Equine Breeding (SCQF level 7) PDA

Course code 324D

What is special about this course?

Do you have a passion for horses? Could you use your empathetic nature to care for them through every stage of the breeding experience, ensuring their safety and welfare always remain top priority?

Whether you already work in a stud, or it's the next step in your equine career as an owner or aspiring stud hand, join this highly flexible, dedicated course and gain the skills needed to provide an excellent level of equine breeding care. 

Work with broodmares, youngstock, and stallions as you gain experience in: basic horse handling; feeding and nutrition; cleaning and maintaining stables, paddocks, and equipment; cleaning and maintaining tack and equipment; and maintenance of the yard and property. In addition, learn about: basic exercising; operating machinery and equipment; basic equine first aid; how to assist Vets and Farriers; holding broodmares in the covering shed; assisting with Artificial Insemination (AI); stallion handling; and “foaling-watch”. 

Enjoy excellent opportunities to work with a range of horses and their experienced stud teams, either at our Rural Studies Centre in Halkirk, or through our partnerships with a selection of equine yards throughout many areas in Scotland, including Inverness-shire, Caithness, Stornoway, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Isle of Skye, Inverurie, Elgin, Benbecula, Brora, North Ballachulish, Fife, Orkney, Gairloch (subject to change and availability). Let us support you as you pursue your equine ambitions, developing your practical and theoretical experience and knowledge as you take your next steps in this vital and satisfying field.

Special features

  • Learn from highly qualified tutors with a wealth of industry experience
  • Schedule practical sessions to suit your timetable, with our on-site, flexi-learning tutors 
  • Work with stables throughout Scotland, choosing a location that suits you

Entry requirements

  • Evidence of academic ability at SCQF level 5 or above in an equine-related subject OR
  • BHS stage 2 or equivalent, such as Pony Club B test or NC Horse Care
  • Applicants with other relevant qualifications or equestrian experience will be considered on an individual basis

Year 1 - PDA

You will study the following core modules:

  • Equine studies: the brood mare
  • Equine studies: the stallion
  • Equine studies: equine youngstock

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 and unstructured): 3 modules (40 hours directed learning and 40 hours self-guided study). Duration can be agreed with the course team to suit your schedule

Where can I study my course?

  • North, West and Hebrides
  • You will be registered and supported by UHI North, West and Hebrides, and study at one of our equine flexi learning sites across Scotland. Please click on the email link below to begin your application or for more information

Start date

  • 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.

Additional costs

You will be expected to wear clothing that's suitable for yard work and will also be responsible for any travel costs to the equine centre or yard where you undertake your practical training.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you will have the skills to work: 

  • in a stud or breeding yard
  • in a yard with youngstock
  • as a groom based at a stud

Can I progress into further study?

You may wish to progress from PDA Equine Breeding (SCQF level 7) to the following courses:

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for Equine Breeding (SCQF level 7) PDA

For more information, or to begin the application process for this course, please email info.nwh@uhi.ac.uk

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.