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.
The National Stud team delivers a comprehensive Education Programme throughout the year, tailored to provide students with a practical skill set and the supporting knowledge required for a successful career in their chosen field.
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.
Level 3 Stud Management and Sales Consignment Course.
A 28-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 Short Journeys, certificate in Emergency First Aid at Work and Manual Handling.
Term 1: September 22rd – December 19th 2025: 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 5th – April 17th 2026: 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.
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 required: £500 Deposit to cover exam fees (£150) and room deposit (£350). The room deposit is refunded at the end of the course pending a room inspection. £2,300 for Accommodation and Board Contribution. Bursaries are available to help with the cost of the course, see Funding options below.
International course fees: £3,500 (Scholarship winners and those requiring assistance with visas will be subject to higher course fees)
Weekly Allowance: Students will receive £100 a week in recognition of practical work for the duration of the course.
FUNDING OPTIONS
Generously supported by our industry partners – the Horserace Betting Levy Board, the Thoroughbred Breeders Association and the Racing Foundation bursaries are available for the Level 3 course. Please contact us for an application form.
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
Thoroughbred Industry Access Course (Fully Funded)
A 16-week residential training programme for individuals with little to no equine experience that provides learners with the relevant skillset for a career in the bloodstock industry. The programme provides an engaging and inclusive curriculum which includes assisting in foalings, weaning and sales preparation for the July sales. Successful completion will lead to a 1st4Sport Level 1 Work Based Diploma in Horse Care or a 1st4Sport Level 2 Work Based Diploma in Racehorse Care (Breeding Option)
Self-funded spaces for international learners are available.
Course dates: May-August 2025
Entry Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years or older by the course start date. No previous formal qualifications required
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.
A £500 room deposit is required by International Learners.
An 18-month course completed on a UK stud farm in a location that suits you. Gain practical experience from industry professionals and advance your horse husbandry skills in areas such as foaling, sales preparation and exercise regimes, equine first aid, and handling youngstock. Delivered in partnership with Myerscough College you can expect regular guidance from a National Stud or Myerscough assessor.
Successful completion could lead to full-time employment into the thoroughbred industry or advance onto the Level 3 Equine Groom Breeding Pathway.
Course dates: Rolling start dates throughout the year
Requirements: Applicants must be aged 16+ by the time of the apprenticeship start date with generic horse handling experience. GCSE Level 4 in Maths and English.
The Level 3 Equine Groom Pathway Apprenticeship is for individuals working in the thoroughbred industry looking to progress and gain the experience required for a managerial position. Completed in the workplace and earn whilst you learn from industry professionals. Delivered in partnership with Myerscough College you can expect regular guidance from a National Stud or Myerscough assessor.
Course date: Rolling start dates throughout the year
Requirements: Applicants must be aged 16+ by the time of the apprenticeship start date with generic horse handling experience. GCSE Level 4 in Maths and English.
The National Stud also offers a range of short courses for those working in various areas within the industry. If you would like formal recognition of your skills or are looking to upskill get in touch to discuss the options available.
These range from required training certificates such as First Aid and Manual Handling to our Stud Administration course for those looking to expand their skillset. The Level 2 Diploma in Work-Based Horse Care (Breeding Option) and Level 3 Certificate in Thoroughbred Stud Practice can both be completed in the workplace, while the Level 4 Learning Programmes can also be achieved while working full time.
Transporting Horses
Level 3 Awards in Transporting Horses on Long and Short Journeys.
The full ‘Certificate of Competence for Drivers and Attendants in Transporting Horses Pursuant to Article 17(2)’ is issued by DEFRA following successful completion of the qualification.
The 1st4Sport Level 3 Award in Transporting Horses on Long Journeys and 1st4Sport Level 3 Award in Transporting Horses on Short Journeys can be completed via the National Stud.
Developed in partnership with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), this qualification provides learners with the skills and knowledge required to transport horses safely and legally as either an Attendant or Attendant/Driver
Course dates: Delivered throughout the year
First Aid & Manual Handling
Basic emergency first aid at work, moving and handling awareness course. The course has a cost of £50 per person. The Application form can be downloaded here: First Aid & Manual Handling.
Course dates: next date to be confirmed. Email students@nationalstud.co.uk to register your interest.
Stud Administration Course
The Stud Administration short course provides those with an interest in working within a Stud Administration role an understanding of key elements of the role and responsibilities.
Delegates gain background industry knowledge relating to marketing, transportation, bloodstock sales, bloodstock insurance, mare and foal registrations, stud administration procedures and veterinary practices.
The bi-annual three day programme includes lectures from industry experts, including professionals from the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Weatherbys, Newmarket Equine Hospital, the bloodstock sales team at Tattersall’s and The National Stud’s Nominations Manager and Stud Office Manager.
On completion of the course a certificate is issued from The National Stud.
