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Horse Care (BTEC Level 2 Technical Diploma)

Plumpton College

Ditchling Road, Plumpton, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3AE

National Award (BTEC)
Level 2
Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Plumpton College
1 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

Love horses and want to start a career in the equine industry? This Level 2 Diploma is equivalent to four GCSEs and is designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to work in the horse industry.

You’ll get a great introduction to the knowledge and skills needed to work with horses including routine duties on a rota basis. Routine duties on the yard at the college will give students a taste of what it is like working with horses on a full-time basis. These skills will be developed through a mix of guided practicals and classroom teaching including routine duties on the yard and riding lessons. Routine duties on a rota basis are an essential part of the programme. This will involve working on the equine unit carrying out practical duties. Work experience is carried out throughout the year.

CAREERS HUB

We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.

INDUSTRY WORK PLACEMENT

All students aged 16-18 on our Level 2 & Level 3 programmes will now have to take part in an exciting and compulsory 10-day industry placement programme alongside completion of their vocational course. The programme will give you the chance to gain valuable skills in a real working environment whilst being paired with your ideal employer.

You will receive all the necessary information during your interview, and if you have any queries in the meantime please contact workexperience@plumpton.ac.uk

QUALIFICATIONS GAINED

  • BTEC Level 2 Technical Diploma in Equine Studies
  • Additional support towards gaining British Horse Society exams
  • College award, Functional Skills or GCSEs in English and maths

Course Details

  • Biology and Health
  • Equine Tack and Equipment
  • Equine Work Placement
  • Principles of working with horses
  • Equine behaviour
  • Equine preparation and plaiting
  • Practical yard duties
  • Riding on the flat

How will it be delivered and assessed?

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Entry requirements

Either:

  • 3 GCSE at grades 3 and above including Science, and either Maths or English
  • Completion of L1 Diploma at Distinction, and progression of study for Maths and English.
  • Portfolio of evidence showing potential to work at Level 2 standard with horses, including evidence of Maths, Science and English at GCSE
  • Previous experience with horses essential
  • Mature students without the above requirements will be considered

Your next steps...

Students who achieve a Merit may progress onto the following courses:

  • BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Equine Management
  • Employment in the Equine industry

Additional information


For more courses like this, check our courses page.