A new course for 16-18 year-olds is being launched next year to encourage more young people to pursue an equine career.
The BETC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport is the first to include a practical equine option.
Starting in September 2019 the course is worth three A-levels and is a new addition to the Virtual Learning UK (VLUK) range of BTEC options.
The first course is being run at Rein and Shine, a riding school in Braydon, near Swindon in Berkshire.
Interested students are invited to attend an open morning at the equestrian centre on 12 January to find out more.
The course will focus on sports performance and excellence and include practical equine sessions.
All the tuition will take place in the classrooms built last year at the riding school with lottery funding from Sport England.
Pupils do not need any previous equestrian experience but will have the option to ride on the course.
Article continues below…
You might also be interested in:
Hot competition: the secrets to bagging a place on top equestrian courses
From racing to horse care, H&H finds out how to bag your place on some of Britain’s most popular equestrian
University not for you? Check out these equestrian career paths that might suit
With A Level results day in full-swing (15 August), you might be unsure as to whether university is for you.
“This is a great opportunity for Rein and Shine to offer young pupils an alternative career in sport and equine,” said owner John McDonald.
“The great part is, they don’t need to have any previous equine experience and therefore it could bring new people to the industry. It can show them what a great place an equestrian centre is to work or set them up to go on to higher education.”
After the new BETC qualification students can either go straight into work or continue with their studies at university.
VLUK was founded by two former senior teachers who believe in the importance of further education study options for young people with a passion and gift for sport.
Set up in 2008 VLUK now educates over 1,500 learners each year across a range of vocational programmes at over 75 delivery centres across England and Wales.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
