Free Level 2 Equine Care Course in Ipswich. Classes run full-time at Suffolk New College Suffolk Rural, five days a week during the day. The course runs for one year and covers the practical skills and knowledge needed to work with horses. You'll study horse health, stable management, and equine nutrition, with hands-on yard work central to your training. Entry requires three GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including English Language, Maths and Science, or a Level 1 qualification at Merit with GCSEs in English and Maths. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required.
Who this course is for
Please see view the course at http://www.suffolk.ac.uk/courses
Entry requirements
3 GCSEs at a Grade 3 or above, including English Language, Maths and Science. Or, a Level 1 qualification (at Merit), plus GCSE Grade 3 in English Language and Maths. If you wish to pursue a Riding Pathway, you will be invited to a riding assessment, which we will use to determine the most appropriate pathway for you. Due to the practical nature of the course a reasonable level of physical fitness is required to complete essential tasks on the yard.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical horse handling and stable management skills.
You'll learn how to monitor equine health and recognise signs of illness.
You'll study equine nutrition and feeding routines.
You'll understand how to maintain a safe yard environment.
You'll learn about horse anatomy and physiology.
You'll develop skills in grooming, tacking up, and basic horse care tasks.
You'll gain knowledge of equine behaviour and how to work safely around horses.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and hands-on practical work on the yard. Assessment includes written assignments, practical observations, and skills demonstrations. If you choose the Riding Pathway, you'll attend a riding assessment at the start of the course so the right pathway can be confirmed for you. Classroom-based learning supports the practical elements throughout the year.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Suffolk New College Suffolk Rural will confirm anything else you need before you start. Given the practical yard work involved, suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear are strongly advisable.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Groom: caring for horses day-to-day in a yard or stable
Stable hand: mucking out, feeding, and maintaining horse facilities
Equine yard assistant: supporting senior staff with horse management
Riding school assistant: helping with lessons and horse welfare
Horse care assistant: entry-level role at livery yards or equestrian centres
Stud farm worker: supporting breeding and foal care operations
What you could study next
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management: a natural next step if you want to move into supervisory or specialist equine roles.
Level 3 Diploma in Farriery (pre-apprenticeship): for those interested in hoof care as a trade.
Equine Science degree (university): for those who want to move into research, veterinary nursing, or equine therapy.
British Horse Society (BHS) qualifications: industry-recognised awards that support careers in riding instruction and yard management.
