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Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Horse Care)

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 1

Course Overview

This course will provide a basic introduction to horse care and riding skills within an educational environment. Delivery of the course is practically based with some theory lessons including English and maths as necessary. Learners will focus on team building, relevant industry placement and developing skills ready to make their next step.

As part of this study programme students are required to study GCSE maths and English if a grade 4 has not already been achieved. This is an essential part of the programme in order for students to develop the literacy and numeracy skills required for successful entry into employment and/or progression onto future courses.

The course is delivered through a series of 7 Units composed of both practical and theoretical components. Delivery will be through student-centred theory and practical lessons, complemented by interactive, computer-based activities and yard work. A high degree of importance is placed on the development of the practical skills students will be using within the equestrian workplace.

Course Code

FF1CEQN1B0

End Date

Fri, 03 Jul 2026

Entry Requirements

Two GCSEs at grade 2 or above.

Applicants must be able to pass a riding assessment at an interview. The minimum requirement is to walk, trot and...

Course information

The programme is made up of seven units, including but not limited to:

Safe and effective working practices in land-based industries
Develop performance in land-based industries
Assist with the preparation for exercise and aftercare of horses
Exercise horses under supervision. Industrial experience in land-based industries
Assist with feeding and watering
Maintain the health of horses

Internal and External Work Experience with a two week block placement.

Practical work and routine stable duties in the BCA Equestrian Centre are integral to this programme of study.

–NB – BCA has a 15st weight limit for all riders (weight is inclusive of all riding equipment and saddle)–

1 Year

A mixture of theory, practical taught sessions and practical sessions of internal industry placement on the BCA Equestrian Centre and an external industry placement.

Most units are assessed internally and are set and marked by your tutors through a range of approaches including practical, oral and written assessments. Two units are assessed via an external online exam.

Level 1 Diploma in Land-Based Studies (Horse Care). GCSE maths and English

Additional qualifications:

All students are require to be Gold members British Horse Society (BHS) this will enable learners to work towards their Progressive Riding Tests and Riding Safely on the Roads awards.

Compulsory internal work experience in the form of routine stable duties and a two week external industry placement within the equine industry.

This course can lead to a variety of practical grooming roles within the equine industry.

Level 1

Please be aware that we have a 15st weight limit for all riders (inclusive of all riding equipment and saddle). Students are weighed each half term and during induction for the above purpose.

Working in the equine industry can be highly rewarding but it requires hard work and dedication. You will need to be comfortable with working outdoors in all weathers, You will undertake a wide range of practical tasks working within teams of students and staff throughout the course.

We have a strict dress code for working on our Equine Centre and, as such, you need to be prepared to follow instructions from all staff in order to maintain your own health, safety and welfare and that of our horses. English and Maths will be built into your college timetable should you have not achieved a Grade 4 in these areas.

Equipment/uniform: A riding hat to the current standards of PAS015, ASTM F1163, SNELL E2001 AND AS/NZS 3838 are required. All hats will be checked and tagged prior to riding and any deemed old, worn or dangerous must be replaced before students will be allowed to ride.

A back protector to the current standard (Level 3 2018) is required for all pole work, jumping and hacking lessons, students are also welcome to use these for flat sessions if they wish. Gloves are compulsory for all practical and riding sessions and for internal work experience when leading horses.

Hairnets are compulsory for all riding and groundwork sessions.Students should have a short jumping whip and a long dressage whip for riding lessons. We advise 2-3 pairs of dark plain colour jodhpurs (no bright or patterned colours) for everyday use.

BCA polo shirts and jumpers/rugby shirts must be worn for practical, riding lessons and internal work experience days. NO hoodies, leggings, vests or jeans are allowed on the yard at any time. In wet weather over trousers and full chaps are of course permitted for yard sessions.

If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability or Additional Educational Need, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can also assist you with this.

You may be required to make set contributions towards educational trips and/or travel expenses to local events. Any BHS exams undertaken are an addtional cost.