Foundation Certificate in Horsemanship

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.

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

Learners will be assessed through a variety of methods, including practical observations, professional discussions and the creation of work-based products. These will reflect real life industry scenarios and showcase the development of skills. 

We are a BHS Exam Centre and highly recommend students becoming members of the British Horse Society to enable access to these exams.  BHS qualifications are internationally recognised and sit alongside your formal qualifications. BHS exam fees are not included in the cost of your qualification.  

Learners must be:

• Aged 19+ 
• Have previous experience handling horses. 
• Hold a Level 1 qualification at Pass or above, along with a genuine passion for horses and some prior experience in handling them.

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.