Horse Care (Equine Studies) - Level 2 (Diploma)

What will I study on this course?

You can expect to participate in practical sessions to secure your understanding of the topics taught.

The topics covered on this course include:

• Horse handling and care
• Working in the Equine Industry (events and duties; 150 hours work experience)
• Introduction to horse biology, anatomy and physiology
• Feeding and watering
• Horse health and welfare
• Riding horses (riding is optional)
• Health and Safety in the Equine environment
• Routine stable duties

Work placement

If you study this course, you'll complete 150 hours of relevant work experience to help apply what you've learned into a real life work environment. Over the last few years, our equine students have completed work experience in equine yards, larger equestrian centres, specialist therapeutic riding centres, polo clubs and much more.

Riding at CWA

Both our level 2 and level 3 equine courses have optional ride pathways. To be accepted onto a ride pathway you will need a riding ability that is close to British Horse Society (BHS) Stage 2 Ride or Pony Club C+ test. You need to be confident riding a range of horses in walk, trot and canter, with and without stirrups, and be able to safely control your horse working in an arena with other riders. Please note CWA does not expect you to have achieved any riding qualifications before joining the course this is just a guide to the standard required to do the assessed ride pathway.

Students not on the ride pathway may get the opportunity to ride as part of our Equine Yard Rewards Scheme.

To protect the welfare of our horses, we operate a weight restriction for riding of maximum 15% of the body weight for each horse. Exact weight limits therefore vary for each horse but typically the maximum weight allowance is 90kg (14 stone).

Successful completion of this qualification can lead to employment as an assistant groom or yard assistant in various equestrian environments (riding schools, livery yards, competition yards). You could also go on to more advanced qualifications such as a Level 3.

You will need:

• A minimum of 3 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above

Or:

• A relevant Level 1 qualification at merit grade studied at CWA or another further education provider. This does not include level 1 courses studied at school alongside GCSEs. Plus Grade 3 or above in GCSE English.

Some previous contact with horses is strongly advised. You do not need to be able to ride, as there are ride and non-ride pathways on this course.

You will be invited to an information session to help us ensure the course is right for you.

How long is this course?

1 year

When does this course start?

02/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.

Age	Cost
16-18	Free*
19+	£900

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

City and Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care.

How is my course assessed?

This programme is continually assessed by a combination of written tests, projects, assignment work and demonstration of competence in a range of practical tasks.