This two-year course is designed for students in school years 10 and 11 (minimum age is 14-years old) who want to spend one day a week (during term time) at Doncaster Equine College working towards achieving either a Level 1 Diploma in Work-Based Horse Care, or the Entry Level 3 Award in Catching and Leading, Grooming and Rugging up a Horse.
Riding is not part of these qualifications, but we do offer this as an option if the learner is within our riding weight limit which is 13-stone. Due to the nature of this course, the riding element will be working towards developing the rider’s skills in the school in walk, trot and canter. Those who wish to progress onto the gallops will be given the opportunity to develop their standing canter on the simulators. They will only be considered for progression onto the gallops once the instructor is satisfied that they meet the following requirements:
- Being able to ride a variety of the DEC horses in a safe and controlled manner throughout all three paces;
- Being able to ride correctly in standing canter position, in a double or single bridge, change hands, take an effective pull and maintain their position on the simulator for a minimum of 5-minutes;
- To be established with their yard skills on track with passing their qualifications;
- To be above 85% attendance;
- To show positive working relations and having good behaviour and attitudes on the course.
No previous equine experience is needed, just an interest in horses and a commitment to reliably attend, be hard-working and motivated.
Duration: A 3-term course commencing in September and concluding in July the following year. To achieve a Level 1 Diploma in Work-Based Horse Care, students must attend over two years.
Day/Time: The 14-16-Year-Old Programme is delivered one day per week during term time only. The programme is delivered on a Wednesday with a 9am start and a 4.30pm finish.
Cost: The course cost is £2,250 per year for all three terms. £750 is payable in advance at the start of each term. The cost must be met by the school the student is attending or by the student’s family. Lunch is provided.
Delivery Outline
The 14-16 Programme is a hands-on course. The majority of the programme is delivered in an outdoor setting and requires students to undertake physically demanding tasks. There is a requirement to handle and care for horses and, for those following the riding pathway, to exercise the horses.
The programme covers a wide range of horsemanship activities including mucking out, tack cleaning, grooming and other horse husbandry activities, as well as theoretical elements, for example, lectures on feeding and many other subjects and seminars.
Transport to and from Doncaster Equine College is the responsibility of the school/student.
Students must provide their own skullcap (matching Kite Mark standards PAS 015:2011), jodhpur boots and half chaps or long-riding boots, and gloves. The required equipment can be purchased through the NHC shop
Doncaster Equine College will provide students with a body protector and other essential personal protective equipment.
All activities at Doncaster Equine College are supervised by qualified instructors/assessors.
Local Schools 14-16-Year-Old Programme Offer
Since 2017, Doncaster Equine College has been working in collaboration with local secondary schools offering students in Years 10 and 11 the opportunity to work towards achieving a Level 1 Diploma in Work-Based Horse Care.
The 14-16-Year-Old Programme is offered to meet the needs of those students who have a vocational interest. This programme offers a stepping stone into post-16 study whilst also raising a student’s self-esteem, motivation and aspirations.
Students who wish to join the 14-16-Year-Old Programme MUST be referred via their school and the school will need to complete referral paperwork to begin the process.
Electively Home Educated (EHE) 14-16-Year-Old Programme Offer
Doncaster Equine College offers electively home educated students aged 14-16 (in school Years 10 and 11) the opportunity to enrol onto the 14-16-Year-Old Programme.
The Application Process
To be considered for the 14-16-Year-Old Programme a discussion between parents/guardians and the applicant’s school is required to gain their consent. Once the school has confirmed their support, an online application should be submitted. Upon receipt of an application, applicants will be invited to attend an interview and, in some cases, an assessment may also be undertaken. For those who are electively home educated, a discussion with the Local Authority is required prior to making an online application if funding is being sought.
Applicants who have a statement of Educational Needs and/or an Education, Health and Care Plan or additional classroom support provided at school will require their school to provide the same support when the student is at Doncaster Equine College.
Places on the 14-16-Year-Old Programme are not guaranteed and are subject to a successful application, including an interview, availability of places and payment for the first term. An early application is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Progression Post 14-16-Year-Old Programme
Students attending the 14-16-Year-Old Programme will be eligible to apply for a full-time study programme at Doncaster Equine College or the Foundation Course/Apprenticeship Programme at the National Horseracing College when they finish school Year 11.
Students who choose the Foundation Course/Apprenticeship Programme will attend the residential course to gain their riding qualification, life skills and prepare them for life as a racing groom. Students who have not achieved a GCSE Level 4 or above in English and/or Maths are required to study Functional Skills.
Upon successful completion of the residential course, the National Horseracing College will secure students a paid placement in a racehorse trainer’s yard, where they will commence an Apprenticeship Programme including a Level 2 Diploma in Racehorse Care. Completion of the Level 2 Apprenticeship can lead to the Advanced Apprenticeship including a Level 3 Diploma in Racehorse Care and Management.
Students who choose the full-time study programme at Doncaster Equine College can apply for the DEC Level 2 qualification.
