Horse Care (0071)

Last Updated: 14 Dec 2023
Focussing upon the principles and practices of horse care and management in a work-based setting, the learner will focus on areas of interest such as yard work, competition horses, riding, breeding or coaching

A work-based Horse Care qualification is for anyone with a job or work placement in the equine industry. You don't need any previous qualifications or experience to get started.

You need to be aged 16 or over to take the Levels 2 and 3 work-based qualifications.

Available to deliver in the following:
  • England
  • Wales – please check QiW website for available funding
  • Scotland
  • Northern Ireland

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?

You will cover all essential areas of work-based horse care at a level that suits your skills and knowledge and career ambitions:

  • horse care
  • riding and breeding
  • management.

You will learn on the job in the work environment. Assessment will also take place in the workplace and will include a portfolio of evidence to meet the criteria of the qualification.

Which level is right for me?
Level 1
You are just starting out in your role and are working in a junior role.

Level 2
You have some knowledge and basic skills as a horse care worker. You want to develop your skills, perhaps to move from a junior position to a senior one. You might want a qualification to prepare you for further training.

Level 3
You've worked in horse care for some time - you have plenty of experience. You want to show that you have the skills you need to do your job well, perhaps as part of your professional development or to prepare for higher-level training.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

These qualifications can help you to progress in a wide range of horse care roles including:

  • Yard manager
  • Groom
  • Assistant yard manager
  • Work in ancillary equine businesses.
What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?

In order to offer this qualification, you must be suitably qualified to carry out training and assessment.  You can train internal members of staff or recruit specially.

You also need suitable facilities to carry out the required training to enable learners to achieve industry standards.

You'll deliver and assess these qualifications in the workplace.

You'll need qualified assessors - either qualified to Level 3 or above in Horse Care or with significant current experience of working in the industry at this level. They should hold or be working towards assessor qualifications A1 or D32/33.

Internal verifiers/qualification coordinators must also be qualified or experienced in horse care. They should hold assessor qualifications A1 or D32/33, and hold or be working towards V1 or D34.

To find all the resource requirements, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

All learners must be employed in the horse care industry. You must make sure they can access all the resources they need to complete the qualification.

Level 1

Level 1 is ideal if you are just starting out in your role and are working in a junior role.

There are four qualifications available at Level 1:

  • Level 1 Award in Work-based Horse Care
  • Level 1 Certificate in Work-based Horse Care
  • Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care
  • Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Riding.

For a full list of units, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

These qualifications can help you to progress in a wide range of horse care roles including:

  • Yard manager
  • Groom
  • Assistant yard manager
  • Work in ancillary equine businesses.
Level 1 Work-based Horse Care (0071-11)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2024 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care

  • Accreditation No: 501/2280/0 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 41 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 369 - 369 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 410 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £148.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Riding

  • Accreditation No: 501/2281/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 49 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 441 - 441 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 490 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £163.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 1 Award in Work-based Horse Care

  • Accreditation No: 501/2283/6 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 10 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 90 - 90 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 100 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £85.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 1 Certificate in Work-based Horse Care

  • Accreditation No: 501/2288/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 28 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 252 - 252 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 280 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £116.80 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2

Level 2 will suit you if you have some knowledge and basic skills as a horse care worker. You want to develop your skills, perhaps to move from a junior position to a senior one. You might want a qualification to prepare for further training.

There are three diplomas available at this level:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care (Horse Care)
  • Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care (Horse Care and Riding)
  • Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care (Breeding).

For a full list of units, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

These qualifications can help you to progress in a wide range of horse care roles including:

  • Yard manager
  • Groom
  • Stable lad/lass
  • Riding school worker
  • Assistant yard manager
  • Work in ancillary equine businesses.
Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care (Horse Care) (0071-21)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care (Horse Care)

  • Accreditation No: 501/1857/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 41 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 645 - 645 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 410 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £184.90 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care (Horse Care and Riding) (0071-22)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care (Horse Care and Riding)

  • Accreditation No: 501/1857/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 41 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 645 - 645 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 410 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £170.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care (Breeding) (0071-23)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care (Breeding)

  • Accreditation No: 501/1857/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 41 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 645 - 645 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 410 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £173.50 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3

Level 3 will suit you if you've worked in horse care for some time - you have plenty of experience. You want to show that you have the skills needed to do your job well, perhaps as part of your professional development or to prepare for higher-level training.

There are four diplomas available at this level:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management (Horse Care and Management)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management (Horse Care and Riding)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management (Breeding)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management (Coaching).

For a full list of units, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

These qualifications can help you to progress in a wide range of horse care roles including:

  • Yard manager
  • Groom
  • Assistant yard manager
  • Work in ancillary equine businesses.
Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management (Horse Care and Management) (0071-31)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management (Horse Care and Management)

  • Accreditation No: 501/1885/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 64 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 442 - 565 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 640 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £190.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management (Horse Care and Riding) (0071-32)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management (Horse Care and Riding)

  • Accreditation No: 501/1885/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 64 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 442 - 565 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 640 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £162.10 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management (Breeding) (0071-33)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management (Breeding)

  • Accreditation No: 501/1885/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 64 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 442 - 565 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 640 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £167.80 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management (Coaching) (0071-34)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management (Coaching)

  • Accreditation No: 501/1885/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 64 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 442 - 565 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 640 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £156.40 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Additional information for centres

Learning Assistant

LEARNING ASSISTANT IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS QUALIFICATION

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Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to Walled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

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