Free Level 2 Horse Care Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You train in your current job or work placement in the equine industry, building practical skills while you earn. The course runs over 12 months and covers three routes: Horse Care, Horse Care and Riding, and Breeding. You'll need some basic equine experience or a Level 1 qualification, and you must be working or volunteering at an equine yard.
Who this course is for
A Level 2 work-based Horse Care qualification is for anyone with a job or work placement in the equine industry, who is looking to build an equine career. You should ideally have a Level 1 or basic experience/skills in the equine industry.
It is a work-related, competence-based qualification. The different routes
available within this qualification are Horse Care, Horse Care and Riding and Breeding.
Entry requirements
This Level 2 course requires you to have some basic experience, and/or a level 1.
You will need to be working or volunteering in an equine yard. Please contact us directly to discuss your individual entry requirements to see if you are suitable for the course.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical horse care skills in a working equine yard.
You'll learn how to handle, groom, and maintain the health and welfare of horses.
You'll understand stable management, including mucking out, bedding, and yard routines.
You'll learn how to feed and water horses safely and correctly.
You'll develop knowledge of horse health, recognising signs of illness or injury.
You'll gain skills specific to your chosen route: Horse Care, Horse Care and Riding, or Breeding.
How you will learn
This is a competence-based qualification assessed in your workplace. Assessment is ongoing and practical, carried out in your day-to-day job role. A trained assessor will observe you working, review your performance, and gather evidence of your competence across the qualification's units. You may also complete written or knowledge-based tasks to support your practical evidence.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Keits will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Groom. Caring for horses day-to-day at a yard or stables.
Stable hand. Supporting yard operations and horse welfare.
Equine yard assistant. General horse care and stable management.
Stud hand. Working in horse breeding on a stud farm.
Riding school assistant. Supporting instructors and caring for school horses.
Horse trainer's assistant. Supporting training programmes under supervision.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care (City and Guilds) - the next step for those wanting to take on more responsibility in yard management or specialist equine roles.
Level 3 Diploma in Horse Management - suitable if you want to move into supervisory or management positions within the equine industry.
British Horse Society (BHS) qualifications - widely used in the equine sector alongside work-based routes for those pursuing riding or coaching careers.
