Foundation Certificate in Horsemanship

Course overview

The course is aimed at those who have previously had experience with horses,
want a career change, are volunteering at a stables, want to gain further
knowledge to look after their own horse.

Were you a horse-mad teenager who dreamed of wellington boots and long days
at the yard? This unique course at Plumpton College is designed to rekindle that
passion and transform it into industry-ready, practical skills.

Whether you’re considering a career change, looking to volunteer at a
stables, already own a horse—or are planning to purchase one—this course
provides the perfect foundation to build your confidence and competence in the
equine world.

You’ll enhance your existing horse-handling experience, develop practical
skills, and explore current research in equine welfare. With a strong focus on
employability and progression, the course is tailored to prepare you for further
training or work within the equine industry.

Few local colleges offer a course quite like this. Developed in response to
significant interest from adult learners at our Open Days, it presents a rare
and exciting opportunity to step back into the equine world.

Through hands-on practical sessions and engaging, interactive classes, you’ll
develop essential handling techniques alongside a solid understanding of equine
health and welfare. You’ll learn how to keep horses healthy, support their
natural behaviours, follow the golden rules of feeding, and understand how
equine diets are formulated.

The course also includes training in safe working practices, with a focus on
health and safety within the equine industry. You’ll build confidence through
developing groundwork and lunging skills—crucial for exercising and managing
horses from the ground.

Our centre is approved by The British Horse Society.  We have stabling
for 41 horses, 2 indoor arenas, a large all-weather outside arena, solarium and
a horse walker. Our horses range in age, height and temperament to allow
students the opportunity to develop their skills working with a variety of
horses to prepare them for industry.

PPE Requirements

• You will need to wear sensible yard clothing with appropriate
  footwear.


• You will need to supply a riding hat that has been correctly fitted and
  meets the current safety standards.


• We would advise you bring extra clothing such as waterproofs, warm
  jackets.


• For safety reasons hoodies or coats with hoods are not
  permitted.
  

Modules

• Equine Health and Welfare
• Horse Tack and Equipment
• Feeding and Watering Horses
• Introduction to lunging

How will I be assessed?

A variety of methods designed to reflect real life industry scenarios and showcase their skill development.  Practical observations, professional discussions and the creation of work-based products.

What is it like to be a student on this course?

Through hands on practical sessions and engaging interactive classes you will develop essential handling skills, alongside knowledge of equine health and welfare.  You’ll learn how to keep horses healthy and able to express natural behaviours, understand the golden rules of feeding and explore how diets are formulated.The course covers safe working practices around horses, with focus on health and safety in the equine industry.  You’ll build confidence through developing groundwork and lunging skills, essential for exercising and managing horses from the ground.

Industry links

British Horse Society (BHS), British Grooms Association (BGA), British Equestrian Federation (BEF), Racing to school.

Progression routes