Level 3 Edexcel Diploma Suite Horse Management (Equitation, Retail or Young Stock Routes) (FT)

Level 3 Edexcel Diploma Suite Horse Management (Equitation, Retail or Young Stock Routes)

Course Length: 1 or 2 years

Venue:
Myerscough College (Preston)
Croxteth Park

• Course Content
• How to Apply

Click to Apply: Level 3 Edexcel Diploma Suite Horse Management (Breeding or Equitation routes) (Preston) Level 3 Edexcel Diploma Suite Horse Management (Breeding or Equitation routes) (Liverpool)

Brief Description of the Course:

(NB: All programmes are based on credit accumulation. Each unit of study is worth either 5 or 10 credits towards the total amount needed to achieve the qualification).

The College provides opportunities to study at level 3 (A level equivalent) to students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of animal and equine science in relation to equine management. This encompasses practical techniques, academic knowledge and technical skills. It is a popular option for both school leavers and successful Level 2 Diploma students. This course offers students either a direct route into industry in a practical setting or a valid route into Higher Education with the opportunity to achieve a maximum of 360 UCAS points on completion with a distinction profile. The course incorporates a mix of practicals, classroom lectures, industry visits and case study exercises.

The Equitation option allows students to develop their riding and training ability both in the saddle and from the ground. This route is practically demanding and we require students to be riding at BHS Stage 2 level for entry which would be assessed and discussed at the formal interview stage. The retail route allows students to become more familiar with the retail aspects of the equine industry, customer care and product management. The young stock option (second year students only), allows students to become familiar with the art of working young horses from the ground and backing and training of young horses. The young stock students get to access the college’s variety of young horses, who are from two years old upwards. The students are able to learn and contribute to the training and development of these young horses with the goal to produce sound riding horses.

Myerscough College Preston has some of the best teaching and event facilities in the UK. Students completing this two year course will be well equipped to succeed in the equine world.

Entry Criteria / Additional Information:

Applicants for all courses in Equine Studies are expected to show a strong commitment to the industry and provide a strong personal statement on the application form.

For learners with 4 GCSE’s including English Language at Grade C, the Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma has 7 units (60 Credits) of study. If they wish to continue to study there is an option of doing a further 6 units (60 Credits) on the Level 3 Diploma (Top Up) following the Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma.

Applicants with at least 5 GCSE’s at Grade C or above including English Language, Maths and Science or course specific (which could include Chemistry, Combined Science, Biology, Physics or PE etc.) will be able to apply for the Level 3 Extended Diploma studied over 2 years requiring successful completion of 18 or more units (180 Credits).

Students will also receive training and assessment in a large range of additional qualifications, which will enhance their employability.

List of Units:

¨ Understand and Promote Animal Health: This module allows students to promote and maintain the health and wellbeing of animals by being able to recognise indicators of health in animals and understand common diseases, disorders, their treatments and preventions. They will also carry out practical activities to deliver and record basic treatments to animals.

¨ Understand Animal Anatomy and Physiology: This module allows learners to understand the animal’s bodily structures, functions and control mechanisms. Reproductive processes and animals adaptations to their environments are also covered.

¨ Understand the Principles of Animal Biology: This module looks at the function of the main animal cell organelles and the structure and function of the main animal tissue types. In addition, the students will learn about the animal’s skeletal system and the sensory organs.

¨ Plan and Monitor Animal Feeding: This module allows students to be able to plan diets and feeding regimes for animals. They will monitor their planning and understand the importance of doing so.

¨ Undertake and Review Work Related Experience in the Land-based Industries: In the equine industry work experience is essential and this unit allows students to access plenty of relevant experience. It will also explore opportunities within the equine industry, look at techniques to prepare them and review their performance.

¨ Select, Fit and Evaluate Horse Tack and Equipment: This is a very practical module where students are applying and evaluating a range of tack and equipment for horses of all different shapes and sizes. It also develops your knowledge into the correct tack for different disciplines and the reasoning behind it.

¨ Prepare Horses for Presentation: Another very practical module where students are preparing horses to industry standards for a variety of competitions. It includes clipping, trimming, pulling, plaiting and washing horses.

¨ Undertake Stable and Yard Management: This module ensures students are able to plan, carry out, monitor and maintain daily routines and horse care tasks. Learners monitor the health of horses which live both in the stable and out at grass. It gives students an insight into the role a yard manager plays to ensure the safety for both horses and humans on the yard.

¨ Understand the Principles of Horse Behaviour and Welfare: This module teaches students to understand the natural behaviour of horses and the implication of domestication. Learners will monitor and record the effects of various routines and how to promote the welfare of horses.

¨ Undertake an Investigative Project in the Land-based Sector: Research projects are often carried out to create or improve a product, service or process. This module allows students to select and carry out their own research project.

¨ Business Management in the Land-based Sector: You will look at the business environment, the roles and responsibilities of those employed in land-based businesses and resource requirements. You will develop your skills in business operations and produce a business plan.

¨ Understand the Principles of Animal Nutrition: This module looks at the functions of the main components of an animal’s diet, nutritional values and the properties of different food types. It will also look at common nutritional problems and the implications of feeding unbalanced diets to animals.

¨ Understand and Apply the Principles of Horse Fitness: This module allows students to understand the requirements for preparing horses for fittening, planning fitness programmes and monitoring the horse throughout a fitness programme. Understanding physiological effects on the horses systems throughout fittening will also be included.

