we are happy to answer any questions.