🎄✨ It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

and this December, we’re adding a sprinkle of holiday magic by introducing Abingdon & Witney College’s Advent Calendar 2024 🎅.

Work for us

Join Abingdon & Witney College, an award-winning employer

Work for Us

Horse Care Level 2

Course code: P06400

Subject area: Equine Studies

Study level: School Leaver

Course level: 2

Course details

Course time:

09:00 - 17:00

Days of week:

Various

Course date:

8th Sept 2025 - 2nd Jul 2026

Course location:

Common Leys Farm

Contact details

Phone:

01993 208 148

This is a one year full time course, supported by periods of developing practical skills on the college’s equine yard. All aspects of horse care are covered throughout the year with a mixture of practical and classroom sessions. The course is designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to work in the horse industry. Routine duties on the college yard are an integral part of the course and will give you a taste of what it is like to work full time with horses. Programme content includes; routine stable duties, horse handling and exercise, industry experience and horse feeding. As well as practical skills development such as grooming, plaiting, trimming and bandaging.
Students will be studying towards a study programme that will include their main vocational qualification, skills in English and Maths, Tutorials, Enrichment and Work Experience. These are essential skills for employment. Students will usually attend College 4-5 days a week from 9.30am -4.30pm.
Course units
The Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care is a one year, full time, college based course with a strong practical element where experience is gained at the College Equine Unit and nearby at equine enterprises. Students will complete a block of work experience, both at the equine unit and off site with local employers, during the year to continually develop their employability and general horse husbandry skills.

Modules covered may include:

• Clean and maintain stables

• Provide feed and water to horses

• Carry out routine care and monitor the health and well-being of horses

• Restrain horses using specified methods

• Monitoring and maintaining health and safety

• Maintain and develop personal performance

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

• Prepare a stable for a horse

• Fit and remove horse clothing

• Plait and trim horses manes and

• Clean and groom horses for appearance

• Assess grazing land for the introduction of horses

• Turn out, catch and maintain horses when turned out

• Fit, remove and maintain tack for exercise

• Care for horses after exercise

• Assist with the preparation of horses for sale

• Assist with receiving a horse and carry out an initial assessment

• Load and unload animals for transportation

What next?
On successful completion you may progress onto a Level 3 programme such as the Level 3 in Horse Management, or into employment where you may be able to train for further qualifications as an apprentice.
Entry criteria
4 GCSES at Grade 3 including English, Maths and Science (Combined or Biology) OR a Level 1 pass in a related subject plus English or maths, and both subjects must be at least grade 2 / Level 1 Functional Skills.
Fee information
In addition to the main course fees given below there is an additional cost of approximately £50 for uniform and £80 for course trips. If you need to buy riding hat, boots and jodphurs then you should budget for costs in the region of £100. You may be eligible for a bursary to help with these costs. Please speak to our admissions team (Costs are given for guidance only.)

As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 555 585 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

Course fees

16-18 Fee:

Tuition Fee: £0.00

Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £0.00

19+ Fee:

Tuition Fee: £3,456.00

Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £3,456.00

19+ Reduced Fee:

Tuition Fee: £0.00

Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £0.00

Qualifications received
City and Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate Horse Care.
Learning & method assessment
Assessment is via a range of written and practical tasks.
User skills
Excellent English and Maths skills are essential for your success on your chosen course and for your progression onto further courses and into employment. You will also develop good practical horse husbandry skills ready for industry and confidence whilst working around a variety of horses.