Level 2 BTEC Diploma in Horse Care

(formerly known as the First Diploma in Horse Care)

Course Aim

This one year practical course in horse care offers young people the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills required for practical jobs within the equine sector.

Course content

The main areas of study are:

  • Horse handling and exercise
  • Horse industry and organisations
  • Introduction to animal and plant biology
  • Introduction to horse care
  • Practical land based skills
  • Riding horses
  • Work related experience in the horse industry

Work placement

A minimum of five weeks approved work placement is an integral part of this course. Students are encouraged to find work in their area of interest such as breeding, racing, competition yards or riding schools.

Careers destinations

The course provides an opportunity for students to progress to the the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management.

Alternatively, students are well positioned to find employment in a diverse range of sectors within the equine industry including: racing, show jumping, eventing, dressage and showing, riding schools, livery yards and studs.

Graduate's View: Sinead McCarney

Sinead McCarney

“I really enjoyed studying the Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care. I feel I gained a lot of knowledge and experience in caring for and exercising horses.  I also got the opportunity to complete my five-week work placement in a showjumping yard.  This gave me great insight into the sport and also great experience looking after five horses at a show. I have progressed onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management to further my qualifications and experience to help me in the future.”

What Next?
Fact File

Course Location:

Enniskillen Campus which includes Necarne Castle.

Course Duration:

One year, most of which is spent at the Campus with a minimum of five weeks being spent on approved work placement.

Entry requirements:

Normally two Grade Cs or three Grade Ds at GCSE or equivalent. Normally a minimum of 40 hours equine industrial experience is also required.  Basic skills in horse riding are essential for those wishing to undertake the riding module. Students who have not attained a Grade C in English and Mathematics at GCSE or equivalent have to complete Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy.

Applicants must also demonstrate that they have a minimum of 40 hours of industrial experience in the equine industry, which can be acquired prior to leaving school.

Course Manager:

Sharon McLaren

Course Contact:

sharon.mclaren@dardni.gov.uk

enquiries@cafre.ac.uk

Telephone:

028 6634 4823
(Use 048 6634 4842 from RoI)

Text Phone:

028 9052 4420

Progression:

Students who successfully complete the course may be eligible to progress to the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma  in Horse Management.

Student riding across bridge