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Free Level 2 Equine Care Course in Preston

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 2 Equine Care Course in Preston. Classes run at Myerscough College And University Centre, full-time during the day. The course runs for one year and combines practical stable yard work with classroom study. You'll develop horse handling, grooming, feeding, health and welfare skills, and riding or behaviour skills depending on your chosen route. An 80-hour external work placement is part of the programme. Entry normally requires 3 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including English, Maths and a science or related subject. There is a maximum weight limit of 14.5 stone for the riding units.

Who this course is for

The Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care provides practical knowledge and experience combined with academic studies. Stable management and riding skills will be developed within the College Equine Department and students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of horse care. It is extremely popular with school leavers who wish to combine a practical based training programme with sound theoretical knowledge. This course is ideally suited to students who wish to spend a year developing their knowledge and experience working with horses. This course is highly practical and learners applying for this course will be expected to be hardworking, keen to learn about horse care and willing to take a ‘hands on’ approach when working on the stable yard.

Entry requirements

This course covers practical skills and relevant background knowledge. Students are normally aged 16 or over and the following qualifications are needed: 3 GCSEs at Grade 3 (D) or equivalent, including English Language, Maths and Science (or related subject). Check FE Admission guide for changes and equivalencies.

Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 14.5 stone for the riding units.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop horse handling and grooming skills on the stable yard.
  • You'll learn how to feed and water horses correctly.
  • You'll study equine health and welfare, including recognising signs of illness.
  • You'll understand horse tack, equipment, and how to fit and care for it.
  • You'll practise lungeing horses under supervision.
  • You'll study health and safety practices for land-based industries.
  • You'll choose a riding route (riding and exercising horses) or a behaviour route (principles of horse behaviour and assisting with transportation).
  • You'll complete 80 hours of external work experience in the equine industry.

How you will learn

Learning is classroom-based and highly practical, with a significant amount of time spent working on the college's stable yard. You'll combine hands-on horse care with academic study. Assessment is through the City and Guilds Technical Certificate framework, covering both practical competence and underpinning knowledge. The course runs over 35 weeks full-time.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Myerscough College And University Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start. Given the practical nature of the course, suitable yard clothing and footwear are likely to be discussed at enrolment.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Groom: caring for horses day-to-day in a yard or stable.
  • Stable hand: mucking out, feeding, and general yard duties.
  • Riding school assistant: supporting instructors and caring for school horses.
  • Equine yard worker: working across all aspects of horse management.
  • Horse handler: leading, exercising, and managing horses safely.
  • Livery yard assistant: supporting horse owners at a livery yard.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management: the natural next step for those wanting to deepen their knowledge and take on more responsibility in the equine industry.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Horse Care and Management: broadens skills toward supervisory or specialist roles.
  • British Horse Society (BHS) qualifications: widely used in the equine industry for coaching and yard management roles, and can be pursued alongside or after this Certificate.
Apply on myerscough.ac.uk →
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