Start Date
- September 2026, 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 study the City and Guilds Level 3 Technical Diploma in Equine Management, focusing on the essential skills needed to work safely and effectively around horses. 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 progress to the Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma, where 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 in your chosen pathway:
- 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 The National Stud, Great Yarmouth Racecourse and supporting events such as the Royal Norfolk Show.
Your programme also includes work experience placements and weekend duties.
Why Choose Easton College?
£7bn
The UK equine industry is worth £7bn and is particularly strong in the East of England, which has a global reputation for horse breeding.
Gain industry experience
Our college has strong links with the industry, ensuring high quality work experience opportunities at livery stables breeders, trainers and equine charities.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our Equestrian Centre contains an outstanding range of facilities, is a highly commended British Horse Society approved yard and hosts a wide variety of dressage competitions and events throughout the year.
Entry Requirements
You will need to achieve 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language, science and maths. You will also need to complete a taster day.
If you're interested in joining the Riding Pathway, we want to make sure you feel confident, safe, and supported while working with our horses. To help us place you on the right pathway, you’ll need to complete a riding assessment before starting the course.
As a guide, your riding ability should be close to the British Horse Society (BHS) Stage 2 Ride standard. This means you should be able to walk, trot, and canter in a balanced position, and ride safely in a group. You can find more details about the BHS Stage 1 Ride qualification here: 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 limit of 85 kg for students on the Riding Pathway. This is based on professional guidance and the needs of our horses, and we appreciate your understanding.
If riding isn’t the right fit for you, we offer a Groom Pathway as an alternative. This option allows you to work closely with horses and develop excellent care and stable management skills, without the need to ride.
How You Will Be Assessed
To achieve the Level 3 in Equine Management, you will need to complete 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
Students studying the Groom Pathway could consider a career as a Groom, Equine Handler, Event Manager Assistant or Retail Saddlery.
Students studying the Riding Pathway could consider a career as a Exercising Assistant, Trainee Coach, Yard Assistant or 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.
