Equestrian Training Programme
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Do I get holidays?
Yes. Compulsory leave at Christmas, Easter & Summer (total 25 days).
Eligibility
If you are over 16 years of age, are physically able for the demands of the course and are on a disability allowance you are eligible for the programme. If you are not on disability allowance but have a learning disability or another health issue you may still be able to take part. Contact the Training Programme Manager if you have a question about your eligibility.
All applicants must be registered with SOLAS (formally FAS).
You do not need experience with horses to take part on this programme but you must enjoy working outdoors in all weathers in a physical job.
Further information
How can I apply?
Complete the application form from our website or contact our Training Programme Manager Sabrina Tierney on Tel: 01-272 0704 (ext.207) to get an application form posted out.
Please note that all applicants must have received a tetanus injection. Please ask your GP to complete this form, (please see our website) to download Tetanus Vaccination Record for your GP to sign.
What happens when I apply for the programme?
You will have an informal interview with our Training Programme Manager. Depending on your eligibility you may also need to meet with a SOLAS Department of Social Protection Case Officer. If you are eligible for the programme and there is a place available you will be offered an orientation week. This gives the instructors an opportunity to get to know you and gives you a chance to sample the programme and see how you like it. After the orientation week a place on the programme may be offered.
When does the programme start?
The course runs from September to July with intake in September.
Do I get paid?
If you are already on a disability allowance or another social welfare payment you will receive a SOLAS training allowance. Your eligibility for disability allowance will not be affected by participating on the programme. You may also qualify for a meal allowance or a rent allowance payment. The payment you receive depends on your age and the current payment you receive, you will need to discuss this with the Training Programme Manager.
Funding for this project is made available through KWETB.
How can I apply?
Complete the application form at "Application Weblink" below or contact our Training Programme Manager Sabrina Tierney on Tel: 01-272 0704 (ext.207) to get an application form posted out.
Please note that all applicants must have received a tetanus injection. Please ask your GP to complete this form, click here to download Tetanus Vaccination Record for your GP to sign.
What happens when I apply for the programme?
You will have an informal interview with our Training Programme Manager. Depending on your eligibility you may also need to meet with a SOLAS Department of Social Protection Case Officer. If you are eligible for the programme and there is a place available you will be offered an orientation week. This gives the instructors an opportunity to get to know you and gives you a chance to sample the programme and see how you like it. After the orientation week a place on the programme may be offered.
Equestrian Training Programme – QQI Level 5.
The Festina Lente Equestrian Training Programme is a 1 year full time practical & academic course which enables the learner to develop the knowledge, skills and competence in a broad range of equine skills to work in a variety of equine sectors.
Successful graduates will be awarded a QQI level 5 Major Award in Horsemanship.
What will I learn on this training programme?
On the Equestrian Training Programme you will learn about:
- Handling horses in a safe way
- Daily stable and yard tasks
- Caring for horses and feeding of horses
- How horses behave and why based on the latest Equitation Science Research
- The equipment used when working with and riding horses
- How to work as part of a team and communicate with others
- The skills necessary to ride competently
- Horse Riding Lessons
Will I do a work experience placement as part of the programme?
Yes. All students are placed with an equine employer on a day release basis. This is usually one day a week with a further two week placement later in the year.
Do I need any equipment or clothing to take part on the course?
You will need to wear strong shoes or boots and jeans. Tracksuit bottoms or hoodies are not permitted. Clothing requirements are dependent on weather: rain jackets and rain trousers during wet weather, warm clothing during the winter, sun-cream and a hat during the summer. Riding hats, boots and body protectors are available in the training centre if you do not have riding gear for the orientation week. Once accepted on the Programme, it is compulsory for all trainees to buy and wear the Festina Lente uniform, their own riding hats and boots.
Is there accommodation available?
Festina Lente does not provide accommodation but it may be possible to put you in touch with accommodation options.
The QQI level 5 modules available on the programme are:
– Stable & Yard Routine
This module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to care for and maintain horses under direction.
– Young Horse Handling Techniques
This module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to apply training techniques to young horses safely under supervision
– Equine Anatomy and Physiology
This module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to understand the structure and function of the horse’s body
– Horse Confirmation and Evaluation
This module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to visually evaluate basic confirmation and movement of a horse
– Work Place
This module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to work in an organisation or specific vocational context, carrying out vocationally related tasks over a period of time, independently while under general supervision
– Communications
This module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to communicate verbally and non-verbally in standard everyday tasks and in work-related tasks, operating independently while under general direction
There is also an opportunity to receive a British Horse Society qualification if you wish to do so. The programme team will help you to decide what you want to do when you finish your training.
Are there exams or assessments on the programme?
Assessments take place on an on-going basis. Assessments can be in the form of projects, portfolios or skills demonstrations. There are some written exams but they are accessible for people with literacy needs and support can be provided as appropriate.
5M3371 Horsemanship
Course Qualifications
If you successfully complete all the modules offered on the programme you will receive a QQI level 5 Major Award in Horsemanship.
Please contact our Training Programme Manager Sabrina Tierney on 0879633348 or at sabrina.tierney@festinalente.ie Funding for this project is made available through KWETB.