There are now new vocational training programmes leading to accredited qualifications which young people can undertake whilst in full time education.  

Grove House Stables has a wide range of clubs including its own Pony Club, which is an accredited member of the national Pony Club, the UK’s largest youth riding organisation.  It also has its own award winning equine vaulting group.  These clubs meet during non-school hours, evenings, weekends and school holidays and are playing a vital part in giving young people opportunities to take part in equestrian sport.  The centre is keen to take part in the government’s target of giving children and young people the opportunity to participate in 5 hours of PE and sport a week either in school or within the community. 

What can Grove House Stables Equestrian Centre offer to young people?

The Centre can offer the following vocational awards on a daily/modular basis:  NVQ Level 1, 2 and 3 in Horse Management, Riding and Care, British Horse Society Progressive Riding and Stable Management Certificates and the Pony Club Series of awards/badges.  

A range of taster riding sessions and experience riding programmes are available.  Please enquire for further details.  The Centre is keen to develop better links between itself and schools to enhance the opportunities for individuals to experience equestrian sport. 

The training will take place at Grove House Stables Equestrian Centre, which is an accredited training organisation recognised by the British Horse Society and Association of British Riding Schools.  The centre is a recognised Investor in People and also is the first equestrian centre to achieve the Sport England Clubmark accreditation. 

Our aim is for individuals to learn, develop and enjoy training in a friendly, professional environment. The centre has professionally built indoor and outdoor riding arenas, a lecture room and reference facility. It also has an award winning café on site.  The centre benefits from a team of experienced, well-qualified and supportive Instructors and Staff. 

What form will the learning take?

Students attend for one or two days a week, from 8.00am – 4.00pm. However, shorter duration/timeframe courses are available for some awards such as GCSE Sport etc. Individuals will undertake training in riding, horse care, health and safety and personal development within our Centre. 

Which qualification will they study?

They will follow various BHS/ABRS or other awarding bodies’ qualifications in Horse Care and Riding.  For candidates with sufficient prior learning/horse knowledge there may be an opportunity to work towards NVQ Level 2 in Horse Care and Riding.  Various other qualifications are available on request 

Equipment

Safety equipment will be provided. 

Necessary resources for study

Pen and paper, boots or shoes with a flat sole and a slight heel, loose fitting trousers and a coat.  A packed lunch or money to buy lunch at the Dovecote Café located at the Centre.  

A Riding Client Acceptance form must be completed and returned to Grove House Stables before the training commences. 

SAMPLE SYLLABI 

NVQ LEVEL 1 HORSE CARE AND RIDING

This qualification is aimed at those who are new to working with horses or those who have particular learning needs.  All the work at this level is carried out under supervision, and covers the basic foundation skills of horse care. 

The qualification is made up of 5 mandatory units and an additional accredited unit for those who have an interest in riding. This qualification has a GCSE equivalent of 5 GCSE’s at D - G standard. 

Mandatory Units Level 1

101 – Assist with the care of horses

102 – Assist with cleaning the stables and yard

103 – Assist with putting on, taking off and cleaning equipment

104 – Assist with handling horses

105 – Maintain health, safety and good working relationships 

Additional Accredited Level 1 Unit

106 – Ride horses in an enclosed area 

NVQ LEVEL 2 HORSE CARE AND RIDING

This qualification aims to prepare learners for a job working with horses. It gives practical experience of working with horses and allows learners to progress further in the study of equine subjects. The candidates must achieve all the mandatory units and one additional accredited unit.  This qualifications has a GCSE equivalent of 5 GCSE’s at A* - C standard. 

Mandatory Units Level 2

201 - Prepare and Clean Stables

202 - Maintain the Health and Well Being of Horses

203 - Prepare Horses for Use

204 - Prepare and Maintain Horses on Grazing Land

205 - Prepare and Provide Non Ridden Exercise and Aftercare

206 - Load and Unload Horses under Supervision

207 - Ensure Your Own Actions Reduce Risks to Health and Safety (Employment NTO, Unit A)

208 - Maintain Effective Working Relationships. 

Additional Accredited Level 2 Units

212 - Exercise Horses under Supervision

213 - Ride Schooled Horses under Supervision