Depending on where you study your Equine Studies course and Equestrian Training, international students participating in our Vocational Education Horsemanship courses will acquire essential skills in practical horse care, equine science, and horsemanship required for working with sport horses. In addition, students will also learn equine anatomy and physiology, stable and stable management, and practical experience in the day-to-day care and management of horses. Whether you want to improve your career prospects while learning English or simply follow a passion, our Equine Studies Vocational Education training courses are a gateway to exciting opportunities in the equine and equestrian sport industry.
Above all, we know how challenging it can be to travel to a foreign country for training or a course, given the bureaucratic barriers and the lack of knowledge about the destination (deadlines, distances, locations, accommodation, and regulations, among other factors).
For this reason, we accompany and advise you at every stage of the process, from research and decision-making to the processing of applications.
Our horsemanship and Equine Studies Ireland courses in Vocational Education and Training for Further Education, offer a comprehensive range of equine and horsemanship courses designed for international students eager to deepen their knowledge in equine training and education in the English language. Our Equine Studies Ireland courses are tailored to students looking to advance in further education studies in Ireland, combining hands-on training with academic learning. Students will develop essential skills in practical horse care, equine science, sport horse riding, equine anatomy and physiology, stable and yard management, gaining practical experience in the daily care and management of horses. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your career prospects or simply pursue a passion, our courses are a gateway to exciting opportunities in the equine industry.
The focus of our one-year full-time Equine Studies Ireland or Horsemanship courses Ireland is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to work in a supervisory role in a stable with sport horses or race horses, or to progress to further or higher education and training.
The courses provide students with experience in hands-on and classroom equine and horsemanship education within the industry and college leading to qualification for employment opportunities in the horse industry, including training yards, horse riding schools and equestrian centres, stud farms and racing yards. This is a follow-on from the Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship.
Students on our Vocational Education and Training Courses will spend time in various equine establishments and many horse riding schools, local studs and racing yards to gain hands-on experience and also class time in the college for learning. Students are encouraged to use this course as training towards the varied HSI Coaching and British Horse Society Instructors qualifications to gain entry to employment into the Irish Horse Industry in stud farms, racing yards, and equestrian centres or the Equestrian field abroad. Students are awarded the 120-credit QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Equine Studies after completing the programme.
Our Equine Studies Ireland or horsemanship studies courses offer an immersive educational experience for international students. The further education courses are structured around a typical academic calendar, beginning in September and concluding in June, with mid-term breaks and holidays at Halloween, Christmas, February and Easter. Students will engage in a blend of theoretical equine or horsemanship and practical learning. Key topics include stable and yard routine, equine nutrition, and equine anatomy and physiology.
These Vocational Education and FET courses also cover sport horse riding, equine nutrition, riding instructor certifications and professional equine qualifications, stud management, equine breeding, and animal welfare to ensure a holistic understanding of the equine world. Alongside equine-specific studies, core modules such as communications, science, customer service, and mathematics are included to provide students with a comprehensive foundation for future careers in the equine industry.
Students in the Professional Equine Training program gain hands-on experience at diverse equine facilities, including riding schools, stud farms, racing stables, and academic study for theoretical learning. The foundation courses support preparation for HSI coaching and British Horse Society instructors’ certifications, opening career pathways in the equine industry, racing, and stud farms. Upon completing an Advanced training course, graduates receive an Equestrian Studies Certificate at Level 5 or 6, carrying up to 120 QQI credits.
Holding one of the following qualifications is an important prerequisite for access to our equestrian training and professional development opportunities:
To have passed:
Our Equine Studies Ireland and Horsemanship Foundation and Further Education courses are open to international students aged 16 and older who have a passion for equine studies or horsemanship and are eager to advance their education in this field. We welcome students of all experience levels, from beginners seeking to learn the fundamentals of horse care to advanced riders looking to broaden their expertise and pursue a career in the equine industry. A genuine interest in animal welfare and a desire to pursue a career in the equine industry are key. For those interested in our more advanced programmes, prior experience with horses and a basic understanding of equine care may be required.
