Full-time education

In what was a first for the Isle of Wight, in September 2018 Island Riding Centre and HTP Apprenticeship College launched a full time course offering a Level 1 Diploma in Horse Care and Riding.

Aimed at students aged between 16 and 18 years the course was a huge success and has already led to full time apprenticeship opportunities for some of the girls.

In September 2019 a Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care and Riding was launched with 14 students in our learning centre at the Island Riding Centre.

September 2021 sees the launch of our Level 3 Senior Equine Groom Course – spaces are available, please contact HTP Apprenticeship College directly to enrol and start your career today.

Find out more at https://www.htp.ac.uk/horse-care-and-riding/

To watch our students at work and interviews about the course, head to our youtube channel here

VIDEO ABOVE: It’s vital that horses on the roads and their riders are properly trained – the students are learning how to navigate busy junctions and roundabouts in our indoor arena

The Future is Yours

The Equine industry covers a wide range of areas including: riding schools, livery yards, competition yards, racing yards, clubs and hunts, instructors, working horses and studs and with it a number of employment opportunities and who knows you could end up running your own stable yard or equestrian business or becoming a riding instructor.

Working with horses is a way of life, but be prepared for very hard work! You will be working in all weather and often at unsociable hours, you will need to be fit and able to cope with the physical demands of the job and will generally be on your feet!

With experience and further training, you could take charge of a yard or become head groom and if you work in a riding stable you could become a riding instructor.

As a main subcontractor for HTP, Ofsted inspected Island Riding Centre during the Autumn 2019 term, the inspectors report was as follows.

“Learners learn and practice a wide range of practical skills in horse care. They benefit from high quality commercial standard resources and well qualified staff”

This was a glowing report of our services, quality, facilities and care provided to Island young people.

Find out more at https://www.htp.ac.uk/horse-care-and-riding/

To watch our students at work and interviews about the course, head to our youtube channel here

Apprenticeships

The Level 2 Apprenticeship in Horse Care is a full-time 12 month employed position. If successful you will be employed by Island Riding Centre and carry out the duties of an assistant groom whilst studying for your qualification at the same time.

The Level 3 Senior Equine Groom Apprenticeship Course is a full-time 18 month placement which will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to look after a small to medium sized equine yard and supervise a diverse team of workers.

Since opening in July 2017 we have given 5 apprentices permanent employment with us and as we grow we hope to offer further opportunities here on the Island. This classroom and experience-based learning offers opportunity and growth and undertaking the course(s) are a stepping stone to employment opportunities on the mainland and beyond.

Horse Riding and Stable Management

For riders of any age and in conjunction with both the ABRS and Pony Club we offer the opportunity to achieve badges and progress through a variety of stable management and riding achievements and qualifications.

Please ask for more details or discuss with us at your next visit.