Englands first Level 2 Equine Coaching Apprenticeship will welcome its first cohort of apprentices when it launches next month. The apprenticeship, which is designed for both individuals and employers and enables participants to build coaching confidence, leadership and communication skills while continuing in their existing role, is open to anyone working within the equine industry in England.Delivered by the National Horseracing College (NHC), the apprenticeship aims to provide a clear pathway for career progression while helping equine businesses develop skilled, confident coaches within their teams.Participants will be required to commit to six hours per week of training and development over a 1218-month period. Incredibly proudWere incredibly proud to be launching Englands first Equine Coaching Apprenticeship, said Emma Cassidy, work-based learning manager at the National Horseracing College.This programme has been designed to support people already working within the equine industry to develop the confidence, communication skills and professional knowledge needed to become effective coaches. Importantly, although the apprenticeship is delivered by the National Horseracing College, it is open to individuals from all equine disciplines. With full funding available for many learners, we hope this will make professional development and career progression more accessible to people across the industry, while also helping employers develop skilled, knowledgeable and confident members of staff.Course contentThe apprenticeship will be delivered specifically within an equestrian environment and includes:Structured planning and delivery of progressive coaching sessionsCoaching of riders across varying abilitiesRisk assessment and health and safety management in practical settingsSafeguarding and duty of care responsibilitiesInclusive coaching practicesProfessional standards and reflective practiceOngoing assessment in a live coaching environmentWho is eligibleThe programme is open to those aged 16-21 who are employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Older candidates are accepted, but there is a small co-investment charge of 300.Participants must be employed in England and hold maths and English GCSE grades A to C or level 2 Functional skills if they are under 19 years old.Apprenticeships are funded by the government so incentives of up to 1,000 are available for employers. The course starts with a four-day in-person event at the National Horseracing College in Doncaster from Monday 8th to Thursday 11th June 2026. This is the only required attendance outside of the workplace.To find out more, click here.Images National Horseracing College.More from Your HorseDoes your horse really need to wear a rug when its wet? Equine vet advisesThree things to consider when working towards a rounder outlineSpooky ride? Horses are only scared of two things, says Richard MaxwellThe post New equine coaching apprenticeship set to launch appeared first on Your Horse.