For equine students interested in our more advanced programmes, previous experience with horses and a basic understanding of equine care may be required. A genuine interest in equine animal welfare and a desire to pursue a career in the equine industry are key. For those interested in our more advanced programmes, previous experience with horses and a basic understanding of equine care may be required.
In Ireland, there are a number of educational institutions and specialist centres offering Equestrian Technician programmes, providing both practical and theoretical training in the care and management of horses. These centres combine riding with academic modules and have quality equestrian facilities. The programmes are designed for international students interested in the equestrian world, enabling them to develop key skills in areas such as stable management, equine anatomy and horsemanship, preparing them for careers in the equestrian industry.
Each location of our Equine Studies Ireland programmes at Level 5, foundation courses and Level 6, advanced courses may have their separate application process. Generally, applicants must be at least 18 years old by January 1st following entry to a Level 6 programme, or 17 years old by January 1st following entry to a Level 5 programme. The application process may include an interview and a practical riding assessment to evaluate applicants’ skills in specific further education centres.
The Equine Studies Ireland Foundation and Advanced courses are offered in partnership with local riding schools and equestrian centres. For international students, although the recommended minimum level of English proficiency is B1, it is suggested that you have achieved B2+ before the start of the training year or course year. Students with an equivalent qualification can apply directly for admission to Level 6 riding grades and courses. The application process for Level 6 includes both an interview and a practical riding assessment. Finding a job working in a profession with horses requires passion, practical skills and a good knowledge of equine care and behaviour.
Upon completing either a foundation or advanced course in Equine Studies Ireland, students will acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies in a broad range of equine practices, enabling them to work in various sectors of the equine industry under direct supervision or pursue further education and training. The curriculum provides essential knowledge for managing stables through a vocational approach, integrating key skills such as literacy, ICT, and effective planning. Additionally, students will receive instruction in equine nutrition and welfare, ensuring optimal care and performance of horses.
Further Education and Training (FET) courses in Ireland are often free or subsidised for certain groups of students and learners, including Irish and EU/EEA nationals, depending on their eligibility. Below is a clearer breakdown of FET courses and associated costs for both domestic and international students. These include Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, 2nd Baccalaureate, apprenticeships, traineeships and other vocational training programmes. In general, students only have to cover minor fees for registration, exams, books or materials.
Career Opportunities in the Equestrian Industry:
At Airlinguee, we advise and guide you in the search for the vocational training that best suits your needs and in the search for the host family that will host you during the training cycle.
The general application process for Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses in Ireland generally follows these steps:
The admission’s process for Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses in Ireland:
Applicants who already have an Irish Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) or who wish to apply for one can contact us directly, and we will send you a list of centres that match your preferences and needs. Once your application has been confirmed, all applicants living abroad can apply for a PPSN via the following link.
Living with an Irish family provides a unique cross-cultural experience, enabling students to fully immerse themselves in Irish traditions while pursuing their studies. Our carefully selected host families create a welcoming and comfortable environment, offering meals and support to ensure students feel at home as they embark on their Horsemanship course or Horse Riding in Ireland program. This living arrangement also presents invaluable opportunities for students to practice English in everyday situations, enriching their overall experience and helping them adapt to life abroad.
We offer various accommodation options with carefully selected host families to ensure that our international students feel at home during their Equestrian Studies in Ireland programme. Students and their parents can choose their preferred host family from detailed profiles provided before arrival, allowing them to select a family that best suits their preferences and needs.
Each host family in Ireland has passed a background check carried out by the police (certified by Garda) and has also been assessed by our partners in Ireland to ensure the safety and well-being of the participants. In addition, the personalised approach ensures that students enjoy a welcoming and comfortable environment where they can immerse themselves in Irish culture while focusing on their studies. Each host family is assessed to ensure a safe and supportive living experience, enhancing their overall English learning pathway.
Below are the booking, registration, and accommodation fees for our Equestrian Studies students. There are also estimated costs for courses and materials and information on potential EU grants available.
