Equestrian Studies
Course Description
The equestrian industry is international and has a wide range of job opportunities enabling graduates to travel around the world and enjoy challenging careers.
This equestrian studies course will provide students with an excellent training in stable management, handling and care of horses, and horse riding together with internationally recognised qualifications. Students will ride and train at an AIRE and BHS approved training centre with access to a wide range of horses and state of the art facilities. Students will have the oppourtunity to visit stud farms including the famous Coolmore stud in Tipperary.
QQI Level 5
Horsemanship
5M3371
Students can also gain BHS Stage 1 and Riding Road Safety Certificates which allow them to be industry-ready at the end of the year.
One year.
Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent. Mature Students will be considered on an individual basis. All candidates will be interviewed and places will be awarded on suitability.
Please note that some previous experience with horses is required to apply for the course.
The following subjects may be offered:
-
Stable & Yard Routine
5N3355
Designed to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to care for and maintain horses under direction. It will include developing skills and knowledge on a large range of areas in horse care such as Equine Nutrition, Grooming, Clipping, Tack, Horse Health, Grassland Management, Shoeing and Lunging. -
Sport Horse Riding
5N3359
The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to ride an experienced horse in an enclosed space without assistance. Students are prepared for riding exams up to Stage 2 with the British Horse Society. -
Equine Anatomy & Physiology
5N3360
The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to understand the structure and function of the horse’s body. -
Equine Nutrition
5N3363
Designed to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to understand, in depth, the equine digestive system, the composition of food and equine nutrition. -
Communications
5N0690
This will equip the learner with the relevant knowledge, skill and competence to communicate verbally and nonverbally in standard everyday tasks and in work-related tasks. -
Work Experience
5N1356
Each student will gain valuable practical experience while working in different areas of the horse industry. -
Word Processing
5N1358
Equips the learner with the skills and competence to produce documents to a professional standard.
This course is designed to enable students to secure employment as assistant stable managers, grooms, trainee riding instructor, stud grooms,event and showjumping grooms both here and internationally, and any position dealing with horse care. It is also suitable for people who wish to start their own business in the horse industry. As the course provides internationally recognised qualifications many students have used their qualifications to find work abroad as far afield as the US and Australia.
For full details on progression opportunities see these links:
Cork Colleges Progression Scheme
QQI Requirements
- UL: BSc in Equine Science (LM093)
- TUS Athlone : Higher Certificate in Business in Equine Studies. (AL652)
- Enniskillen College: BSc in Equine Management. (UCAS Course Code: D322)
- NUI Maynooth: BBS/BBA Equine Business (MH405)
- Kildalton: Level 6
- This course may also be used by students to progress to a variety of Equine courses in UK colleges and universities.
- It may also be used as the first steps in progression to higher stages British Horse Society qualifications.
Watch a Day in the Life of the CSN Equestrian Studies Course
Special Features
The major portion of each week is spent in Hitchmoughs Riding Centre where Billy Twomey, one of the top riders in the “world 8” started his international career. Practical skills and riding are taught here by experienced tutors.
Students will be taken on visits to Ireland’s top show jumping, racing stables and stud farms throughout the year. Students get to ride,train and handle a selection of horses and ponies and get hands on experience in a busy commercial yard.
Training in Hitchmough's arena
Checking the hooves
Students in the yard
Grooming
Showjumping
Looking smart!
Visit to Equestrian Studies students had a great morning at Kildangan Stud