Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Equine Management

The Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Equine Management is ideal for those who want to work with horses and pursue a career in the equine or related industries.

It provides learners with a range of specialist technical practical skills and knowledge that build upon the core skills required to undertake routine horse care such as planning and carrying out yard operations, horse health care and handling, and feeding and nutrition.

You will learn about fitting and evaluating a range of horse tack and equipment as well as preparing horses for presentation; grooming, clipping, trimming and plaiting are really important hands-on practical skills. You will also learn about horse biology, behaviour and welfare.

The course is equivalent to the first year of the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management (1080).

This qualification consists of the following mandatory and selected optional specialist units.

Mandatory Units

The proportion of mandatory content ensures that all learners are following a coherent programme of study and acquiring the knowledge, understanding and skills that will be recognised and valued.

• Principles of health and safety
• Undertake and review work related experience in the Land-based Industries
• Undertake stable yard operations
• Equine Health
• Horse tack and equipment
• Biological systems of horses
• Prepare horses for presentation
• Equine feeding and nutrition
• Horse behaviour and welfare

Optional Specialist Units

Students will also study one optional specialist units (as determined by WUC Course lead) from the following:

• Working and training horses from the ground
• The principles of equitation
• Contribute to managing an equine event
• The principles of horse fitness
• Exercising horses
• Undertake estate skills
• The principles of competition grooming
• Business management in the Land-Based sector

The following information provides students with the entry requirements for this particular course.

• 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 or A*-C
• Must include English, Maths and Science
• Satisfactory references from most recent school, college or employer

Please note:
Alternative qualifications or experience will be considered on application.

Our Equine Training and Development Centre situated on Cow Watering Lane offers extensive facilities to optimise the student experience

• Around 70 Horses on campus
• Equine Academy Centre
• Three Indoor Riding Arenas (24m x 60m), (24m x 55m), (22m x 22m)
• Oval Horse Walker
• Mechanical Horse
• Equine Water Treadmill
• Therapy Barns
• Outdoor Arena (20m x 60m)
• Stabling for 92 horses
• Semen collection area
• Classrooms

Due to changes in the facility to benefit the student experience, from the 2022/2023 academic year we will no longer foal mares on campus; we will however retain youngstock and our pony stallions. Students interested in gaining specific foaling-related stud duties will be supported to gain experience with industry partners.

Our enhanced facility now has increased grazing for all horses allowing more students the opportunity to bring their own horses to university as well as additional space for events and commercial partnerships.

For more details please email the equine resource team, equineresourceteam@writtle.ac.uk

Students are required to complete one week at an approved and agreed external equine work placement.

To gain this qualification, learners must successfully achieve the following assessments:

• One externally set, externally moderated assignment
• Two externally set and externally marked exams, sat under examination conditions
• Two mandatory unit assignments
• Portfolio of evidence
• Optional unit assessments as required

Educational Progression

After completion of the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Equine Management, you can progress to the second year of the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management (1080).

Employment

After completion, it is likely that you will enter the equine industry by working as a competition groom, racing work rider or administrator in a feed or tack company.