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City and Guilds Level One Award/Certificate in Land-based Studies Horse Care (14-16 Programme)

About the course

This course is currently being reviewed. Applications will not open until a decision has been made.

This course is very practical in its content and covers a wide range of practical skills required when working with horses to include feeding and watering, horse health, caring for and handling horses, fitting and removing horse clothing and tack and also daily exercising of horses. The majority of the course is based on the equine stable yard though some work will be in the classroom. Students must have a strong interest in looking after and caring for horses. The riding of College horses is subject to ability and experience.

Students will complete the Award in year one and year 10 students will progress to complete the Certificate in year two. The course will be assessed through a range of methods including practical observations, written assessments and one externally marked test each academic year.

Parents/Schools, please note when completing the application form you must use child’s name and DOB but the parent/school email and telephone number. All official documents, interview and enrolment information will be emailed on the parent/school email provided and this could be anytime from the time of application through to September. If the email changes it is important you let us know. Failure to do so could lead to the application being withdrawn from the process.

Course modules

Year 1

Assist with the Care of Animals

In this unit students will monitor the health and condition of the animals, and provide feed and water for them.

Adopt Good Bio-security Practices at Work

In this unit students will assist with maintaining appropriate levels of bio-security in the workplace, including personal hygiene and the use of appropriate PPE.

Identify Weeds

This unit will enable students to demonstrate their knowledge required to identify weeds found within the countryside.

Assist with the Exercise of Animals

In this unit the students will gain an insight into different types of exercise available to horses, gaining experience with a range of equipment and techniques.

Assist with the Handling and Restraint of Animals

In this module students will work on safe handing of the horse and methods of restraining the horse e.g. for the vet or farrier.

Assist with the Preparation and Maintenance of Animal Accommodation

In this unit students will prepare stables for new horses and practice different systems of mucking out. The unit covers different types of stabling, the various materials used for bedding and suitable fixtures and fittings for a stable and yard. Students will develop the knowledge and understanding of sustainability within a stable yard.

Year 2

Assist with feeding and watering animals

This unit covers the basic feeding and watering requirements for horses. It encompasses a variety of different feeding and watering systems.

Team Work in Environmental Studies

In this unit students will be able to work cooperatively with colleagues to achieve good communication and reach the group's objectives.

Principles of the Preparation and the Monitoring of Livestock Outdoors

This unit content will enable students to demonstrate skills in selecting, preparing and maintaining animal feed, water and accommodation.

Assist with Maintaining the Health and Well-being of Horses

This module covers general health problems associated with every day care of the horse in the stable and kept out at grass.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

Students need to be 14 or over with some horse related experience and have functional English, Maths and Science skills.

Learning and assessment

Multiple choice exam, assignments and portfolio of evidence of practical skills.

Group Size: 12.

Credit value: Certificate 18, Diploma 42.

Progression

Students who successfully complete the course may wish to study full time at Myerscough or at another college or enrol onto a work based apprenticeship.

Special requirements

Costs that are mandatory for the course: (Approx £100)

Black or navy jodhpurs and sweatshirt.

Dark jacket.

Long or short riding boots.

Gloves, hairnet and short whip.

Pen, folder and paper.

Riding hat.

Myerscough College Accepted Hat Standards

PAS 015

ASTM F1163

SNELL E2001

BSEN 1384

EN 1384

Course fees apply to school educated students. Please refer to the 14-16 prospectus

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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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING OUR VOCATIONAL OFFER FOR HOME EDUCATED STUDENTS FROM SEPTEMBER 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians,

After a thorough strategic review, the College has decided to withdraw vocational options for students who are Electively Home Educated, effective from September 2025. This decision is part of our broader plan to streamline our educational offerings and focus on providing high-quality technical education.

Please note that this change will not impact students who are attending Myerscough College through their schools. Our commitment to delivering exceptional education to school-attending students remains unchanged.

Our goal is to communicate these changes as early as possible to allow ample time for you to make any necessary adjustments.

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding this decision, please do not hesitate to contact the 14-16 Team. We are here to support you and provide any additional information you may need.

You can email us at 14to16@myerscough.ac.uk or call 01995 642222.

14-16 EHE Transition Options

Here’s a list of alternative provisions for 14-16 home-educated students, along with the steps to enrol in Year 11 while remaining connected to a school:

  • Preston College
  • CAST Wigan
  • Lancaster and Morcombe
  • Preston Vocational Centre
  • Tower Learning
  • Preston Vocational Centre

Alternatively, there is a list of colleges that provide 14-16 Provision across the country on Ed Yourself. See link - 14-16 College – Ed Yourself

Steps to apply to Myerscough for Year 11

Contact the Local Authority regarding available school places.

Once a suitable school has been sourced.

Discuss the option of Myerscough with the school.

If discussions are successful, the school can request an application form and submit.

Offers will be made based on taster sessions, pen portrait and school report.

Additional support

Myerscough will arrange for copies of academic reports to be sent to educational providers in order to support and enhance the likelihood of securing a school or alternative provision placement for students.

Additionally, please access the links below to help with guidance and support during this transition period:

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/professional/resources/supporting-school-transitions/

Supporting children's transition to secondary school: guidance for parents and carers | Anna Freud