Equestrian Studies

Description

The equestrian industry is international and has a wide range of job opportunities enabling graduates to travel around the world and enjoy challenging careers.

This equestrian studies course will provide students with excellent training in stable management, handling and care of horses, and horse riding together with internationally recognised qualifications. Students will ride and train at an AIRE and BHS approved training centre with access to a wide range of horses and state of the art facilities. Students will have the opportunity to visit stud farms including the famous Coolmore stud in Tipperary.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

•    Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent.

•    Mature Students will be considered on an individual basis.

•    All candidates will be interviewed, and places will be awarded on suitability.

•    Please note that some previous experience with horses is required to apply for the course.

DURATION:

This is a one-year course.

CERTIFICATION:

•    QQI Level 5 in Horsemanship (5M3371).

Students can also gain BHS Stage 1 and Riding Road Safety Certificates which allow them to be industry-ready at the end of the year.

COURSE CONTENT:

The following subjects may be offered:

Stable & Yard Routine - 5N3355

Designed to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to care for and maintain horses under direction. It will include developing skills and knowledge on a large range of areas in horse care such as Equine Nutrition, Grooming, Clipping, Tack, Horse Health, Grassland Management, Shoeing and Lunging.

Sport Horse Riding - 5N3359

Equine Anatomy & Physiology - 5N3360

Equine Nutrition - 5N3363

Communications - 5N0690

Work Experience - 5N1356

Word Processing - 5N1358

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES:

Excellent progressions opportunities including:

•    UL: BSc in Equine Science (LM093).

•    TUS Athlone: Higher Certificate in Business in Equine Studies (AL652).

•    Enniskillen College: BSc in Equine Management (UCAS Course Code: D322).

•    NUI Maynooth: BBS/BBA Equine Business (MH405).

•    Kildalton: Level 6.

This course may also be used by students to progress to a variety of Equine courses in UK colleges and universities. It may also be used as the first steps in progression to higher stages British Horse Society qualifications.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

This course is designed to enable students to secure employment as assistant stable managers, grooms, trainee riding instructor, stud grooms, event and showjumping grooms both here and internationally, and any position dealing with horse care. It is also suitable for people who wish to start their own business in the horse industry. As the course provides internationally recognised qualifications many students have used their qualifications to find work abroad as far afield as the US and Australia.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The major portion of each week is spent in Hitchmoughs Riding Centre where Billy Twomey, one of the top riders in the “world 8” started his international career. Practical skills and riding are taught here by experienced tutors.

Students will be taken on visits to Ireland’s top show jumping, racing stables and stud farms throughout the year. Students get to ride, train and handle a selection of horses and ponies and get hands-on experience in a busy commercial yard.