Entry Level 3 Horse Care
Next intake September 2027
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⭐ Open Days! Come and meet us on 29 October, 13 November, 24 November, and 8 December - details below...
About the course
The Skills for Working Life Entry Level 3 Horse Care course is delivered at the Ride High Equestrian Centre in Milton Keynes, giving young people aged 13–25 the chance to gain a nationally recognised City & Guilds qualification in a supportive and practical environment.
These are pre GCSE level courses aimed at those with an interest in horses, allowing the students to explore a new vocational pathways. These courses are open to students from age 13 to 25 years as our students are grouped by stage of education and not age.
Students will cover subject specific units for their chosen pathway in either horse care or animal care, and additional units to cover related skills for the subject area such as field maintenance and skills for working life units such as effective communication and healthy living.
This pathway is designed especially for students who don’t thrive in traditional classrooms. These courses are highly practical, with students taking part in the everyday care of the animals on-site, documenting their work for their portfolio.
Students will have the opportunity to handle our resident horses and ponies. They will work in groups of up to 6 students with a teacher and appropriate support staff as required.
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The course is delivered in partnership with Haddon Training who can also provide Functional Skills (Maths and English) training for students if required.
Find out more about Haddon Training here →
Modules
Learners can choose between modules and will gain experience in areas such as:
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Catching and leading a horse
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Fitting and removing a rug
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Cleaning tack
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Tacking up
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Safe working
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Safe lifting and handling
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Recognising signs of health
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Personal presentation
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Working as part of a team.
*Please note that this is a non-ridden qualification.
On completion of Entry Level 3 there is a Level 1 Horse Care progression route at Ride High Equestrian Centre.
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Course structure
Our courses are designed to be accessible for all, with a wide range of assessment methods:
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Duration: 1 year, full-time (3 or 4 days per week, 36-week academic year) - can be completed in conjunction with school or as sole education provision.
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Group size: Up to 6 students with a teacher and appropriate support staff as required.
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Delivery: A mix of outdoor practical work and classroom activities.
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Assessment: Portfolio (photos, videos, witness statements, short answer questions, logbooks, creative evidence and answers can be written, recorded or dictated).
These are practical and hands-on courses for students to help prepare them for the supported work environment. We offer a wide range of modules in an accessible way to help to build confidence, teamwork, mobility, coordination, fitness and subject knowledge.
Please note there are no formal examinations.
Term dates
Terms are six weeks long.
Click here for a list of term dates.
Location
The course is delivered at the Ride High Equestrian Centre - a tranquil green space where young people can get active, learn new skills and enjoy being outdoors. The Centre is set in 37 acres of countryside in the heart of central Milton Keynes, easily accessible by bus and train.
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Who is the course for?
Our Alternative Education Provision is primarily for children and young people who, because of exclusion, illness, or other reasons such as SEND or SEMH, would not otherwise receive suitable education. This includes learners who:
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Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
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Struggle with traditional school settings
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Need additional support for SEND or SEMH challenges
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May experience school phobia, trauma, or medical needs
Our team will work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure that each student has a personalised and appropriate educational programme that will meet student needs with due regard to safeguarding, risk assessments and expected outcomes.
How to apply
We welcome referrals from schools, local authorities, parents and carers.
Please contact us to discuss student details and EHCP needs.
Call: 01908 666434
Email: education@aimhighuk.co.uk
Our team will guide you through the referral process, which includes a visit and consultation to ensure the course is the right fit.
Open Days
Come and meet us, see the facilities, and learn more about the programme:
Tuesday 29 October: 12.30 pm - 1.30 pm
Friday 13 November: 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm
Tuesday 24 November: 4.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Tuesday 8 December: 3.00 pm - 4.00 pm.