BHSQ Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care

About the course

This highly practical course is an excellent course for students progressing on from successfully completing the BHSQ Level 1 Diploma. It is also an ideal course for students looking to retrain or develop their skills and knowledge to enable career progression or entry into employment.

This qualification enables the student to carry out practical horse care skills under limited supervision. Learners will be able to demonstrate their skills and apply their knowledge through a range of work activities and routine tasks related to the care and use of horses.

Students look after the College horses, learning safe techniques for leading, turning out and catching them.

Year 1

Year 1

Clean and maintain stables

Carry out routing care and monitor the health and well-being of horses

Restrain horses using specified methods

Monitoring and maintaining health and safety

Maintain and develop personal performance

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Prepare a stable for a horse (Optional)

Care for horses after exercise (Optional)

Fit and remove horse clothing (Optional)

Plait and trim horses manes and tail (Optional)

Clean and groom horses for appearance (Optional)

Assess grazing land for the introduction of horses (Optional)

Turn out, catch and maintain horses when turned out (Optional)

Fit, remove and maintain tack for exercise (Optional)

Long rein a horse under supervision (Optional)

Ride horses on the road (Optional)

Ride a horse in the open (Optional)

Ride a schooled horse (Optional)

Jump a schooled horse (Optional)

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

Students needs to be over 16 and either hold a Level 1 Equine qualification or be able to demonstrate confidence and competence in basic horse care skills. (Students under the age of 16 may be eligible but specific funding arrangements will apply, please contact the College for further details).

Stable management will be developed within the College yard and students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of horse care. It is extremely popular with students who have completed the Level 1 BHSQ qualification and who wish to combine a practical based training programme with sound theoretical knowledge. The course contains plenty of practical work and so students applying for this course will be expected to be hardworking, keen to learn about horse care and willing to be hands on when working on the stable yard.

The optional Riding Unit allows students to develop their riding ability and skills. Students taking this unit will have one riding lesson per week. Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 14.5 stone for this unit.

Students completing this one year course will be well prepared for employment in the equine industry.

Progression

City and Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care.

Careers

Employment opportunities in Equine and its related industries are currently very good. The BHSQ Level 2 Diploma provides the qualification and experience for entry into the industry. Former students have gone on to work as grooms, stable yard assistants, stud grooms and for charity organisations.

Special requirements

Costs that are mandatory for the course:

Specialist Clothing and Equipment:

Costs approx £100

Plain navy blue or black jodhpurs
College sweatshirt/ polo shirt in navy/ black, or similar plain sweatshirt/ polo shirt
Navy or black jacket (warm and waterproof advised)
Boots for yard work – wellingtons or strong boots
Riding hat to current standard PAS015 or BSEN1384 along with the Kitemark
Gloves and hairnet
Riding boots or leather gaiters (suede chaps are not allowed as they rub the horse’s sides)
Jumping whip and schooling whip
Back protector is compulsory for jumping lessons

(Hooded jumpers, bright or garish clothing is not acceptable on the yards).

Costs that are optional for the course:

Enrichment Activities:

Students will be given the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities throughout the duration of the course. Most of these activities will be funded by the College, however at times the cost may be required to be covered by the student.

Work experience

Work experience is an essential part of the course - working on the College's own yard - this will be one day per week. Students will also have the opportunity to be involved in world class jumping, dressage and show events to be held at the College.

Equine Studies

The equine industry in the United Kingdom is expanding rapidly, with a turnover approaching £1 billion per year. It encompasses many different sectors, from racing, driving and endurance to dressage, horse trials and show jumping. These areas are supported by a large ancillary industry which provides extensive career opportunities.

Student Livery

More information about student livery can be found here

Riding Hat Standards

More information about hat standards can be found here

Myerscough College - Equine Studies - Arena

Fantastic resources

The equine department at Myerscough College has excellent resources including a busy international equestrian arena, indoor and outdoor schools, motion analysis software, coldwater therapy spa and specialist laboratories. As well as this, we have more than 50 quality horses on site of various sizes, breeds and standards, stabled in three professional and friendly yards.

A Reputation for Excellence

Myerscough College is widely recognised as one of the leading equine colleges in Britain. The facilities and expert knowledge of tutors provides an ideal learning environment. Our staff are active in equine research, with a particular focus on equine performance and equine locomotion.

RESEARCH STUDIES:

Investigating Risk Factors in Equestrian Eventing

Setting the gold standard for equestrian sports surfaces

Latest news, Equine studies

Former student Harrison Ashton with a horse

Meet our Equine Mentors

At Myerscough we work closely with professionals from across the equine industry to give our students current and up to date information and help them to develop the knowledge and skills they need for the wide range of job roles available within the industry.

Our equine industry mentors' scheme is set up to give our students valuable career advice and guidance from industry professionals that have not only been very successful in their chosen careers but have also been students at Myerscough College.

Find out more!