¨ Understand the Principles of Horse Rehabilitation and Therapy: An excellent unit for those wishing to rehabilitate horses in the future. It allows learners to understand the nature of horse performance injuries, effective use of therapeutic and diagnostic techniques, complementary therapies and the laws and regulations relating to equine rehabilitation.

¨ Working Horses from the Ground: Ideal for those who wish to develop their skills and learn how to develop horses from the ground. The reasons why this is so important in training a wide variety of horses will be covered. It is also an excellent opportunity to form background knowledge of working with young horses and alternative methods, which are both traditional and contemporary. This is a highly practical unit with an extensive range of horses on site to work with.

Specialist Modules – Retail and Young Stock Route

¨ Undertake Retail Merchandising for the Land Based Sector: The equestrian retail market is a very lucrative aspect to the equine industry. The students will deliver effective customer service skills, understand how to display items for sale, principles of ordering, pricing and controlling retail stock. In addition learners will develop knowledge on marketing and promoting those products and services.

¨ Prepare and Provide Care for Competition Horses: This module allows for both theory and practical activities throughout, where learners establish how to undertake pre-competition preparations, prepare the horse and rider for competition and the care required at competitions. Learners will also have the knowledge to provide post-competition care and exercise relevant to a range of horses in a variety of competitions.

¨ Introduction to the Principles of Young Horse Handling, Training and Backing: Myerscough College provides learners with a range of young horses from two years old and above. The students have the unique opportunity to work with these horses and develop them for real through their training, which includes halter training to backing and riding away. A highly practical unit with extremely rewarding results. (Only available at the Preston Campus).

¨ Contribute to Managing an Equine Event: Successful running of equestrian events can be a great income stream for many businesses. This module teaches the students the relevant regulatory framework so that they can apply the correct business management skills to running an equine event. Learners will take part in the planning and running of an event during the module. Learners will be required to evaluate it in terms of success and make recommendations for future events.

Specialist Modules – Equitation Route

¨ Riding and Exercising Horses: This module is where the students are assessed by riding trained horses in the school and in the open with some riding on the road. Learners will progress from improving themselves on the flat to developing a more secure seat via gymnastic jumping to then riding courses of fences on a variety of horses.

¨ Understand the Principles of Equitation: This module covers the theory side of training horses from the ground, on the flat and over fences. Learners will study the techniques required and methods used for a range of horses in different situations.

¨ Riding Horses on the Flat: This module develops the rider’s position further following on from the ‘Riding and Exercising Horses’ unit so as to be able to ride a variety of horses on the flat. Learners will develop the horses using a wide range of training exercises. Learners will also develop the skills to assess and evaluate the horse’s performance.

¨ Riding Horses Over Fences: This module enables riders to understand effective jumping techniques. It requires learners to ride horses through grids and round courses of fences, both in the arena and across country. The horses will be varied to ensure a wide range of experience is achieved by all riders.

* This list is an example of what may be taught, but can vary at each Centre.

Assessments:

Assessments will include assignments, presentations and reports. There are currently no formal examinations on the Level 3 BTEC Diploma.

Industrial / Work Experience

Students will gain work experience on the College Yard (Preston only - by undertaking weekend yard duties one week in five). Students will also gain work experience through their core module 'Work experience in the horse sector'.

In addition Subsidiary Diploma students are required to undertake two weeks external work placement during their year of study.

Extended Diploma and those wanting to progress from the Subsidiary Diploma to the Diploma Top Up are required to complete 92 hours additional work experience in between their first and second year. Support is available to find a suitable placement and placements are checked prior to work experience.

Possible Careers / Jobs:

Employment opportunities in Equine and its related industries are currently very good. The Subsidiary, Diploma (Top Up) and Extended Diploma Horse Management provide the qualification and experience for entry into the industry at an operational level with future prospects for management.

Former students have gone to work abroad, e.g. Greece, Ireland, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as in this country as grooms, instructors, competition riders and stud grooms. Other students have obtained employment with vets, the Mounted Police, charity organisations and also worked for professional riders/trainers.

Progression:

As a course equivalent to A Level the Level 3 BTEC Diploma is an ideal spring board for progression to a Foundation Degree or Full Degree depending on UCAS points gained. Students may wish to continue their studies in Higher Education, e.g.:

· BSc (Hons) Equine Science & Management

· FdSc Equine Management

Special Requirements:

1 Enrichment Activities

Students will be given the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities throughout the duration of the course. Most of these activities will be funded by the college, however at times the cost may be required to be covered by the student.

2 Yard Duties

Students work on the yard, looking after the college horses on their allocated yard day within their timetable. Preston - Weekend duties are also essential and students are required to complete approximately 1 weekend in 5. A rota is produced at the start of the year with the students allocated weekend yard.

3 Equipment and/or Clothing:

Black or blue plain jodhpurs, dark coloured College sweatshirt, long boots or jodhpur boots with heel and smooth sole, gloves. Approved hat BHS standard PAS 015 and/or kite marked is allowed. Hats with only BSEN1384 are no longer acceptable. Wellingtons or strong boots for yard work. No suede type chaps are allowed, only leather gaiters permitted with jodhpur boots and matching in colour. Body protector – must be Level 3 and essential for all pole and jumping work. No hoodies are permitted on the college yard at any time. Jewellery and all piercings must be removed for health and safety reasons.

To apply for this course please select the coloured tab, relating to the centre you wish to study at, on the right hand side of this screen. You can save your progress if you prefer to do it in stages but you must complete all sections of the form.

Special Education Needs and Disability Prospective students who have a disability that may affect their studies should inform the College as soon as possible. Reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate student needs and to provide appropriate support to enable successful completion of the course of study. Where necessary students will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments.