Level 2 Equine Care Course in Weymouth. Classes run at Weymouth College, full-time during the day. It's free for some learners, and fees may apply for others. If you're aged 19 to 25, you may be eligible for government funding or a student loan depending on your circumstances. You'll need some prior experience with horses and a riding ability at BHS Stage 1 standard. Over one year, you'll cover horse health and welfare, stable management, feeding, grooming, and handling. The course includes practical yard work, off-site work experience, and theory sessions.
Who this course is for
Further Education Students
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English, maths and science. You must have experience working with horses, a genuine interest and enthusiasm for horses is also essential. Riding ability demonstrated at interview needs to be BHS stage 1 standard to include the ability to ride over poles and basic jumping over individual fences from trot and canter at up to 70 cm.The Equine Academy has a weight limit of 85kg (13 Stone 5 llbs) for all riders.
What you will learn
You'll develop skills in equine health and welfare, including recognising signs of illness and injury.
You'll learn how to fit, clean, and maintain horse tack and equipment.
You'll carry out routine stable duties and yard work on a rota basis.
You'll apply the principles of feeding and watering horses correctly.
You'll practise horse handling and grooming to a professional standard.
You'll gain an introduction to lungeing horses safely.
You'll study equine anatomy, physiology, and behaviour (Grooms Pathway).
You'll ride horses under supervision and develop your technique (Ridden Pathway).
How you will learn
Learning combines practical instruction in the yard with classroom theory sessions. You'll take part in daily horse care, off-site work experience in the equine industry, and weekend duty days assisting with competitions. Assessment is through practical observation and theory work. As a British Horse Society examination centre, the college encourages students to sit relevant BHS exams alongside the qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Weymouth College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You should expect to wear appropriate yard clothing and footwear for practical sessions.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Groom: caring for horses in livery yards or racing stables.
Stable hand: daily yard duties and horse management.
Riding school assistant: supporting lessons and horse welfare.
Equine yard supervisor: overseeing yard routines and junior staff.
Horse trekking guide: leading riders on organised trail rides.
Racehorse handler: working with thoroughbreds in racing yards.
What you could study next
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Equine Management: a deeper study of equine science, business, and advanced horse care, suited to those aiming for supervisory or specialist roles.
British Horse Society (BHS) Stage 2 and beyond: professional coaching and stable management qualifications recognised across the industry.
Level 3 Animal Management Diploma: broadens your options into wider animal care and welfare roles.
