Horsemanship / Stud Management
Overview: This highly practical course provides hands on training for people who want to develop a career in the breeding and sales of horses within the equine industry. This course focuses on the care and welfare of horses, handling of young horses and the breeding of elite athletes. Students spend 3 days a week in college and 2 days a week on work practice in renowned stud farms.
Aim: To equip the learner with the knowledge and skills to find employment in responsible positions in the equine industry, gaining experience in breeding, young stock production and the management of an equine enterprise.
Programmes:
- Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship (Stud)
- Teagasc Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Equine Breeding 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: Applicants must be 18 years old or over on 1st January following entry to Year 1. Students with a Level 5 equivalent qualification from another provider may apply for entry to the Level 6 programme.
Course Fees: Currently the fees for this course are €990. This fee does not include accommodation and food costs. Please note: Where an applicant is the holder of a major award at Level 6 or higher, an additional course charge of €1,000 is applied.
Student Maintenance Grant: Students completing this course are eligible to apply for the Teagasc Student Maintenance Grant Scheme. This equates with the rate of Maintenance Grant set by the Department of Education and Skills based on the number of course contact
Application Process: The initial application should be made for Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship Programme. Apply Online
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 Equine Breeding 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.
Students have successfully completed this course have fulfilled the requirements for start-up assistance and schemes as a young trained farmer i.e. Green Cert Status. Many graduates progress into employment in the industry.
What will I study?
Sample content from the Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship / Stud Management 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 | ||
| 5N3357 | Young Horse Training Techniques Elective | 5 | 30 |
| 5N3360 | Anatomy and Physiology Elective | 5 | 15 |
| 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 Horse Breeding Programme
| QQI Code | Title | Level | Credits |
| 6N3482 | Horse Breeding (Stud Mgt) | 6 | 30 |
| 6N3483 | Pasture Management Stud | 6 | 15 |
| 6N1947 | Work Practice (Stud Mgt) | 6 | 15 |
| 6N3389 | Conformation and Evaluation* | 6 | 15 |
| 6N3388 | Anatomy and Physiology* | 6 | 15 |
| 6N2191 | Leadership | 6 | 15 |
| 6N3387 | Stable and Yard Supervision (Equine Business module) | 6 | 15 |
* Choice of module will be at the discretion of the college
- Teagasc College Prospectus (2024) (pdf)