The Care & Management 1 course is widely regarded as one of the most detailed horse care courses at this level. Designed for private horse owners, leisure riders, livery yard staff, and career changers, it provides a practical, real-world approach to equine education. Covering the complete BHS Stage 1 syllabus — with additional elements from Stages 2 and 3 — it equips learners with the confidence and clarity to care for horses independently, without the need for supervision.
Building on this foundation, the Care & Management 2 course takes students further. Aimed at knowledgeable adult horse owners or those with an equine studies background, it covers the BHS Stage 2 and ABRS Level 2 theory, with additional Stage 3 content included. This level is especially suited to those managing horses at a competitive or professional standard, or preparing for a career in the equine industry but unable to attend college.
Together, these two courses create a clear and progressive pathway. Learners start by mastering essential principles of equine care, then expand into more advanced and professional-level knowledge — from daily management and health care to feeding, welfare, and yard responsibilities. With flexible pacing, expert tutor support, and lifetime access to materials, the bundle gives students both the breadth and depth of understanding needed to care for horses confidently and responsibly, at home or in a professional yard.
The syllabus has been developed to mirror the real responsibilities of horse owners and carers. It includes core principles as well as intermediate-level topics that often appear later in formal training. A broad sample of what’s covered:
Stable Management & Horse Care
- Care of the stabled horse and grass-kept horse
- Bedding types, stable routines, and paddock maintenance
- Grooming: techniques, strapping, quartering
- Rugging and fitting, including types of rugs and usage
- Feeding rules, types of feed, cereals, straights, haylage and storage
- Boots and bandages
- Tack and saddle fitting, martingales and nosebands
- Cleaning and maintenance of equipment
- Bit types, their uses, and how to fit them correctly
Health & Welfare
- Points of the horse, colours, markings, breeds and types
- Monitoring health: vital signs, behaviour, signs of illness
- Equine psychology and behavioural management
- First Aid, knowing what’s “normal,” and recognising issues early
- Lameness, limb and hoof anatomy
- Teeth and dentistry
- Minor injuries and modern treatments
- Vet relationships and when to call the vet
- Worming strategies and lab testing explained (includes 3-year worming plan)
- Farriery: the importance of regular care and identifying hoof issues
Safety & Legislation
- Health & Safety in the stable, yard, and while handling
- Road safety and preparation for hacking out
- Towing and trailer knowledge basics
- Equine passports and legal responsibilities
- Choosing a livery yard and understanding sample livery contracts
Buying, Ownership and Business
- Guidance on buying a horse or pony: first and second-time buyers
- Budgeting for care, facilities, and professional services
- Building a support network when managing horses independently
- Running a small livery yard
- Diversification
