Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Horse Care) 2025-26

Love horses? Start your potential future career working in the equine industry with this introductory course at our stunning Houghall Campus in Durham!

This course is mostly based at our multi-million pound equine centre. This amazing environment includes a large-size stable block, housing our own variety of horses, a specialist indoor arena, outdoor menage and we even have an incredible, state-of-the-art Racewood eventing simulator which you can use to practice your riding skills.

As part of your course you'll cover a mix of both theory and practical activities, with evidence captured throughout the year to record all the new skills you're gaining! You'll then use this build a portfolio of evidence for the course.

With help from our highly-experienced lecturers who've worked in the equine industry for years, plus our incredible Houghall equine unit, this course provides the ideal environment for you to gain both the theory and practical skills and knowledge to get started in the equine industry. We'll help you by developing your essential employability skills and preparing you for further training or potentially even working as an equine apprentice in the future.

You'll cover a wide variety of topics as part of your Level 1 Horse Care course, including:

• Maths & English
• Health & Safety and Safe Working Practices
• Work Experience

You'll also get involved with/assist with the following:

• Feeding & Watering
• Maintaining Health
• Preparing Accommodation
• Preparing for Exercise
• Exercising Horses (under supervision)

• Equine Retail
• Groom, Competition Groom, Racing Groom
• Horse Trainer
• Jockey
• Mounted Forces (Police Officer)
• RSCPCA Officer
• Yard Hand / Manager

... and so much more!

Level 2 Technical Diploma in Equine/Animal Care/Land & Wildlife/Agriculture.

You must achieve a minimum grade of Merit in this qualification and a GCSE in Maths OR English at grade 4 to progress to a Level 2 Technical qualification. Learners who do not meet the maths & English may be offered an alternative qualification.

3 or more GCSEs. The course is a mixture of written work and practical assessments. Due to the practical nature of the compulsory course assessments, you must be physically able to carry out practical tasks by yourself after proper training.

In line with most BHS Approved Riding Schools and our animal welfare policy, we apply a 14 stone weight limit for the riding units in all our equine qualifications. Alternative units are offered and this will not impact your chances of achieving this qualification.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

East Durham College's Houghall Campus is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment for all our students. The campus, some of which is over 80 years old, has seen over £40m invested in new facilities over recent years. However, there are still some aspects of the site which are not fully accessible and would cause an issue for those with limited mobility or wheelchair users and due to the nature of the site, adjustments may not always be reasonable at this stage. The College is committed to further investment and improvements of the site, as we work towards ensuring the campus is as accessible as possible. If you have limited mobility or are a wheelchair user and wish to undertake a course at the Houghall Campus, please contact Student Services on 0191 375 4710 in the first instance to discuss your needs and options.

You will be assessed throughout the course through written tasks and practical activities. There is also a multiple choice test on safe working and health & safety.

September 2025

One year programme, full time.