Equestrian Curriculum

As we aspire to hold our title of one of the UK’s leading schools in equestrian, we are thrilled to offer Equestrian Studies to our pupils from Year 10 upwards.  

GCSE 

Year 10 and 11 pupils may opt for Equine Studies Pathway as one of their GCSE subjects, studying the British Horse Society Bronze and Silver Challenge Awards (Year 10) and BHS Stage 2 (Year 11). These courses are trained on school grounds at our equestrian centre and involve ongoing in-house assessments by our BHS accredited coaches. These courses include horse care, riding and lunging modules, with Stage 2 requiring an external exam.

Within Year 10, pupils will complete a ½ day course, followed by a ½ day assessment for the BHS Ride Safe Silver Award. This is internally trained and examined by our Ride Safe Assessor.  

This route aims to prepare our pupils to enter the BHS Equine Excellence Pathway to the corresponding units at Stage 3.  

Acceptance onto the riding section of each option listed above is based on an assessment at the start of course, and pupils can receive additional training in preparation for this, with an incurred cost. 

“I feel privileged to be at a school that provides an equestrian facility which enables me to do an equine GCSE and further my knowledge and understanding in equestrian science.” - Abbotsholme Pupil, 2024 

BTEC Level 3 

During Year 12 and Year 13, our Sixth Formers may opt for Equestrian Studies and take a BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Equine Management, which is equivalent to 1 A-Level. This qualification provides pupils with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of horse care and management and develops their practical skills on the yard, as well as their theoretical knowledge.  

Core Units 

• Equine Structure, Form and Function 
• Work Experience in the Equine Sector 
• Horse Tack, Equipment and Rugs 
• Equine Health and Husbandry 

Optional Units 

• Preparation and Presentation for Competition Disciplines 
• Equine Behaviour 
• Estate Skills and Grassland Management 
• Introduction to Equestrian Coaching

As part of their Equestrian Studies, pupils may also opt for a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Equine Management, which furthers their knowledge, exploring the more advanced elements of Equine Studies which prepares pupils for pursuing a career in life at Abbotsholme. 

Core Units 

• Equine Structure, Form and Function 
• Equine Diet and Nutrition  
• Managing Equine Disease  
• Work Experience in the Equine Sector 
• Horse Tack, Equipment and Rugs 
• Equine Health and Husbandry 
• Preparation and Presentation for Competition Disciplines 
• Equine Behaviour 
• Managing an Equine Yard 

Optional Units 

• Equine Business Management  
• School Horses on the Flat 
• Managing an Equine Event 
• Estate Skills and Grassland Management 
• Working Horses from the Ground 
• Introduction to Equine Coaching