Equine Courses.... (also in careers & education)

[Tabbi]

I am currently considering doing a course, and would appreciate some advice or some pointers.

I currently help out one day a week at a local stables and consider myself an ok rider, but would like to do a part time course. I know NVQs are available and some places do BHS training but being new to the "education" side of horses I would appreciate where to start.

Any pointers or advice would be very much appreciated.

 

[Annagain]

Do you have a local agricultural college? The best thing would be to give them a ring and ask to speak to someone about equine courses or ask if they have any open days coming up. They should have a fair few at this time of year. I think the BHS website has info on where its exam courses are on offer as well.

 

[PinkFairy]

To start off, I went to an Ag college and did a First Diploma course which enabled me to progress to a Higher course. My parents paid for the course, which included my BHS Stage One with the end of year assessments.

 

[chaps89]

Most of the courses offered are BTEC.
-First diploma is equivalent to NVQ Level 1 (or run alongside) Need to have 3 GCSE's at D or above (inc. Maths & English) A year long course.
-National Award- 1 year long. Four GCSE's at C or above. Ideal follow on course from First diploma.
-National Diploma's are 2 year long courses. Four GCSE's at C or above and good/relevant equine experience needed. Runs alongside NVQ Level 2 in many cases and you will be taught to BHS stage 2 level. Think there's a 6 week work placement period over the summer holidays for students on this course.
-National Certificate. For those who have completed AS levels. Four GCSE's at Grade C or above. Relevant equine knowledge/experience. Riding & Road safety test also included in the course as well as NVQ Level 2.

Then you jump up to degree level

In which there's normally equine science, horse-racing management and equine business management as the 3 main choices available.

If you work/help out at a local stables, they should be qualified to teach you to at least BHS stage 2 if you wanted something part-time but as a horsey recognised qualification as opposed to an education qualification. Some centres now offer NVQ training instead or as well as BHS stages.

If you have a local agricultural college or BHS approved stables, why not give them a try, see what they can suggest for you?

 

[Tabbi]

Thanks for your replies, much appreciated

I have emailed a riding school as they seem to do the BHS exams and I am just looking now at the ag college to see what pt courses they have.

Maybe I should have explained that I am 34yrs old and work in an office and happy with what I do, but I wanted to study something that I know I would thoroughly enjoy, so I am not doing this for a career.
It would be handy to get qualifications in something that I enjoy as you never know what is round the corner!

Thanks again for all your replies.