Free Level 2 Work Based Horse Care Course in Norwich. Classes run at Easton College, full-time during the day, over one year. Designed with the British Horse Society, this work based horse care qualification builds the skills you need to care for and work with horses under limited supervision. You'll cover stable maintenance, feeding, health monitoring, and horse handling. Entry requires four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English, Maths, and Science, plus a taster day.
Who this course is for
The Level 2 in Horse Care has been designed by the British Horse Society (BHS) and employers to develop your skills and knowledge to a level where you will be able to take care and work with horses, under limited supervision. You'll explore a range of units to develop your skills and knowledge around stable maintenance, feeding horses, monitoring health and wellbeing, and handling horses. The Program of Study combines the British Horse Society Qualifications (BHSQ) Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care, with Functional Skills or GCSE English and Maths lessons (depending on previous qualifications), work experience and weekend duties. You will need to purchase your PPE for the Equine Centre. Details with what is required will be provided at enrolment. You will work in all weather conditions, both indoors and outdoors, ensuring our horses are provided with the highest welfare standards. During practical sessions, you will be involved with yard duties, which includes mucking out, maintaining the yards and paddocks, feeding, grooming and exercising the horses.
Entry requirements
� Achieve 4 GCSE's at grade 3 or above, including English Language, Science and Maths. � Completion of a taster day Entry onto the Riding Pathway will require successful completion of a riding assessment. As a guide, students should have a riding ability close to the British Horse Society (BHS) Stage 1 Ride standard. Due to the nature and welfare of the horses at the college, there is a personal weight restriction of 85 kg. Non-riding options are available by taking the Groom Pathway. Link to BH
What you will learn
You'll develop skills in stable maintenance and yard management.
You'll learn how to feed horses correctly and manage their nutrition.
You'll monitor horse health and wellbeing and recognise signs of concern.
You'll practise safe handling and leading of horses.
You'll build knowledge of horse behaviour and welfare.
You'll work toward British Horse Society Stage 1 standards on the Riding Pathway, or develop grooming skills on the Groom Pathway.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, work-based training at the college's Equestrian Centre, combined with classroom sessions. Assessment is ongoing and includes practical demonstrations, observations of your work with horses, and written or portfolio-based tasks. The course combines the British Horse Society Qualifications (BHSQ) Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care with BHS-aligned assessments throughout the year.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Easton College will confirm anything else you need before you start. Note that the Riding Pathway has a personal weight restriction of 85 kg due to horse welfare requirements; a non-riding Groom Pathway is available.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Groom: caring for horses in private yards or racing stables.
Stable hand: daily yard work and horse management.
Equestrian centre assistant: supporting riding schools and livery yards.
Horse welfare assistant: working with equine charities or rescue centres.
Riding school assistant: supporting instructors and managing horses.
Stud farm assistant: working with breeding horses under supervision.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care: the natural next step if you want to take on more responsibility and work with greater independence.
British Horse Society Stage 2 qualifications: deepen your riding or coaching skills and open doors to instructing roles.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Equine Management: broader equine business and management knowledge for those aiming toward yard management or equine enterprise roles.
