Competition Horse Care PDA

Course code 92D4

What is special about this course?

This course is aimed at individuals working with or aspiring to work with competition horses of various disciplines, or those who own or compete horses. 

The course covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of working with, training, caring for and preparing a horse for competition. This includes lunging, fittening, plaiting, trimming, turnout and developing skills in identifying potential horses for different disciplines. You will have the opportunity to work with a range of horses, either at our Rural Studies Centre at UHI North, West and Hebrides or through our partnership with a selection of equine yards. 

Special features

  • You will be taught by highly qualified tutors who have relevant industry experience, many competing to a high level and running their own equine business
  • You will have the opportunity to work at stables throughout Scotland

Entry requirements

  • Applicants will be required to demonstrate academic ability at SCQF level 5 or above, or have BHS Stage 2 or equivalent, such as Pony Club B test or NC Horse Care, or a selection of suitable equestrian units
  • Applicants with other qualifications or work experience are welcome to apply and will be considered on an individual basis
  • Entry will be assessed on the basis of your accumulated previous qualifications and experience

Year 1 - PDA

  • Competition horse (level 7)
  • Selection of the horse (level 7)
  • Lunging (level 7)
  • Fittening (level 7)

How will I study my course?

  • Part-time (structured)
  • Part-time (unstructured)
  • You will learn primarily through face-to-face study at one of our equine flexi-learning sites, with some online study through the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors

How long will my course last?

  • Part-time (structured): 1 year
  • Part-time (unstructured): 1 year

Where can I study my course?

  • North, West and Hebrides - Thurso campus

Start date

  • September
  • January
  • Variable

Fees

For information on costs for this course please contact the campus where you wish to study.

Funding

Students may be able to apply to the UHI Scholarship Fund.  For all the information and how to apply please use the following link Funding - Scholarships, Bursaries, Awards and Discretionary Funds - UHI Scholarship Fund.

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider a career within the equine industry, such as a competition groom based at a competition yard or travelling to competitions alongside professional competition riders.

Can I progress into further study?

You can progress from the PDA in Competition Horse Care to complete additional PDAs within the HNC Equine Studies. On completion of the HNC Equine Studies, students may progress to BA (Hons) Equine Business Management.

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for Competition Horse Care PDA

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2024 or Jan/Feb 2025

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.