GRENNAN Equestrian Centre is now in partnership with Ormonde College as part of its expansion as a centre of excellence for further education and training in Kilkenny. The college was the first of its kind when it originally opened over 40 years ago and has continued to develop to meet the needs of the horse industry since.

The college supports, mentors and coaches students as they pursue professional careers within the equine industry.

It has built up a strong reputation due to the co-operative spirit and dedication of its highly qualified staff. Graduates are in high demand due to the excellent reputation the college has.

The course is designed to meet the demands of a wide and expanding equine industry.

Students can and have progressed directly to employment both at home and abroad or progress to a vast range of areas in the equine industry.

There is an excellent staff to student ratio and places are restricted to ensure students receive individual attention.

The college affords students the opportunity to complete their British Horse Society (BHS) exams Stages 1, 2 and 3, Foundation Coach and Stage 3 Teach which then leads on to the Coach in Complete Horsemanship, a QQI Level 5 Award in Horsemanship.

After completing this initial course, students then have the option to progress onto the QQI level 6 advanced certificate in horsemanship.

This course meets the requirements for the young farmer schemes.

It is run over nine months (mid-September to the first week in June) in preparation for the BHS Coasch in Complete Horsemanship exam and QQI Level 5 Award in Horsemanship.

Students gain work experience by taking part in the practical care of horses and yard duties at the equestrian centre.

Entry requirements

It is recommended that students complete their Leaving Certificate, but this is not compulsory. Some equestrian experience is essential.

Testimonials

Joanne Jarden, HSI Tutor

I learned an incredible amount about stable management and training of young horses combined with the fundamentals of how to teach riding skills. This has been the foundation to a lifetime of competition and coaching at national and international level.

Annmarie Dunphy, HSI High Performance Junior Dressage Manager

I feel the course gave me a great all-round education and grounding which kick-started my career. It allowed me to gain experience in a lot of areas in equestrian sport which then led me to specialise in dressage.

Thomas Duggan, Kildare Stables New York

As a result of my studies at Grennan College, it brought me forward to the US where I now operate Kildare Stables. We import ISH and provide training for young international students. I believe that the studies and curriculum taught at Grennan College are valuable assets to the horse industry.

Christina Reddin and Sarah Devery, 2017 graduates

Completing the course at Grennan College gave us the knowledge, skills and qualifications which enabled us to take up an international position as coach and yard manager in Shanghai, China.