Level 2 Equine Groom Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship covers topics that prove your competence to work in equine and stable management roles in the equine industry.
What is this Standard?
The Equine Groom apprenticeship offers you a chance to gain an equine based qualification while you work. It allows you to gain qualifications and workplace experience that employers really want. It also gives you an opportunity to earn while you learn.
If you are aged 16-18 and don’t have the Functional Skills equivalent qualification, you will be expected to complete L1 and/or L2. If you are aged 19+, your employer will decide if they require you to complete functional.
I have recently just finished my Level 2 Equine Groom Apprenticeship at RAECTI and was awarded a distinction. The support I was given by Sheldrake Training and especially by my coach Kate was phenomenal. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and she was always on hand to guide me through the more challenging aspects of the programme. The whole process is personalised to help me learn in the best way possible, and I fully recommend Sheldrake Training as an equine apprenticeship provider highly enough. Thank you all so much, and I’m looking forward to completing my Level 3 with you guys in the near future!
What Will I Learn?
The Equine Groom apprenticeship will consist of the following areas for development of skills and knowledge:
- Safe Working Practices
- Yard and Field Routines and Duties
- Horse Anatomy, Physiology and Welfare
- Horse Handling, Care and Welfare
- Saddlery and Equipment
- Travelling
- Non-Ridden Exercise
- Core Behaviours
You may choose one of the following pathways:
- Ridden Pathway – Jumping or Non-Jumping
- Non-Ridden Pathway
You may also be required to complete your functional skills in maths and English if you have no recognised prior learning.
How Long Is The Course?
Course duration:
Minimum duration of 8 months.
Study and assessment takes place at the yard/stable you are working.
Equine Groom Assessment
Whilst on programme you will gain competence, build a portfolio of evidence and complete functional skills if needed. Once the portfolio is completed, you will enter the gateway which is a revision period in preparation for end point assessment. During this time you will have to complete a knowledge test of 50 multiple choice questions and achieve a pass mark of 70%.
Once the knowledge test has been successfully completed, the apprentice will complete the end point assessment which will consist of an observation of skills followed by a professional discussion.
More information on the standard can be found at the Apprenticeship search / Skills England.
I have learnt more new skills than I can count. I can confidently work with horses now, in a way I couldn’t before. After some time away from the industry, the apprenticeship allowed me to refresh skills I already had, as well as learn new ones such as the overall management of a yard.
What Are The Next Steps Once Qualified?
Once you have qualified as a Level 2 equine Groom apprentice you can apply for a Senior Equine Groom Apprenticeship.
What Is The Salary Of A Horse Groom In United Kingdom 2026?
Average base pay = £23,000/yr
The estimated salary for a Horse Groom is £23,015 per year. Pay examples based on salaries collected from our past and present students. These salaries are indicative only and will vary from location and employer.
Start your journey in the equine world today!
Apply for an apprenticeship with Sheldrake Training – #TogetherWeGrow