Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
If you’re ready to take your passion for horses to the next level, the Level 2 Diploma in Work-Based Horse Care is a fantastic opportunity to build your skills and knowledge for a career in the equine industry. Developed by the British Horse Society (BHS) and leading employers, this course prepares you to work with horses under limited supervision, in both professional and practical settings.
You will explore a range of units that help you:
- Maintain clean and safe stables and paddocks
- Feed horses and monitor their health and wellbeing
- Handle horses confidently and safely
- Understand horse behaviour, welfare, and routine care
You will take part in practical sessions in our equine facilities, where you’ll be involved in daily yard duties such as mucking out, grooming, exercising horses, and maintaining equipment. Classroom-based lessons will support your understanding of the theory behind horse care and management.
As part of the course, you will follow one of two specialist pathways:
- Groom Pathway – Focuses on developing your skills in stable management, horse care, and yard duties. Ideal if you’re aiming to work in livery yards, riding schools, or as a professional groom.
- Riding Pathway – Includes flatwork and jumping, helping you improve your riding technique and confidence in the saddle. This pathway is perfect if you’re looking to combine horse care with riding experience and progress toward riding qualifications.
Your programme of study includes: The BHSQ Level 2 Diploma in Work-Based Horse Care, Functional Skills or GCSE English and Maths (depending on your previous qualifications), work experience placements and weekend duties to build your confidence and employability.
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
- Achieve four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English language, science and maths.
- Completion of a taster day.
- 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 1 Rides Standard. For details please visit https://www.bhs.org.uk/media/pyolvz4i/stage-1-ride-qualification-structure-09-09-19.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
Assessment is carried out through continuous assessment at your work experience placement, our equine centre and in the classroom. You will produce a portfolio of evidence that includes your own work, as well as observation forms signed off by your assessors.
You will need to complete 150 hours work experience to ensure you develop sufficient practical skills for this qualification.
Course Progression
Upon successful completion and achieving your English and Maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, you could progress to Level 3 Extended Diploma in Equine Management.
If you need to continue with either English or Maths, you could study the Level 3 Certificate in Equine Management.
Where Your Course Can Take You
You could consider a career working as a Yard Groom, Trekking Assistant, Stud Hand or Equine Retail Assistant.
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.
