The course aims to introduce learners to horse care and work within the Horse Industry. Learners will gain first-hand experience of working safely on a stable yard, with the knowledge and practical skills to carry out daily care and management of the horses, with horse welfare at the core of their work. Teaching is aimed at those who are working towards a Level 1 qualification or above.
The course is open to anyone aged 13 years plus who has an interest in working with horses or learning more about their care.
The course offers excellent hands-on experience on a British Horse Society Approved livery yard, in addition to gaining knowledge through practically based theory work.
A number of AQA Unit Awards can be gained as learners are equipped with both knowledge and practical skills in areas such as:
Stable management
Health and safety
Grooming and rugging
The foot and shoeing
Feeding and exercise
Tack and equipment
Basic grassland management
Groups are kept small to allow an additional focus on transferable skills including communication, teamwork, leadership and problem solving.
Working with the horses helps to develop a sense of a duty of care which in turn can improve confidence and self-esteem in the individual.
Assessment is done on an informal and on-going basis through both practical application and learner completed work.
Course Modules
Each academic year students have the opportunity to gain 4 AQA Unit Awards. These are primarily at Level 1 with one of the second year units being at Level 2.
These units cover a wide range of basic horse care including; Stable Management, Health and Safety, Grooming and Rugging, The Foot and Shoeing, Feeding and Exercise, Tack and Equipment, Basic Grassland Management and Health Care
Awarding Body
AQA
Student Expected Outcomes
It is expected that all who engage and attend well would achieve all the AQA Unit Awards on offer in addition to improving their confidence and team working skills.
Key Stage course delivered to
KS3;KS4
Admissions Criteria
Applications are welcomed for students Year 7 to 11. No previous horse experience is necessary although our work does involve being outside with the horses whatever the weather so an ability to enjoy the outdoors is essential.
Staff Experience
Equine Facilitated Learning has always been of particular interest to me and it is through Hooves in Harmony that I am able to combine my previous knowledge and experience to date. I have been around horses since an early age and they have played a huge part in my life ever since. Upon leaving school I studied at Warwickshire College gaining a BA(Hons) in Equine Studies.
An industrial placement year formed a major part of my degree and I spent a year working at a specialist Riding for the Disabled (RDA) facility that was home to a number of RDA groups in addition to providing holidays for RDA groups from across the country. It was here that I really began to see and understand first-hand how just being around horses can have such a huge positive effect on people. On completion of my studies, I took a job at a residential college that offered Further Education to 16 -25 year-olds with learning disabilities and behavioural and emotional issues. Here all the work centred around the horses on the yard, carefully combining this with the regular curriculum and independent living skills. It was inspiring to see students who had previously struggled with academic tasks begin to understand the concepts when approached from a different perspective. The horses themselves being in a teaching role and providing instant, honest and non-judgemental feedback.
I have also worked extensively in the youth work and education sector spending 7 years as Team Leader for the Prince’s Trust Team Programme at a then OFSTED Grade 1 Outstanding College. This twelve week personal development programme was aimed at 16 – 25 year olds who were not in education, employment or training (NEET). It was delivered with a high element of practical tasks in addition to classroom-based work for the young people to gain several accredited certificates and qualifications over its duration. Key themes included teamwork, reliability, communication, confidence, leadership and employability.
In 2020 I undertook my training with LEAP, completing a Level 4 Diploma in Equine Facilitated Learning. Through the LEAP Method the horse is treated as a co-facilitator rather than simply a tool for learning, something that I feel is important and this is reflected in all elements of our work.
Delivery Area
Stables and Classroom
Programme length
Up to a whole Academic Year
Transport Provided
No
Days Of Delivery
Thursday and Friday
Times of Delivery
9:30-2:30pm
Well-being assessment tools
N/A
Staff Ratio
Group
Additional Notes
Maximum Group Size is 6. We offer 2 days of Horse Care on Thursdays and Fridays. Students can attend either day or both as deemed suitable.
