This course is for school students, where the school has agreed to fund the placement.
The City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care (500/8771/X) has been developed to provide an engaging introduction to the equine industry, a valuable sector which contributes around £8 billion a year to the economy.
Students will have the opportunity to learn the technical knowledge and skills sought after by the industry at our Equestrian Centre which is equipped with a purpose-built indoor arena, an all-weather outdoor school, a cross-country schooling field and off-road riding tracks around the beautiful Broomfield estate.
This course is delivered over two years, starting in Year 10, and students will study at Broomfield Hall one day a week.
There are two available pathways within this qualification: a riding pathway and a lunging pathway. For students wishing to undertake the riding pathway, we operate a personal weight restriction of no more than 13 stone (82.5kg) to ensure the welfare of our horses. Students must also be able to walk, trot and canter independent of the rein – this will be assessed at the start of the term to ensure the riding pathway is suitable.
There are no formal entry requirements, you just need a strong interest in caring for horses and adequate experience of working with or riding horses.
You will be assessed during the first term at College to ensure this is the most suitable course for you, with fall-back options available.
You will need to complete four mandatory units:
You will also need to complete three optional units plus the units relevant to the pathway you are undertaking:
The course is assessed using a range of methods both practical and theoretical: verbal discussions, demonstrations, written reports and presentations. You will be required to build a portfolio of evidence of your practical skills, knowledge and understanding.
Students must supply their own equipment and Derby College Group uniform (this will be discussed at interview). You will also be required to supply your own writing materials and folders to store work in.
Further Study
Upon completion of the qualification, and depending on the grades achieved and other qualifications achieved, students may wish to progress to:
You will be able to access advice and guidance while studying at the College to learn more about the post-16 opportunities available for you.
Careers
Further study can lead to a variety of careers, including:
For more information, email the 14-16 team at 14-16@derby-college.ac.uk
Derby College student Emma Whay has ridden since childhood but never imagined she’d be starting a foundation degree in equine studies in her thirties.
Although always passionate about horses, Emma, now 34, trained as a hairdresser immediately after leaving school at 15 and hadn’t planned on an academic career.
Years later though, she started to see learning through her two children’s eyes, and, as they got older, felt she’d missed a chunk of her education by leaving school so young.
And the opportunity to put that right came when she started going to watch her elder son compete in equestrian events at Broomfield Hall.
She said: “It was through going to Broomfield with him that I saw how lovely the equine facilities were and how well run everything was. So, I decided to contact Derby College about equine courses but was concerned that not being able to commit to five days a week on site, and not having had an academic education, might limit my options. I needn’t have worried though. The staff were so supportive and some of my studying can be flexible.”
Because of her life experience and lifelong knowledge of horses, it was agreed Emma didn’t need to attend campus every day – giving her chance to continue her hairdressing business (when pandemic rules allow) and be there for her two boys, aged seven and 11.
She added: “We’ve been learning remotely because of lockdown but the tutors have still made learning interesting and we still feel supported. College is also supporting me to complete my maths GCSE. When we’re able to do so, we spend as much time as possible at Broomfield, which I love.”
Emma, who is considering a career in tutoring, horse nutrition or equine physio once she’s got her top-up degree, has her own horse, 19-year-old Venus.
Emma added: “I’ve taken Venus into Broomfield a few times, which is brilliant. There are not many courses where you can take your horse to college! Venus is on a livery yard not far from my home and I’m able to gain work experience with the yard owner, who supports my ongoing education.”
It was through going to Broomfield with him that I saw how lovely the equine facilities were and how well run everything was. So, I decided to contact Derby College about equine courses but was concerned that not being able to commit to five days a week on site, and not having had an academic education, might limit my options. I needn’t have worried though. The staff were so supportive and some of my studying can be flexible.