Residential courses

The National Stud offers residential programmes throughout the year, tailored to provide students with practical skill set and supporting knowledge required for a successful career in their chosen field.

The National Stud are one of the world's leading providers of education to the Thoroughbred industry. Graduates of all courses are employed across the globe for breeding enterprises such as Juddmonte Farms, Whitsbury Manor, Darley and Watership Down. With accredited Level 1 to Level 3 courses, there is a programme to suit everybody. Select a tab to find out more about the courses offered at each level.

Residential courses

Our Courses

Level 3

Stud Management and Sales Consignment course

A 26-week residential course offering learners the exciting opportunity to experience the whole stud year via vocational education and a comprehensive Evening Lecture Programme. Successful completion leads to a 1st4Sport Level 3 Certificate in Thoroughbred Stud Practices, 1st4Sport Level 3 Award in the Principles of Transporting Horses for Long Journeys, certificate in Emergency First Aid at Work and Manual Handling.

Term 1: September 23rd – December 20th 2024: An amazing opportunity to learn how to undertake all aspects of yearling, mare and foal sales preparation, from how to exercise for sales prep to how to present thoroughbreds to potential buyers, through a hands on work-based learning environment. Experience working the sales first hand through the completion of two week paid placements with a reputable consignor at the October and December sales.

Term 2: January 6th – April 6th 2025: Gain first-hand experience of the breeding season by foaling down mares, caring for The National Stud’s exciting roster of stallions and assisting in the covering shed. Practical stud work is complemented by rotations through the Stud and Nominations office and veterinary rounds, as well as trips, visits, management training, career mentoring and relevant additional qualifications.

A part time non-residential option is available for this course. Successful completion will lead to a 1st4Sport Level 3 Certificate in Thoroughbred Stud Practices

Entry Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years or older by the course start date and have Thoroughbred handling experience. International applicants welcome if an appropriate Visa is acquired.

This qualification can also be undertaken in the workplace

Costs PAYMENT REQUIRED £500 Deposit: To cover exam fees (£150) and room deposit (£350) £2,300: Accommodation and Board Contribution. Bursaries are available to hep with the cost of the course.

PAYMENT RETURNED £350 room deposit returned: Pending a room inspection

Weekly Allowance: Students will receive £100 a week in recognition of practical work for the duration of the course.

Contact the Education Team on students@nationalstud.co.uk or 01638 675922 for more information

<p>LEVEL THREE </p>

Level 2

Entry to Stud Employment course (fully funded)

An 8-week residential training programme for individuals with generic equine experience that wish to gain the knowledge and skill set which will enable them to be employed in the bloodstock industry. Completion of the residential programme will lead to a 6 -9 month paid placement with a reputable stud, learning how to assist with foalings, handle breeding stock and relevant husbandry tasks. Successful completion leads to a 1st4Sport Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care (Breeding Option).

Start Dates: January 16th 2023 and September 4th 2023 (Alternative start dates may be offered depending on applicant)

Entry Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years or older by the course start date and have generic horse handling experience. No previous formal qualifications required

Contact the Education Team on students@nationalstud.co.uk or 01638 675922 for more information

This qualification can also be undertaken in the workplace

Costs: A £200 room deposit is required on being accepted onto the programme. This will be fully refunded on departure pending a room inspection. Learners will also be required to pay a £60 contribution towards trips. Residential accommodation is provided in the on-site student hostel and learners will be provided with lunch on weekdays with facilities provided for all other meals which are to be self-catered.

<p>Level Two</p>

Level 1

Entry to Stud Employment course (fully funded)

A 6-week residential training programme for individuals with no or very little horse handling experience. The course provides learners with an introduction to horse handling and husbandry, developing basic but relevant skills to enable progression to further work experience or a Level 2 course if suitable.

Entry Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years or older by the course start date and have generic horse handling experience. No previous formal qualifications required

Contact the Education Team on students@nationalstud.co.uk or 01638 675922 for more information

Costs: A £200 room deposit is required on being accepted onto the programme. This will be fully refunded on departure pending a room inspection. Learners will also be required to pay a £60 contribution towards trips. Residential accommodation is provided in the on-site student hostel and learners will be provided with lunch on weekdays with facilities provided for all other meals which are to be self-catered.

<p>Level One</p>

Funding Options

Bursaries are available to cover part of the cost of the Level 3 Stud Management and Sales Consignment course, applicants are asked to complete a bursary application form which is available through contacting students@nationalstud.co.uk. Other funding may also be available if required.

Generously supported by our industry partners – the Horserace Betting Levy Board, the Thoroughbred Breeders Association and the Racing Foundation, the programmes aim to improve accessibility to the industry, offer continuing professional development to current stud staff and develop the next generation of industry leaders through a work-based learning environment and career mentoring.

Additional support via the Wavertree Education Trust from the Alborada Trust, Gerald Leigh Trust, EB Moller Charitable Trust, the John Pearce Foundation, Tattersalls, Watership Down Stud and the Tim Dunlop Memorial Trust enables us to provide our courses at a minimal cost to students

<p>Funding Options</p>

Other courses available

Read our students' blog

“There is no finer start to a career in the thoroughbred industry than the National Stud Diploma Course.”

Mark Dennehy

2014 Diploma Graduate

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