Course summary

The FdSc Equine Management, Training and Coaching is a level five qualification suitable for those with a strong interest in ethical horse management and training. The programme is aimed at developing a wide range of equestrian skills to maximise employment and entrepreneurship within the equine industry but also develops graduate and transferable skills with the intent to maximise career opportunities for graduates. A variety of core and specialist modules are studied over the two years. The curriculum has been designed to provide sound underpinning knowledge for all aspects of equine performance and management; including mammalian anatomy, physiology and nutrition, animal health and ethics and welfare. Basic industry practical skills are developed from the course outset alongside an equine training module which runs throughout both years focussing on behavioural modification based on equine learning theory. These modules offer students the opportunity to conduct either in-hand or ridden training, or a combination of both factors (subject to rider weight limit for equine welfare) for short or long-term goals, based on equine behaviour, cognition, physiology and biomechanics. Coaching modules are included in both years which cater for those new to equestrian coaching but also those with significant prior coaching experience. Here, opportunities to develop knowledge of coaching theory accompany practical coaching sessions, use of emerging technology and reflective practise to maximise your personal development. Academic skills modules run over the two years to develop academic communication, research techniques, use of software packages, project management and evaluative skills. A business skills module run in the second year provides practical experience of event management and commercial enterprise to develop invaluable entrepreneurial thinking. The course includes 150 hours of work experience which can be conducted throughout the two years to suit the individual. This course will aim to provide direct progression opportunities to individuals within the fields of equine management, equestrian training and coaching and has been designed to appeal to students with a variety of previous equestrian experience The course will equip graduates with the knowledge and practice of ethical training and management techniques and the use of technology which will be of benefit to career progression within the equestrian sector, but also the wider animal and education sectors. This is a two-year full-time course. After successfully completing this programme you will have to opportunity to progress onto the BSc Honours in Equine Management, Training and Coaching (Top Up) at Northumberland College, or go into the workplace using the qualifications you have gained. The programme places emphasis on practical experience, the acquisition of vital industry skills and underlying theoretical concepts and will support further opportunities to gain British Horse Society (BHS) to further enhance career prospects.