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GCC continues to expand its course offer to the agricultural community. Last year is commenced the Equine level 5 programme and now is offering the QQI level 6 advanced course certificate which is designed to allow students to devel...

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GCC continues to expand its course offer to the agricultural community. Last year is commenced the Equine level 5 programme and now is offering the QQI level 6 advanced course certificate which is designed to allow students to develop their horsemanship skills and to progress in a specialised way in the equine industry. For those who are not experienced riders, the Equine Breeding allows students to participate and achieve a level 6 award and thus gain access to the young trained farmer schemes.

On successful completion of the course students are awarded the QQI Level 6 in Horsemanship or Breeding which meets the training requirement for start-up assistance and schemes for young trained farmers. The level 6 advanced certificate fulfils one of the conditions of stamp duty exemption on the transfer of lands to a family member and meets the criteria for grants that are made available to young trained farmers.

Aimed at up skilling suitably experienced workers and those progressing from level 5 to supervisory positions across all sectors of the industry.

All Equine Studies courses are based in the Galway Community centre PLC College situated in the heart of Galway. A short distance is the local AIRE Riding centre where the practical elements are delivered. Work placement takes place two days per week and can occur in local yards or in yards nearer the student’s home for convenience.

Many students gain employment from their work yards during holidays and at the end of the course.

Numerous yard visits to equine specialists are organised throughout the year and can be viewed on the Galway community college face book page.

The course recognises the importance of hands on professional yard experience. Similarly, many students have completed their level 5 award and may have entered employment and wish to combine work and further education. In this regard the level 6 course allows students to attend college for a limited period each week whilst remaining in employment.

Students will be expected to work towards the Horse Sport Ireland coaching awards. The HSI Apprentice and Level 1 coaching course requires QQI Level 5 First Aid and Child Protection certification, which will be provided free as part of the GCC course fee. In addition, SJI Bar 1 & 2 training is provided as part of the course fee.

Expand+QQI level 5, minimum of 17 years of age at time of registration, Equivalent qualifications from other countries, relevant life experiences, relevant work experiences and mature students. Applicants need to demonstrate their horsemanship skills by vid...

Hide-QQI level 5, minimum of 17 years of age at time of registration, Equivalent qualifications from other countries, relevant life experiences, relevant work experiences and mature students. Applicants need to demonstrate their horsemanship skills by video clip or riding test and must have competed successfully and demonstrate sufficient riding skills.

For entry to the equine breeding award students must demonstrate success at level 5 in agriculture, or have sufficient knowledge and skills from farming backgrounds.

Material Costs of €600.00 applies to this course. All students are provided with college jackets. Students must be in possession of a grooming kit.