Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care 2025-26

This Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care is for you if you are looking to start a career within the equine industry.

Working with horses is extremely rewarding, but it can require hard work, with long hours. Dedication and enthusiasm to the role are key to success. You will gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge that are important when you are working with horses, or progressing to further learning and training in this area.

There are many diverse businesses and opportunities within this sector, for example riding schools, livery yards, competition yards, trekking centres, breeders, trainers, welfare charities and freelance services. You may choose a job where riding is involved, or you may choose a non-riding role, for example a stud groom, a retail role, manufacturing or event management. There are many allied businesses such as membership bodies, professional associations or those involved with education and training.

• Health and Safety
• Equine Health and Welfare
• Working in Equine Industry
• Horse Tack and Equipment
• Routine Stable Duties
• Feeding and Watering Horses
• Horse Handling and Grooming
• Introduction to Lunging
• Equine Anatomy and Physiology
• Riding
• Work Placement (150 hours)

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

... and so much more!

Following successful completion of this course at Merit level, you may progress to Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Equine, Animal Management or Land & Wildlife.

Direct Entry: 4 x GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including maths or English.

All candidates will undertake a equestrian skills test which will be considered alongside academic entry criteria.

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.

Internal Progression Entry: Level 1 Diploma in Land-Based Studies achieved at a Merit. GCSE maths and English achieved at Grade 3 or above.

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.

Multiple choice exam, followed by a practical synoptic assessment and coursework, alongside completion of 150 hours of industry placement.

September 2025

One year, full time.