Introduction to Land-Based Studies in Equine

September 2026 - Apply Here

Introduction to Land-Based Studies

Level 1 Equine

This course introduces you to the basics of horse care. It’s a great stepping stone for people who are keen to work with horses, but don’t have previous experience.

Our expert staff will help you learn skills in handling horses, grooming and general horse care. There’ll also be opportunities to learn about stable management, ride the mechanical horse and take part in college competitions.

Course includes

What will I study?

Stable management
Off-site visits
Horse husbandry
Health and Safety
Grooming skills
Personal development classes
You will complete a 100-hour work placement
Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications

Optional

Riding (enrichment only)

How long will it take?

1 year, full-time

What qualifications do I need to start?

Flexible entry requirements which may mean some GCSEs at grades 1-3
You will have at least one interview and an assessment of your literacy and numeracy and support needs before you are offered a place

What qualifications will I gain?

City and Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Land-Based Studies (Equine)
Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications

Course options after this programme

Career options

Assistant groom at riding school or livery yard
Groom or assistant groom across a range of equine establishments

Please note: acceptance onto riding units is subject to a rider assessment, click here for further information.

Rider Assessment Policy

The purpose and intention of this policy is to uphold animal welfare and the health and safety of riders and horses.

Riding is an optional unit and is not a compulsory element of our equine courses. If students do not wish to ride this will not affect their qualification and they will undertake different units.

Reaseheath Equestrian Centre sources horses from a range of situations, for example, from charities, trekking centres, student or staff owned horses and privately owned horses. The college own a limited number of the horses on site. Horses generally come to the college on a livery or loan basis to give students a wide variety of high quality, industry relevant horses to train with and to ride. This pool of horses does fluctuate each academic year.

Please click here to download and read the full policy.

Your Reaseheath experience

Accommodation

At Reaseheath we have on-site residential accommodation for up to 1,000 students. If you are aged over 16 and studying on a full-time course you may apply for a residential place. Click here to find out all about living at Reaseheath.

Transport

We offer a high-quality college bus service which collects over 1,400 students every day from across Cheshire and surrounding areas. This makes getting to Reaseheath easy, safe and affordable for all of our students.

For more information and to find a list of our bus routes, prices and to apply for your bus pass, please visit the transport page on our website.

Student life

Outside of lessons, you’ll have lots of opportunity to enjoy student life. We have a lively programme of social events, such as go-karting, cinema trips and our popular ‘Thursday Social’, as well as our annual Summer Ball. If you are looking to take up a sport, develop a skill or make new friends, you can use the college gym, get involved in the college’s charity fundraising events, complete your Duke of Edinburgh Award or sign-up to one of our many clubs and societies. From creative arts to conservation, photography to badminton and even jujitsu, there really is something for everyone! Click here to find out about everything you can get involved in.

Your study programme

Your study programme (made up of your core qualification, Maths and English, BeEmployable, BeReady passport, BeActive and BeInvolved) will give you the edge when it comes to progressing successfully into your career of choice.

Your study programme is designed to offer a challenging and exciting learning journey that not only gives you the knowledge needed to succeed in your chosen area of study but also wider technical, academic, personal and employability skills.

Throughout your time at Reaseheath, you will have a personal tutor who will provide 1:1 guidance and support. The goal of your tutor is to help maximise your level of achievement and to help ensure positive progression to further study or employment.

Useful information

Choosing the right course for you

We offer a number of routes within each level to suit individual needs. You can apply for the course level based on your GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Find out more here or at one of our course open events and taster days.

How much will this course cost?

If you are under 19 on 31st August of the same year you intend to start your course, the tuition fees and exam costs are free for our courses. If you are aged 19 or over you may have to pay a fee.

You may also be required to pay costs associated with study tours or additional qualifications.

For more information on fees and to find out about what financial support may be available to you visit the student finance pages on our website.

How do I apply?

If you have found a course you are interested in and are in Year 11 or above you can apply online, applications open on 1st October in the academic year before you are due to start. For a step-by-step guide on the application process visit the how to apply pages on our website.

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Introduction to Land-Based Studies

Level 1 Equine

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