Training and Education

We have been established for 25 years and have grown from a small family run stud to one of the largest Sports Horse Stud Farms in the UK with the underlying reason for this growth being customer referrals and recognition. Owned and managed by Karen Raine, who is a Equine Lecturer, BHS Int SM, NVQ Assessor, specialist Breeding & Performance Horse Assessor and A.I. Technician. We are an approved NVQ education and training centre providing excellent facilities which resulted in achieving the Blue Cross Animals in Education award for excellent care, facilities and use of horses in the training of students.

 

Work Based Learning (NVQ)

Students and Apprentices

With the diversity of the yard, the real life hands on experience offered to students is vast. Work based Diplomas (NVQ) are offered at Level 2 and 3 with options of:

  • Riding
    • Breeding
  • Youngstock Training
  • Care of the competition horse

Training Student Places

Students are taken for Work Based Diploma courses (NVQ) Level 2 & 3 the whole qualification is delivered on site. There are no fees for these courses as in most circumstances they are fully funded, all they cost to you is time.

Training Student Placeseducation-and-training-brochure-9Work based qualifications

Part time :- For students within commuting distance the course can be run three days per week and can be based around any other commitments. This enables students to get a part time job to run alongside their training

Full time :- We have a limited number of residential places for students wishing to do the course 5 days per week. This self catering accommodation comes with no bills.

All of our courses are run on a roll on roll off bases, therefore you are not tied to a set start date in the academic calendar. Each student also has their own individual learning plan designed to fit around their strengths and weaknesses. By having their own timescales and targets they are not held back by a group timetable.

Apprenticeship :- We occasionally have Level 3 Advanced Apprentice places available, these are very sought after positions.

 

Training with us means that you will have actually foaled a mare, loaded horses on a wagon and groomed at a County Show, not just written about it. Gaining a qualification on such a well known stud also ensures that you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs. Students graduate with the knowledge and hands on experience to enable them to progress and achieve success in the industry. This is proven by past students who have achieved some top positions both here and abroad, in Australia as mare barn managers, USA in the TB breeding industry, as competition grooms on the Sunshine Tour, as well as head girl/lad posts in Breeding, Showing, Eventing and Show Jumping Yards.

All current research shows that employers value Work Based Qualifications in much higher esteem than college courses. We pride ourselves in producing the quality and type of students that the
industry wants to employ. If you are serious about a career in the Equine Industry then this is the place for you.


“I completed my NVQ 2 and Level 3 Work Based Diploma at Country Farm Stud, the wide range of experience and training I gained whilst working with Karen has enabled me to go on to work at some of the top yards in the country. If you are looking for a starting block in the equine industry, I cannot recommend a better place.”

Camille Best

“I started my training at Country Farm Stud when I was 14 yrs old doing NVQ level 1 whilst still at school studying for my GCSE’s I stayed for the next 5 1/2 yrs achieving many qualifications and life skills, I received a lot of support during this time from Karen and the other members of staff. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Stud and felt like part of the family and I still do. Thank you so much Mummy Raine for giving me my self confidence and helping me believe in my self.”

Sammy Green

“I went as an apprentice to Country Farm Stud after spending a year at College and deciding it was not for me, I achieved my NVQ Level 2 and 3. I then stayed on for a further two years to become show groom and head girl only leaving to go into the family business. I can’t put a price on the experience or knowledge I have had and learned from Karen. This included everything from foaling mares to grooming at stallion parades and shows around the country to helping breaking youngsters in. It was a truly unique experience that I wouldn’t change or have missed for the world!”

Nancy Dunn