IN the west of Ireland, Galway Community College (GCC) provide a QQI Level 5 course in Equine Studies.

This academic year course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills relating to the horse industry. Its goal to provide professional education and training to enable the learner who loves horses to pursue a career in the horse industry or continue their studies at third level.

This course is suitable if you want to achieve academic qualifications before starting work in an area of the horse industry.

SJI Bar training is provided as part of the course fee. The practical elements of the course are delivered in the local AIRE equestrian centre. Students are placed in equestrian facilities two days every week in order to prove a blended approach to their learning and in order to fulfil the requirements of the work practice module. The remaining days, students access the college extensive academic staff and facilities to provide the theoretical elements of the course. BHS exam preparation is also part of the course.

Modules include:

  • Stable and yard routine
  • Young horse training
  • Sport horse riding
  • Communications
  • Work practice

    • Applicants must be minimum 17 years of age at time of registration and have a basic understanding and experience with horses.

    Students who did not achieve the desired Leaving Certificate results to allow entry to their desired course from the CAO system, have the opportunity to achieve up to 390 points in this PLC course and gain access to 3rd level. GCC will also provide a level 6 horsemanship course next year.

    For more information on these courses, visit http://fe.galwaycc.ie/Page/Equine-Studies/88437/Index.html.