Galway Community College continues to offer a large variety of PLC courses and this year has added a new equine studies in the area of horsemanship. GCC is fortunate to have experience in offering courses in the field of sports and now expanding this expertise by offering a QQI Level 5 certificate in equine studies.
Riona Finn, who currently teaches in GCC, is co-ordinating the course in conjunction with Rockmount Riding Centre. She outlines the criteria for establishing this course: "Professional yards are increasingly looking for qualifications from their assistants to meet health and safety requirements. We have a huge skill base on this side of the country in training young horses, but we fail to provide the qualifications to support this. In addition, the provision of first aid and support in the HSI coaching course ensures students are qualified to access work in a variety of equestrian fields."
This course differs significantly from other colleges offering this award, in that it allows students to learn through practice by being based in equine yards for three days every week.
An opportunity to met the staff and sample the yard will be available to anyone interested on Tuesday May 17 at 10am in Galway Community College. For more information see www.galwaycc.ie, phone 091 755464, or email [email protected].
