Horse Care and Husbandry

MP in fact-finding mission to Duchy College Stoke Climsland

13th May 2021

A senior politician with strong links to the farming industry has visited a leading agricultural college to see how local employment needs are being met. 

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Virtual event showcases land-based college opportunities

17th March 2021

Those considering a career in a land-based industry are in luck as specialist training provider Duchy College hosts a virtual showcase of its two incredible campuses.

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Seminar day shines light on animal welfare and zoonotic diseases

5th June 2020

The first Applied Research in Animal and Equine Science Student Seminar day has been held at Duchy College Stoke Climsland.

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Diploma in Equine Management

Level 3 • Full-time • Duchy College Stoke Climsland

If you already have experience with horses as well as the passion & determination to turn it into a career then this is the course for you. It will help you to take your existing skills to a professional sphere & prepare you to work in the equine industry or progress to higher education. You will have lectures in a range of subjects from Nutrition to Fitness, as well as practical lessons. We are very lucky to have both indoor and outdoor schools, stabling for 55 horses that are all rubber matted and have automatic water drinkers as well as a 5 horse-walker, 2 hot wash bays and solariums. The equestrian centre has 30 acres of grazing that is split into smaller paddocks, a cross country schooling area and lots of beautiful hacking available. You’ll be able to ride a range of horses at college that are suited to develop your individual skills. Level 3 students organise and run shows in a range of disciplines and also have the chance to compete in them on our college horses. We are also a BHS exam centre so can support you in taking these additional qualifications. When on yard duties you will be undertaking normal horse care tasks such as feeding, mucking out, grooming and also clipping throughout the winter. As part of the duty team you will also have the opportunity to learn supervisory skills, getting you ready for a career with horses. We often have competitions at weekends in our Equestrian Centre so you will also have the opportunity to get involved with these. You could learn to be a steward, work with a course builder or write for a dressage judge. You’ll be learning from experienced and well qualified staff, who are there to ensure you reach your full potential.

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Equine Groom Apprenticeship Level 2

Level 2 • Work-based • Duchy College Stoke Climsland

In order to start your apprenticeship in horse care you will need to join the Level 2 course and learn the basic skills needed to progress on to Level 3. Apprenticeships allow you to work while gaining a nationally recognised qualification at the same time, so why not combine your love of horses with earning money? Over the course of 15-18 months, you will be working in paid employment within the equine industry and you will spend one day every two weeks during term time at college. You’ll study a wide range of subjects around the care of all different types of horses. If you ride or do not ride, don’t worry – there are specialised routes that you can take which include riding, non-riding, racing, breeding or driving. Both Bicton College and Duchy Stoke Climsland capuses are located in beautiful countryside and provide dedicated equestrian facilities, which include indoor and outdoor schools and working yards. Here you will have the opportunity to practice your skills in preparation for the end point practical assessments. Expect to spend time away from your employer on Day release with practical and theory delivery helping you to prepare for your EPA (End Point assessment) with the support of your work coach. Assignments will also be set as well as various classroom activities, workshops and tasks to help you gain the skills and knowledge needed alongside support and training from your employer in order to prepare you for a career in the equine industry. Remote and Blended delivery – If you live too far away from the college to attend college each week then we can arrange for you to go onto a remote programme of delivery and assessment with more one to one support by your work coach and assessor. Please read the 2020 BHS Approvals Hat Guide for more information about Hat requirements.

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Rider Biomechanics and Simulator

No Qualification • Full-time • Duchy College Stoke Climsland

The Rider Biomechanics course will introduce some key principles of biomechanical analysis and their application to rider performance, this can help riders to identify areas that could aid their riding and improve performance. A part of the course involve use of our dressage simulator and its use in rider biomechanic analysis.

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