Advanced Certificate Horse Care

A stepping stone between the NC and the HNC in Equine Studies, this course develops practical experience and knowledge of horse care and equitation.

Locations: Barony, Oatridge
Study mode: full time (1 year)
Start date: September 2025
Duration: 1 years
Agency code: AHC1

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Course overview

This course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to work in the horse care and equestrian industry. You'll learn about basic health care and diet, as well as monitoring and maintaining feed and bedding stocks.

The course also covers, among other modules, tacking up horses for specialist work, clipping and preparing horses for public appearance.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

minimum of three National 4s and two National 5s, preferably including English and Maths, plus two weeks of practical work experience
recorded evidence of riding ability, including a minimum of walk, trot, canter and jumping

What you'll learn

You'll cover a range of topics including delivering basic horse health care treatment, planning diets and implementing feeding regimes and monitoring and maintaining stocks of feed and bedding.

Other topics include reporting on health and wellbeing, tacking up horses for specialist work, clipping and preparing horses for public appearance.

You can also achieve a Modern Apprenticeship for Level 5 by completing this course plus a short emergency first aid course and one other industry specific award (if required).

Course Funding

Full-time students of Advanced Certificate Horse Care @ SCQF Level 6 can apply for a Further Education Bursary.

Once you’ve accepted a place, we’ll email the bursary funding online application. Complete the application and return it along with any required documents. You should apply even if you're still waiting for exam results.

Tuition fees are waived for students who qualify for a bursary.

More information about funding your course

Find out more about your payment options for this course in our fees and funding section

Fees & funding

Other possible routes to funding

Care experienced bursary: Any care experienced students studying full time can apply for a bursary of around £202.50 per week. Find out more from our student funding teams at registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Education Maintenance Allowance: Students between the ages of 16-19 who meet specific criteria may be entitled to an EMA. This means-tested allowance depends on the income of the home the student stays in.
Discretionary Fund
Childcare

Advanced Certificate Horse Care

Apply now