Where will this course lead?

There are many diverse businesses and opportunities within this sector, for example riding schools, livery yards, competition yards, trekking centres, breeders, trainers, welfare charities and freelance services. You may choose a job where riding is involved, or you may choose a non-riding role, for example in retail, manufacturing or event management. There are many allied businesses such as membership bodies, professional associations or those involved with education and training. Working with horses is extremely rewarding, but it can require hard work, with long hours.

Dedication and enthusiasm to the role are key to success. This qualification is suitable if you are 16 years old, or over. You will gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge that are important when you are working with horses or progressing to further learning and training in this area.

What will I study?

Throughout your studies, you will cover the following unit:

  • Health and safety for the land-based industries
  • Equine health and welfare
  • Working in the equine industry
  • Horse tack and equipment
  • Undertake routine stable duties
  • The principles of feeding and watering horses
  • Horse handling and grooming
  • Introduction to lungeing horses
  • Introduction to equine anatomy and physiology
  • Principles of horse behaviour

How will this course be delivered?

Your 1 year course will consist of three or four days of study, depending on your entry GCSE results. One of these days will be spent at the Equine Yard where you will be undertaking both practical and theory -based activities, and the other days spent at Blossomfield Campus. In addition, you will be required to attend an external work placement one day per week in order to gain a total of 150 hours on the duration of your course, and you are expected to complete approximately 10 hours of independent study per week.

What qualifications will I get?

City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed by externally set exams and assignments and you will be assessed on skills such as animal handling, husbandry and dealing with colleagues and members of the public.

What are the entry requirements?

Minimum qualifications for this course are: - Two GCSE passes at grade D/3 or above in Science, English or Maths and/or a suitable reference from your previous/current tutor or employer - A successful interview.

What else do I need to know?

In order to complete the course, you need a one-day-a-week equine work placement starting in September. Good levels of English and Maths are important for your success in your course, your chosen vocation and life.

Throughout your course you will continue to develop your English and Maths skills in your vocational classes. If you haven't achieved an A*/9 - C/4 grade in English or Maths at GCSE, you will also be working towards a qualification in English or Maths at a level that will enable you to progress towards a GCSE grade C/4+. If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we can help with this too.

What can I do after this course?

Providing you successfully complete the course and a good reference; you can progress onto Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Equine Management or Level 2/3 Apprenticeship in Equine of full time employment. For the Apprenticeship you will need to be in employment for approximately 30 hours per week, this can be discussed at your interview.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A for 16 to 18 year olds

Course Code

ANEAB330BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Zoo Keeper

Zoo Keepers work directly with animals on a daily basis, looking after their feeding, cleaning and health needs.

What’s Involved?

Zoo Keepers feed, wash, groom, trim and exercise animals. They clean animals' quarters and renew bedding as necessary. They also house, feed, exercise, train, groom horses, dogs and other animals in preparation for entry to shows, races and other events. They check animals for illness, treats minor ailments or call for vets if further treatment is required. They meet prospective owners and advise on animal selection and animal care. They patrol public areas to search for and capture stray or nuisance dogs, and transport captured animals to kennels.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.