Level 1 Horse Care (Certificate)
Next intake January 2026
Sign up now
Open Days! Come and meet us on 1, 13 and 25 November, 9 and 22 December
About the course
Level 1 Horse Care is delivered at the Ride High Equestrian Centre in Milton Keynes, giving young people aged 14–25 the chance to gain a nationally recognised qualification in a supportive and practical environment.
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This non-ridden course is designed especially for students who don’t thrive in traditional classrooms. Learners work outdoors with horses, building both industry skills and essential life skills to help them succeed in the future.​
The course is delivered in partnership with Haddon Training who can also provide Functional Skills (Maths and English) training for students if required.
Modules
Learners can choose between modules and will gain experience in areas such as:
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Feeding and watering
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Rugging up
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Tacking up and untacking
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Leading horses
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Catching and turning out
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Health and safety
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Mucking out
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Working relationships
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To gain a City & Guilds Level 1 qualification in Horse Care*, students will study a set number of credits to gain an Award, Certificate or Diploma:
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On completion of Level 1 there is a Level 2 Horse Care progression route at Ride High Equestrian Centre coming in 2026.
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*Please note that this is a non-ridden qualification.
Course structure
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​Duration: 1 or 2 years, full-time (3 days per week,36-week academic year)
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Group size: Maximum of 6. With 2 members of staff providing individual support
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Delivery: A mix of outdoor practical work and classroom activities
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Assessment: Portfolio (photos, videos, witness statements, creative evidence)​
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Please note there are no formal examinations.
Term dates
Terms are six weeks long.
Click here for a list of term dates. ​
Location
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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.
Who is the course for?
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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
Out 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
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We welcome referrals from schools, local authorities, parents and carers.
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Please contact us to discuss student details and EHCP needs.
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Call: 01908 666434
Email: education@aimhighuk.co.uk
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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:
1 November 2 pm - 4 pm, 13th November 2 pm - 4 pm, 25th November 2 pm - 4 pm
9th December 2 pm - 4 pm, 22nd December 10 am - 12 pm