Level 2 Technical Certificate in Horse Care

September 2026 - Apply Here

Level 2 Technical Certificate

Horse Care

This course is designed to introduce you to the many career options within the equestrian industry. You will develop the knowledge and practical skills you’ll need to work within the industry.

You will work with horses in a safe environment, complete work experience and enjoy study trips – great preparation for your next steps in study or employment.

Course includes

What will I study?

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
Work Placement (150 hours)
Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications

How long will it take?

1 year, full-time

What qualifications do I need to start?

Typically 4 GCSEs at grade 3, including a 2/3 combination in Maths and English or
Foundation Level 1 in Horse Care at Merit or above

What qualifications will I gain?

Level 2 Technical Certificate in Horse Care
You will also have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications, including BHS Certificates
Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths (depending on previous qualifications)

Course options after this programme

You can progress on to one of our Level 3 Technical Qualifications in Equine (Merit overall needed at Level 2)

Career options

Groom
Riding schools and livery yards
Competition yards – eventing, show jumping, dressage, showing
Racing industry

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

Additional qualifications

At Reaseheath, you will also have the opportunity to gain certificates in:

Volunteering/working within the community
BHS progressive tests (1-6) and other BHS qualifications

At Burrows Lane and Croft end, you may have the chance to work towards additional qualifications, including:

British Horse Society BHS progressive tests 1 – 6 and other BHS qualifications
Introduction to equine therapies
Equine handling techniques
Volunteering work within the community

Reaseheath Industry mentors

Emily Watts Dressage

Emily is a UKCC Level 2 Coach, a Pony Club Accredited Trainer and is currently training for her British Dressage Judges certification. A sympathetic yet effective rider having seen success at National Level Dressage competition with a string of horses, she currently trains with Patsy Bartram. Emily was runner up at the Prestigious British Dressage Young Professional awards at Talland in 2017 and is keen to support and advise the next generation moving into the industry.

Ruth Kennerley Human and Equine Sports Therapy

Ruth is a successful Human and Equine Sports Therapist who graduated from the University of the West of England with a First Class BSc (Hons) degree in Equestrian Sports Science and holds a Level 4 Sports Massage Diploma at The University of Nottingham. Ruth is a member of the Association of Soft Tissue Therapists and an experienced athlete currently competing at Advanced Level Dressage, with National success. In addition, Ruth was selected as a member of the prestigious Equine Elite Academy whilst studying at Hartpury and brings a wealth of experience to the programme.

Useful information

Livery packages at Reaseheath Equestrian Centre

We offer a range of livery packages from full working livery to DIY livery with a stable management option. To find out more about our livery packages visit the livery pages on our website.

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.

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.

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Level 2 Technical Certificate

Horse Care

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