Building confidence to Competence: Developing Practical Horsemanship Skills

Are you ready to take your horsemanship to the next level? 

Whether you own your own horse, volunteer at a riding school or livery yard, are returning to horses after a break or are considering a career within the equine industry, this course is designed to build your confidence, practical ability and decision-making skills. 

The Intermediate Certificate in Horsemanship bridges the gap between basic horse care and professional industry standards. You will gain a deeper understanding of equine behaviour, health, nutrition and management while developing the practical skills needed to work safely and confidently with a variety of horses. 

This course is ideal for learners who want to become more independent in caring for and managing horses or who wish to progress onto grooming or management pathways.  

Delivered at our British Horse Society Approved Centre, you will learn using excellent facilities and a diverse range of horses, giving you a valuable experience with different breeds, temperaments and management needs. 

Unlike many equine courses, this programme has been specifically designed for adult learners, allowing you to study alongside like-minded people in a friendly, supportive environment. 

This practical and engaging course develops both your technical knowledge and hands-on skills, preparing you for greater responsibility within the equine industry or as a knowledgeable horse owner. 

You will develop your ability to assess horses, make informed management decisions and apply current industry best practice in horse care and welfare. 

Through practical yard sessions, demonstrations and classroom learning you will develop skills in: 

• Advanced horse handling and safe working practices
• Understanding equine behaviour and learning theory
• Assessing horse health and recognising signs of illness, injury and poor performance
• Feeding horses for different workloads and life stages
• Stable, pasture and environmental management
• Tack fitting, care and maintenance
• Lunging for exercise and training
• Introduction to long-reining and in-hand schooling
• Conditioning horses for health and performance
• Equine welfare legislation and ethical horse management
• Biosecurity and disease prevention
• Professional communication and working practices within the equine industry 

Throughout the course, learners will work with a variety of horses to develop confidence, adaptability and practical competence. 

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.

• Equine Health Assessment and Welfare
• Advanced Horse Handling
• Feeding and Nutrition
• Stable and Pasture Management
• Tack Fitting and Equipment
• Intermediate Groundwork
• Lunging and Introduction to Long Reining
• Equine Behaviour
• Professional Yard Skills
• Health & Safety in the Equine Industry 

Assessment is designed to reflect real industry practice and will include: 

• Practical observations
• Professional discussions
• Practical demonstrations 

Learners will receive regular feedback throughout the programme to support their development.

This course is designed for adult learners (19+) who have successfully completed the Foundation Certificate in Horsemanship or can demonstrate equivalent practical experience working with horses. 

• Be confident handling horses safely
• Have a good understanding of basic horse care and management
• Be committed to developing their practical and theoretical knowledge
• Be able to work independently with guidance from tutors 

Applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview or practical assessment to ensure the course is suitable for their experience level 

PPE Requirements 

• Learners should wear suitable yard clothing and sturdy footwear
• A correctly fitted riding hat meeting current safety standards is required for all practical sessions.
• Additional recommended equipment includes:
• Gloves
• Waterproof clothing
• Yard boots
• Weather appropriate outdoor clothing 

Course Cost