Hands-on courses for hands-on people at Teagasc Kildalton College

QQI Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship - Equitation

The courses are aimed to equip the learner with the knowledge and skills for employment opportunities in the industry. The courses provide students with skills in the areas of dressage, showjumping and cross country. Lungeing, loose-schooling and driving help to prepare the students for breaking and training horses.

QQI Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship - Stud Management

The stud courses provide the learner with the knowledge and skills needed to manage an equine enterprise in the thoroughbred or sport horse industry. The course provides training in handling young stock, business management, enterprise management and has a twelve week Practical Learning Period (PLP) on renowned stud farms.

Entry requirements and application procedures

There is no minimum educational entry requirements but students who have completed the Leaving Certificate are likely to benefit most from the course. Applications must be over 17 years on 1st January 2022 and must have riding experience if they want to take part in the horsemanship option.

On successful completion of an equine related QQI Level 5 course, students may apply via on line to join a Level 6 course.

QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship - Equitation

Students spend 28 weeks at Kildalton developing their riding and horse management skills, breaking three- and four-year-olds, training and producing young horses for sales and competitions. The students learn how to manage a team being ‘in charge’ of a group of students and horses and learn how a commercial yard works.

QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Equine Breeding - Stud Management

Students come to Kildalton College for 18 weeks and complete the academic course work and develop their skill and proficiency in handling young horses. Stud students then spend 12 weeks on paid PLP on approved stud farms to give them real life learning, focusing on the breeding season and gaining responsibility on the stud farm. Many students gain employment through work placement. On successful completion of either of the Level 6 courses, the student meets the training requirements as a Young Trained Farmer (Green Cert).

For more information on all of the courses and how to apply visit: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2021/Teagasc-College-Prospectus-2022.pdf