Daughter wants Equine Management BTEC instead of A levels after open day

[Brainfreeze1]

Hello, my daughter in year 10 is a hard working student with expected 6 and 7 grade passes. Up until recently she was set on history and English A levels and off to university. All good. Until that is I took her to a land and agricultural college who were having an open day. The sun was shining the setting was beautiful. She is now determined to go there and study BTECH in Equine Management (she horse rides every week).

Whilst trying to support her I can’t help but feel this is the wrong choice and will limit her choices going forward. She loves horses but I always saw this as a hobby not a job.

i wondered if anyone had similar experiences of this. Do I respect her wishes and hope for the best or do I insist she goes to college to do a levels?

BTECs are structured differently to A levels. They are full on in terms of coursework and light in exams. If she’s an organised, disciplined student who hates exams it may suit her. If she’s not so good at turning in work on time it’s not going to work for her.

In an equine subject? What does she do now?

My friend did this course and runs her own yard now, she loves it but it’s bloody hard work and she is constantly exhausted and battling to make ends meet. I am a horse girl, as is DD, we have always had horses and still do but I would always want them as a hobby and not a job and I’m so glad DD felt the same. The hours, the pay, the lack of respect and the risk of injury hugely impacting your ability to work are big factors to think about. That said it’s your daughters choice - could she do some work
experience on a yard and talk to some people, get a feel for it? She might realise it’s not for her, or narrow down her ideas to equine physio, dentist etc which then is a different story as I also have friends who do those jobs and do VERY well from it!

6 and 7 are good grades - they would be equivalent to As and Bs.

In old money ( I am early 50s), I got 3xA, 3xB and 3×C at GCSE. I then got A and 2xC at A level and a 2:1 in my degree.
There is no reason why getting 6s and 7s would prevent someone from doing a degree and getting a good grade.
There is also no reason why someone getting 6s and 7s shouldn't do a btec if that is a route they feel better for them, or ferl they have to do a degree .