Horsemanship / Equitation Programme

This training will equip the learner with the knowledge and skills for employment opportunities in the industry. This course aims to provide students with knowledge and skills relating to riding, breaking and training horses, preparation for sale, and encourage students towards Horse Sport Ireland and British Horse Society riding and coaching qualifications. 

Programmes: 

The recommended training for someone seeking a career in equitation is to complete the:

• Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship / Equitation plus the
• Teagasc Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship / Equitation

Duration: The Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship (Equitation) is one year, and the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship (Equitation) is one year.

Qualifications: These programmes are validated by QQI and lead to:

• Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship Award (5M3371)
• Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship (6M3505).

Locations: The course is offered at Teagasc, Kildalton College, Piltown, Co Kilkenny and at Gurteen College, Co. Tipperary.

Entry Requirements: There is a separate application process for each location and for each Level 5 and Level 6 programme. In Kildalton applicants must be 18 years old or over on 1st January following entry to Level 5. In Gurteen College  applicants must be 17 years old or over on 1st January following entry to Level 5. Applicants undergo an interview and practical riding assessment as part of the application process.  

Students with an equivalent qualification may apply for entry to level 6 programme. This process to apply for Level 6 also includes an interview and riding assessment.

Course Fees:Course fees are available via the following page: Course Charges – Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority. Fees do not include accommodation and food costs. Please note: Where an applicant is the holder of a major award at Level 6 or higher, an additional course charge of €1,000 is applied.  

Student Maintenance Grant: Students completing this course are eligible to apply for the Teagasc Student Maintenance Grant Scheme. This equates with the rate of Maintenance Grant set by the Department of Education and Skills based on the number of course contact

Application Process:The initial application should be made   for   Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship (Equitation) Programme (Year 1). Apply Online

Transfer and Progression

• Students with this Level 5 award may apply to a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship (Equitation) or to a Level 6 Advanced Certificate Equine Breeding programme.
• Progression may be possible through the Higher Education Links scheme. Check www.cao.ie, or contact the relevant higher education institute for further information.

Students who have successfully completed this course have fulfilled the requirements for start-up assistance and schemes as a young trained farmer i.e. Green Cert Status. Graduates of the Advanced Certificate can progress into employment in the industry

What will I study?

Sample content for the Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship / Equitation Programme  

 *Choice of module will be at the discretion of the college/centre