Diploma in Equine Management

Course information

If you already have experience with horses as well as the passion & determination to turn it into a career then this is the course for you. It will help you to take your existing skills to a professional sphere & prepare you to work in the equine industry or progress to higher education.

You will have lectures in a range of subjects from Nutrition to Fitness, as well as practical lessons.

We are very lucky to have both indoor and outdoor schools, stabling for 55 horses that are all rubber matted and have automatic water drinkers as well as a 5 horse-walker, 2 hot wash bays and solariums.

The equestrian centre has 30 acres of grazing that is split into smaller paddocks, a cross country schooling area and lots of beautiful hacking available.

You’ll be able to ride a range of horses at college that are suited to develop your individual skills.

Level 3 students organise and run shows in a range of disciplines and also have the chance to compete in them on our college horses. We are also a BHS exam centre so can support you in taking these additional qualifications.

When on yard duties you will be undertaking normal horse care tasks such as feeding, mucking out, grooming and also clipping throughout the winter. As part of the duty team you will also have the opportunity to learn supervisory skills, getting you ready for a career with horses.

We often have competitions at weekends in our Equestrian Centre so you will also have the opportunity to get involved with these. You could learn to be a steward, work with a course builder or write for a dressage judge.
You’ll be learning from experienced and well qualified staff, who are there to ensure you reach your full potential.

What You Will Learn

Over the two years you will develop a broad range of knowledge to underpin your skills when working with & caring for horses as well as investigating the equine industry itself. Your subjects range from equine health & behaviour to the principles of Equitation & business.

You will learn the practical stable management skills that will enable you to be a valuable employee in the future & have the opportunity to ride & lunge a range of horses that are suitable to help you to develop your skills. We encourage you to take the BHS stages alongside your programme which look great on your CV & there’s also the option to take a coaching module to support those who would like to be instructors themselves in the future.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and/or Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and maths and/or English at GCSE Grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2.

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English, Maths & Science.

Riding pathway:
To be able to walk, trot and canter & jump in balance with the horse. Video evidence will be required at interview.
There is a 13 stone weight limit to riding at Duchy College Equestrian Centre.

Non-riding pathway:
To be confident handling a range of different horses, completing different tasks including, mucking out, grooming, tacking up and turning out horses.

Work Experience

In the first year of this course you will undertake a short work experience placement in the equine industry & a much longer industry placement in the second year. This is your opportunity to find out more about a sector of the industry that most interests you or experience something totally new. You will be supported in finding a suitable placement & encouraged to expand your horizons! How about a racing yard in Newmarket, working with an Equine Physiotherapist or as a groom for a top competition rider?

Assessment

You will take a written exam which is externally set by City & Guilds. There is also a synoptic assessment, which is a controlled assessment made up of scenario based practical and written tasks in which you can show your knowledge & practical skills. These assessments really reward hard work & initiative which are highly prized skills in the equine industry & are scheduled between February and May.

The optional units are assessed with practical assessment & assignments throughout the academic year & the Biology & Health & Safety exams are taken in the summer term.

Progression

This course is equivalent to doing A-levels at school & is a stepping stone to many options. This will give you UCAS points to progress to Higher Education either at Duchy College or another institution.

If you prefer a more practical route you could go on to an apprenticeship, or depending on your age and skills, employment. We have ex -students working with horses all around the world!

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Set on stunning rolling hillsides, our campus epitomises the very best of land-based education. The recent addition of the £4 million Future Farm research facility means students and businesses are at the heart of the next evolution of environmental farming. Whether it’s a love of horses, sport, protective services, heavy machinery or animal care, nobody forgets their time at Duchy College Stoke Climsland. It’s time to secure your #careercollege experience.

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Events

Open Event

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Open Event at Duchy College Stoke Climsland

• 25 Jan 25
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Taster Event

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Taster Day at Duchy College Stoke Climsland

• 18 Feb 25
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