Horsemanship Programme
Aim: To equip the learner with the knowledge and skills for employment opportunities in the industry. This course aims to provide students with knowledge and skills relating to riding, breaking and training horses, preparation for sale, and encourage students towards Horse Sport Ireland and British Horse Society riding and coaching qualifications.
Programmes: Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship (Equitation) and Teagasc Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship (Equitation).
Duration: Two years
Qualifications: These programmes are validated by QQI and lead to a Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship Award (5M3371) and a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship (6M3505).
Entry Requirements: There is no minimum educational entry requirement. Applicants must be 17 years old or over on 1st January following entry to Year 1. Applicants must undergo an interview and practical riding assessment before as part of the application process. Students with an equivalent qualification may apply for entry to level 6 programme. This process also includes an interview and riding assessment.
Application Process: The initial application should be made for Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship (Equitation) Programme (Year 1). Apply online through the Teagasc public website: Apply Online
Location
The course is offered at Kildalton College, Piltown, Co Kilkenny.
Transfer and Progression
- Students with this Level 5 award may apply to a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship (Equitation) or to a Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Stud Management) programme.
- Progression may be possible through the Higher Education Links scheme. Please contact the relevant higher education institute for further information.
What will I study?
Sample content for the Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship (Equitation) Programme
| QQI Code | Title | Level | Credits |
| 5N3355 | Stable and Yard Routine | 5 | 30 |
| 5N1433 | Work Practice (to include some weekend duties) | 5 | 15 |
| 5N0690 | Communications | 5 | 15 |
| Plus 60 credits from the following electives* | 5 | ||
| 5N3359 | Sport Horse Riding Elective | 5 | 30 |
| 5N3357 | Young Horse Training Techniques Elective | 5 | 30 |
| 5N3360 | Anatomy and Physiology Elective | 5 | 15 |
| 5N3363 | Equine Nutrition Elective | 5 | 15 |
| 5N3362 | Sport Horse Riding Instruction Elective | 5 | 30 |
| 5N3364 | Horse Breeding Elective | 5 | 15 |
*Choice of module will be at the discretion of the college/centre
Sample content from the Teagasc Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship (Equitation) Programme
| QQI Code | Title | Level | Credits |
| 6N3481 | Sport Horse Riding | 6 | 30 |
| 6N1947 | Work Practice | 6 | 15 |
| 6N3403 | Young Horse Training and Breaking | 6 | 30 |
| Personal Development module | 6 | 15 | |
| Electives | 6 | 30 |
*Choice of module will be at the discretion of the college/centre
Equine Stud Management option
Aim: To equip the learner with the knowledge and skills to find employment in responsible positions in the breeding industry, or gaining experience for breeding their own stock
Programmes: Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship (Stud) & Teagasc Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Stud Management programmes
Duration: Two years
Qualifications: These programmes are validated by QQI and lead to a Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship Award (5M3371) and a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Equine Breeding (6M3507).
Entry Requirements: There is no minimum educational entry requirement. Applicants must be 17 years old or over on 1st January following entry to Year 1. Applicants who seek to enter Level 6 with an equivalent Level 5 qualification must undergo the Teagasc RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.
Application Process: The initial application should be made for Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship Programme. Apply online through the Teagasc public website: https://www.teagasc.ie/education/going-to-college/apply-online/equine-courses/
Location
Teagasc, Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny. Students attend Kildalton College for course work prior to completing a practical learning period on some of the best stud farms in Ireland.
Progression
Students with this Level 5 award may apply to the Teagasc Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Stud Management programme . Progression to a higher education course may be possible through the higher education links scheme. Please contact the relevant higher education institute for further information.
What will I study?
| Sample content from the Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship (Stud Management) Programme (* Choice of module will be at the discretion of the college / centre) | |||
| QQI Code | Title | Level | Credits |
| 5N3355 | Stable and Yard Routine | 5 | 30 |
| 5N1433 | Work Practice (to include some weekend duties) | 5 | 15 |
| 5N0690 | Communications | 5 | 15 |
| Plus 60 credits from the following electives* | 5 | ||
| 5N3357 | Young Horse Training Techniques Elective | 5 | 30 |
| 5N3360 | Anatomy and Physiology Elective | 5 | 15 |
| 5N3363 | Equine Nutrition Elective | 5 | 15 |
| 5N3364 | Horse Breeding Elective | 5 | 15 |
Sample content from the Teagasc Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship (Stud Management) Programme (* Choice of module will be at the discretion of the college / centre)
| QQI Code | Title | Level | Credits |
| Horse Breeding (Stud Mgt) | 6 | 30 | |
| Pasture Management Stud | 6 | 15 | |
| Work Practice (Stud Mgt) | 6 | 15 | |
| Conformation and Evaluation* | 6 | 15 | |
| Anatomy and Physiology* | 6 | 15 | |
| Self Development module* | 6 | 15 | |
| Electives* | 6 | 15 |