Equine Studies

• Level 5 Horsemanship, 5M3371
• Level 6 Equine Breeding 6M3507

KWETB Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Equine Studies courses are full time PLC courses and run annually from September to May on the school calendar. Students are in classes for 3 days per week with tutor directed learning and spend 2 days per week out on work practice.

The courses were developed in consultation with the industry and subject matter experts, to provide the learners with a holistic understanding of the needs of the horse, its welfare, safety, current legislation and market trends in the equine industry. The broad knowledge of equine subjects and transferable skills lead to numerous progression routs within the equine industry.

Past Graduates have achieved considerable success including several being awarded the Michael Osborne Business Degree Scholarship and places on ITBA Next Generation Apprenticeship Scheme.

Certificate in Equine Studies.

The level 5 Horsemanship offers a chance for progression into the work place, on to level 6 programs or into higher education programs. The structure of the course allows learners who are non-riders to participate. Inclusion of Payroll and Book Keeping allows suitable students the opportunity to progress to NUIM on the equine business course. In the past students have progressed to degree courses in equine business, veterinary nursing and equine science. Many learners secure employment with their work placement providers at the end of the course. Graduates from our course have gone on to take up employment in the horse industry in the following roles; Administrators within the sports horse and racing and breeding industry, Managers of yards and studs, Riding instructors within the leisure sector, Work riders and head lads in racing industry, Self-employed and running their own business.

Entry requirements
This course is aimed at Post Leaving Certificate students who wish to gain specific skills relevant to the Equestrian Industry and in so doing, gain a recognised qualification. Students with a relevant level 4 vocational qualification will be considered.
Equestrian Experience is desirable and all applicants must be certified fit to ride and carry out work with horses in a practical environment.

Applications are welcomed from mature students who wish to gain a recognised qualification in the Equestrian industry.
Places are offered subject to interview.

QQI Level 5 Horsemanship, 5M3371.

COURSE MODULES
• 5N3355 Stable and Yard Routine 30 credits *
• 5N1356 Work Experience 15 credits *
• 5N0690 Communications 15 credits *
• 5N3359 Sport Horse Riding 30 credits **
• 5N3360 Equine Anatomy and Physiology 15 credits
• 5N3363 Equine Nutrition 15 credits
• 5N3364 Horse Breeding 15 credits
• 5N1546 Payroll Manual & Computerised 15 credits
• 5N1354 Bookkeeping Manual & Computerised 15 credits

* Core modules.
** For safety reasons participation in this module is subject to a satisfactory riding assessment.

Testimonial - Level 5 Horsemanship graduate Leona Hughes. (Marketing Assistant Punchestown Race Course)
It was an amazing experience, I got to meet a lot of new people and learn a lot. The best thing about the Horsemanship course (aside from the people) was the fact that every day we got to learn new material in both a practical and academic way. Networking is a crucial element to the Industry and through placement and general activities within the course, I have benefitted greatly in this aspect. ​Upon finishing the course, I got accepted into Maynooth University to study Equine Business. I have since graduated with a 2.1 Honours Degree and was lucky enough to then take part in the ITBA Next Generation Apprenticeship Scheme.

The Horsemanship course is a hugely beneficial and enjoyable venture, I would highly recommend it to anyone who is seeking further knowledge or progression within the Equine Industry both in Ireland and worldwide.












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Advanced Certificate in Equine Studies.
The level 6 qualification is developed to allow students to progress in a specialized way whilst maintaining a broad base of learning. It is classed as an advanced certificate and meets the requirement for Young Trained Farmer status. Students can major in sports horse riding or equine breeding. Once again allowing both riders and non-riders a chance of progression. Students often enter at this level from the industry to avail of a structured training and improve their understanding of the needs of the horse. Students would be likely to progress into the work place at a supervisory level. Graduates from our course have gone on to take up employment in the horse industry in the following roles; Administrators within the sports horse and racing and breeding industry, Managers of yards and studs, Riding instructors within the leisure sector, Work riders and head lads in racing industry, Self-employed and running their own business.

Entry requirements. These courses are aimed at learners who have completed a relevant level 5 program. Although exceptions are given to mature students who are over 23 years of age with considerable industry experience. Equestrian Experience is desirable and all applicants must be certified fit to ride and carry out work with horses in a practical environment.

QQI Level 6 Horsemanship 6M3505/Equine Breeding 6M3507
COURSE MODULES
• 6N3482 Horse Breeding 30 credits*
And
• 6N1946 Work Experience 15 credits*
• 6N1950 Communications 15 credits*
• 6N3483 Pasture Management 15 credits**
• 6N3387 Stable and Yard Supervision 15 credits
• 6N3388 Equine Anatomy and Physiology 15 credits
• 6N3368 Equine Nutrition 15 credits
* Core modules.
** Core module Equine Breeding.

Testimonial - Level 6 Equine Breeding graduate John Kennedy
I found this course to be hugely informative and enjoyable, particularly the very high quality of lectures, guest lecturers and fellow students that we were lucky enough to meet throughout the programmes duration.
On a daily basis, I still refer back to what I have learnt. Especially the land management and animal husbandry modules.
I would advise anyone thinking about a career in the equine industry to take advantage of this course.