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Free Level 2 Horse Care Course in Sunderland

CostFREE
Duration1 hour
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 2 Horse Care Course in Sunderland. Classes run at Sunderland College Bede Campus, full-time over one year.

The course splits equally between practical and theoretical sessions. You'll study eight mandatory units and one optional unit. Optional units include riding or care of the competition horse. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 3 to 9, including Maths and English, to enrol.

You'll finish with a City and Guilds Extended Certificate in Horse Care.

Who this course is for

This course is a one year, full-time programme and includes 8 mandatory units and 1 optional unit. The course is split equally between practical and theoretical sessions. You can choose riding as an optional unit, however, please note that if you are over 13 stone you may not be able to ride due to our weight limit policy. If you do not want to ride there are other optional units you can choose to complete your qualification, such as care of the competition horse. This course will prepare you for work in a range of businesses, including riding schools, livery yards, welfare charities and will also prepare you for Level 3 progression to equine management. The course includes health and safety, equine health and welfare, feeding and watering, tack and equipment, stable duties, feeding and watering, an introduction to lungeing, handling and grooming and riding on the flat. You will undertake real work experience both at the college yard and in an external placement.

Entry requirements

You will need 4 GCSE's at grade 3-9 including Maths and English.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical skills in daily horse care and stable management.
  • You'll learn how to feed and water horses correctly.
  • You'll study horse health, recognising signs of illness and injury.
  • You'll understand equine behaviour and how to handle horses safely.
  • You'll learn grooming techniques and how to prepare a horse for exercise.
  • You'll explore the care of the competition horse as an optional unit.
  • You'll build knowledge of equine anatomy and physiology.

How you will learn

The course is delivered through a mix of classroom sessions and hands-on practical work. You'll be assessed through a combination of practical observations, assignments, and written tasks. Sessions are daytime and full-time across the academic year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Sunderland College Bede Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Equine groom, caring for horses at a yard or stables.
  • Stable hand, supporting daily yard operations and horse welfare.
  • Riding school assistant, helping with lessons and horse preparation.
  • Horse breeder's assistant, supporting breeding and foal care.
  • Equestrian centre worker, maintaining facilities and caring for horses.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management, a deeper study of equine science and yard management for those wanting to advance.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management, suited to those aiming for supervisory or specialist roles in the equine industry.
  • Apprenticeship in Horse Care, combining work-based learning with a recognised qualification.
Apply on sunderlandcollege.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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