Logo of The Orchard Equine College featuring a horse's head silhouette combined with a tree with apples in gold and navy colors, and the college name in a navy rectangle.

Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Equine Management - (City & Guilds)

Develop advanced equine knowledge, professional skills and real industry confidence.

Our Level 3 Diploma in Horse Care is an advanced, practical and theory-supported qualification designed for learners who are ready to take their equine education to a professional level. This course prepares young people for employment, apprenticeships or further study within the equine sector.

Make a Referral
Logo of The Orchard Equine College featuring a horse's head silhouette with an apple tree inside it.

What Is the Level 3 Diploma?

The City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Horse Care is a higher-level qualification focusing on advanced horse care, yard management, horse health, and professional working practices.

Learners develop strong industry-standard skills, take on increased responsibility, and build the competence needed for real-world equine employment.

This course is ideal for those looking to move into professional groom roles, equine apprenticeships or advanced study .

Logo for The Orchard Equine College featuring a stylized horse head with a tree with apples inside it.

Who Is This Course For?

This qualification is ideal for:

  • Young people aged 16+

  • Learners who have completed Level 2 Horse Care (or equivalent experience)

  • Those confident working independently on a busy yard

  • Individuals preparing for professional equine employment

  • Learners progressing toward advanced apprenticeships or higher-level study

  • Students who enjoy both practical and theory-based learning

Riding pathways are optional and not required to complete the qualification.
Learners may choose a riding or non-riding route depending on confidence, goals and suitability.

This course suits motivated learners ready for a challenging and rewarding next step.

Logo of The Orchard Equine College featuring a horse's head silhouette with a tree, branches, and apples inside.

What You Will Learn

Learners develop advanced equine knowledge, technical skills and professional workplace behaviours. This includes:

Advanced Horse Health & Behaviour

  • Monitoring physical condition and vital signs

  • Identifying illness, lameness or poor condition

  • Parasite control and routine health care

  • Understanding behaviour, triggers and welfare indicators

Feeding & Nutrition

  • Balanced feeding plans

  • Understanding nutrients and dietary needs

  • Managing weight, condition and performance feeding

Advanced Tack & Equipment

  • Fitting specialist tack

  • Tack safety checks

  • Tack maintenance and minor repairs

Stable & Yard Management

  • Managing daily and weekly yard routines

  • Supervising tasks and supporting junior learners

  • Field and pasture management

  • Biosecurity, hygiene and yard presentation

Industry & Employment Skills

  • Professional communication

  • Following workplace procedures

  • Time management and leadership

  • Health & safety compliance

  • Working effectively within a team

Optional Riding & Pathway’s

We offer optional riding and non-riding pathways, plus specialist routes such as rehabilitation and competition care. These can be added to your programme depending on learner interest and suitability,

Riding is not required for this qualification.
Learners who wish to follow a riding pathway may do so, but it is entirely optional.

Logo of The Orchard Equine College featuring a stylized horse profile with an apple tree inside it.

Course Structure

The Level 3 Diploma is delivered through:

  • Weekly practical and theory-based sessions

  • Advanced yard tasks and supervised responsibilities

  • Practical assessments

  • Coursework, workbooks and written assignments

  • Professional standards and behaviour expectations

  • Ongoing observation and skills development

  • Portfolio building

Learners complete a series of units that lead to the full City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma.

A logo featuring a dark blue horse head silhouette with a beige tree inside it, having apple shapes on the branches. Next to the logo, in a dark blue rounded rectangle, is the text "The Orchard Equine College" in beige.

Progression Opportunities

After completing the Level 3 Diploma, learners can progress to:

  • Higher-level equine or Animal sciences Qualifications

  • Equine Apprenticeships (Advanced or Higher)

  • Employment as:

    • Senior Groom

    • Yard Assistant

    • Riding School Groom

    • Competition Groom (with experience)

  • Specialist pathways, such as:

    • Equine behaviour and psychology

    • Coaching and teaching

    • Rehabilitation and therapy roles

    • Veterinary support roles

Level 3 is widely recognised as a strong qualification for professional equine employment.

Logo of The Orchard Equine College featuring a stylized horse head with a tree and apples inside it.

Entry Requirements

To enrol on the Level 3 Diploma, learners must:

  • Be 16 years or older

  • Have completed Level 2 Horse Care (or equivalent skills/experience)

  • Demonstrate confidence working independently with horses

  • Commit to both practical and theory elements

  • Wear appropriate PPE and yard clothing

A positive attitude, responsibility and good attendance are essential at this level.

A logo featuring a horse's head silhouette with a stylized apple tree inside, and the text "The Orchard Equine College" to the right of the horse's head.

Course Fees

Fees may vary depending on delivery, learner needs and programme structure.

Please contact our College Team for the most up-to-date fee information. We can discuss:

  • Total course cost

  • Payment plans

  • Equipment requirements

  • Any additional support needed