Course Overview
This course gives you the opportunity to gain a good grounding in key aspects of horse management and equitation. The course is a mixture of theory and practical units.
The theory units will ensure that you have an understanding of the importance of correct horse management and how this impacts on equine performance. The practical units will teach the skills that are required to work in an equine yard looking after a variety of horses.
You'll be involved in the daily care of the horses through yard duties to develop the practical skills necessary to gain employment within the equine industry. You'll therefore need to live in on-campus accommodation during your studies.
The programme will aim to aid learners in developing their practical skills, knowledge, behaviours and attributes. You will explore a wide range of topics including equitation, yard duties, stable management and theory based units. In the first year you will learn the core principles of horse care and anatomy. In the second year you will delve into a deeper understanding of competition care, fitness, training horses and nutrition. Learners will also have the opportunity to study for external vocational qualifications through British Horse Society examinations.
All students have access to all the equine facilities, this includes The Therapy Centre, Rider Performance Suite; including the simulators and all the equine arenas. This course is a mix of both practical and theory teaching. Equitation students ride twice a week and are assessed on their position, riding in the open and riding on the road. You are not assessed on jumping, although there could be opportunities to jump later in the academic year. In both years you will have two hours of practical stable management, which includes all application and fit of tack and equipment, and preparing horses for competition disciplines. Yard duties are completed on a rota basis which are aligned to industry expectations and completed around your timetables sessions, which is why students are expected to be residential. You will also complete an external equine based work placement both years. Learners will be supported by highly qualified lectures, the academic support team and wellbeing.
Learners will be assessed through a variety of assessment methods including; written assignments, presentations, videos, practical tasks, verbal discussions, examinations, online quizzes. Equine has a designated learning support tutor who is available for bespoke academic support and exam arrangements.
Course Overview
Course information
This course gives you the opportunity to gain a good grounding in key aspects of horse management and equitation. The course is a mixture of theory and practical units.
The theory units will ensure that you have an understanding of the importance of correct horse management and how this impacts on equine performance. The practical units will teach the skills that are required to work in an equine yard looking after a variety of horses.
You'll be involved in the daily care of the horses through yard duties to develop the practical skills necessary to gain employment within the equine industry. You'll therefore need to live in on-campus accommodation during your studies.
What you’ll learn
The programme will aim to aid learners in developing their practical skills, knowledge, behaviours and attributes. You will explore a wide range of topics including equitation, yard duties, stable management and theory based units. In the first year you will learn the core principles of horse care and anatomy. In the second year you will delve into a deeper understanding of competition care, fitness, training horses and nutrition. Learners will also have the opportunity to study for external vocational qualifications through British Horse Society examinations.
How you’ll learn
All students have access to all the equine facilities, this includes The Therapy Centre, Rider Performance Suite; including the simulators and all the equine arenas. This course is a mix of both practical and theory teaching. Equitation students ride twice a week and are assessed on their position, riding in the open and riding on the road. You are not assessed on jumping, although there could be opportunities to jump later in the academic year. In both years you will have two hours of practical stable management, which includes all application and fit of tack and equipment, and preparing horses for competition disciplines. Yard duties are completed on a rota basis which are aligned to industry expectations and completed around your timetables sessions, which is why students are expected to be residential. You will also complete an external equine based work placement both years. Learners will be supported by highly qualified lectures, the academic support team and wellbeing.
How you’ll be assessed
Learners will be assessed through a variety of assessment methods including; written assignments, presentations, videos, practical tasks, verbal discussions, examinations, online quizzes. Equine has a designated learning support tutor who is available for bespoke academic support and exam arrangements.
2 GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include English Language and either Maths or Science.
Applicants for Equitation courses will need to undertake a riding assessment as part of the application process.
You should expect some small costs for books and stationery. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips related to the topics you are studying. In the past, these have included visits to Alton Towers, the Houses of Parliament, JCB, Uttoxeter, and the Cadbury Factory. These trips incur a charge/are covered by the educational visits fee.
Students are required to pay a non-refundable educational visits fee at enrolment.
All riders are expected to provide their own up to standard riding equipment and small kit list is sent out with joining instructions prior to enrolment. This includes all general riding equipment and a plaiting kit.
How much is livery?
Options for livery can be found here.
Do I have to own my own horse?
No, the college provides horses for you to complete your course.
Can I loan a college horse or compete a college horse?
Unfortunately not, as the college horses are privately owned and only insured in lessons under college instruction.
Can I ride outside my timetabled lessons?
Yes through the college riding school and Equestrian Club.
Can I join the Equine Academy?
Entry criteria for the Equine Academy can be found here.
Is there turnout all year round?
There is turnout on a rota basis and depending on your requirements will limited the turnout availability. The college does their upmost to promote turnout but it does depend on the weather.
How does my own horse fit in with my timetable?
If on duties your horse will need to be cared for prior to you starting your duty morning. Usually you can find time during the college day to ride, as there may be a gap in your timetable. However arenas are open until later in the evening.
How does my external placement work?
Learners will source and organise their own equine based work placement that must meet the college requirements.
What does the college week look like?
Each timetable has approximately 18 hours contact time, excluding duties. This will include classroom based lessons, riding, stable management practical and tutorials. Lessons start at 9.30am and finish at 4.00pm, they have a university feel, no two days are the same and the lessons are spread out throughout the day.
Do I have to do duties?
Yes, duties are an integral part of the course.
Do I have to live in?
Yes due to the timings of duties. However this can be reviewed under a case by case basis.
If I pass English and/or Maths can I then do the Foundation Diploma in Equine Management?
Unfortunately not, as the majority of the content is almost identical, except for two units.
Is there an opportunity for learners to study English and/or Maths alongside their course to improve on their grades?
Yes, learners who achieved a Grade 3 or lower at GCSE will be required to attend lessons in these subjects in preparation for sitting exams/assessments at the end of the academic year. Learners will either be entered for Functional Skills or GCSE.
Is it an automatic progression from year 1 to year 2?
Learners must gain a positive tutor reference, demonstrate positive progression in English and/or Maths and gain a minimum of a Merit in year 1.
How much does the course cost?
If you're a UK student under the age of 19 enrolling in full-time A-level courses at Hartpury College, you typically won't need to pay tuition fees. For further information, details for those over 19 year-of-age and international students, visit: Finance | Hartpury College
Why study Equine at Hartpury College?
Hartpury’s world-class equine facilities are used not only for formal learning but also for work experience, including at our own commercial Equine Therapy Centre and in our events department, supporting our international showpiece events and other high quality competitions, with the chance to work with some of the stars of the equine world. Many students also complete work placements out in industry, including at top yards and riding centres and in marketing and commercial roles.
Why study Equine at Hartpury College?
Hartpury’s world-class equine facilities are used not only for formal learning but also for work experience, including at our own commercial Equine Therapy Centre and in our events department, supporting our international showpiece events and other high quality competitions, with the chance to work with some of the stars of the equine world. Many students also complete work placements out in industry, including at top yards and riding centres and in marketing and commercial roles.
Outstanding
Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
99.8% pass-rate
With a 99.2% BTEC pass rate (Hartpury College 2025), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
Similar courses
Level 3 Foundation Diploma Equine Management (Equitation)
This course is for students who want to develop the theoretical and practical skills to work with horses in the equine industry. Our students have regular yard duties, including weekends. It’s therefore compulsory to live in Hartpury accommodation during your studies. You’ll complete internal work experience to develop your skills in a workplace setting.
Level 3 Extended Diploma Equine Management (Equitation)
This course is for students who want to develop the theoretical and practical skills to work with horses in the equine industry. Our students have regular yard duties, including weekends. It’s therefore compulsory to live in Hartpury accommodation during your studies. You’ll complete internal work experience to develop your skills in a workplace setting.
Level 3 Diploma Equine Management (Behaviour)
This course is for students who want to develop the theoretical and practical skills to work with horses in the equine industry. Our students have regular yard duties, including weekends. It’s therefore compulsory to live in Hartpury accommodation during your studies. You’ll complete internal work experience, throughout both years, as well as an external block in your second year, to develop your skills in a workplace setting.
Find a course
Our partners & accreditations