Working with horses

Equine Veterinary Nursing

Take a look at what's involve in a typical day at work as an equine veterinary nurse.

Thinking about a career in horse racing?

Thinking about a career in horse racing, click here to see an A to Z of different careers in horse racing, they don't all involve riding! Watch the video to hear what some Australian racing folk have to say about their horse racing careers.

Oliver Townend and how you don't have to be posh to get involved in equestrian sport

Three teenagers interview eventer Oliver Townend about his roots hoping to show that no matter what background you come from you can still have a career in equestrian sports.

BHS Guide to Working with Horses

The British Horse Society have a free guide to working with horses which covers the following areas:

Training for a career with horses.

Starting off:

Why BHS qualifications?

Work based Diplomas and Scottish Vocational Qualifications.

Apprenticeships.

How to train for BHS examinations.

Careers in horse care:

Assistant groom.

Groom.

BHS register of Grooms.

Careers in Yard Management:

Head Groom, Equine Yard Manager, Riding Centre Manager, Stud Manager.

Carrers in Coaching:

Coach / Riding Instructor

BHS Preliminary Teaching of Horse Riding

BHS Assistant Instructors Certificate (BHSAI)

BHS Intermediate Certificate (BHSII)

BHS Instructor's Certificate (BHSI)

Fellow of The British Horse Society (FBHS)

The BHS Register of Instructors

Careers in Equine Tourism

EQL Level 2 Diploma for the Ride Leader

EQL Level 3 Diploma for the Ride Leader

Equestrian Tourism Centre Manager

Available in a PDF to dowload here

Equine Podiatry - Becoming an Equine Podiatrist

What is  Equine Podiatry?

Equine podiatry is the study and management of the equine foot based on its anatomy and function. ^Wiki

The job title "Equine Podiatrist" is used by people with a wide range of backgrounds. Some are veterinarians who have chosen to specialize in the equine hoof, while some are remedial farriers. There is also a new group of specialists known as "Applied Equine Podiatrists", with neither a veterinary nor farriery background, who work with horse owners to improve the health of the equine hoof without the use of shoeing and by taking a more holistic approach. ^Wiki

The equine podiatrist profession can extend to include other equines  , such as donkeys and mules.

An equine podiatrist is a highly trained specialists in shoeless hoof care. A fully qualified Equine Podiatrist will have studied the anatomy and science of the equine foot and will understands how it works and how to influence its development by use of  trim and environment.

You can find an article describing what an EP does and what to expect from a typical visit here.

How to become an Equine Podiatrist

The Equine Podiatry Association is a professional body professional body for Equine Podiatrists practicing in the UK it  offers EP training,  a Diploma in Equine Podiatry, provided by a separate company, Equine Podiatry Training Ltd.

The Diploma in Equine Podiatry is a two year, part time course which consists of 13 modules.  Most modules require attendance on a short course, followed by guided self study and homework. The training covers:

Basic Business Skills

Introduction to Equine Podiatry

Anatomy and Physiology 1

Nutrition and Environment

Stage 1 Exam

Basic Trimming 1

Horse Behaviour and Handling

Trimming 2

Stage 2 Exam

Laminitis

Pathology

Farriery

Anatomy & Physiology 2

First Aid

Case Studies

Shadowing

Final exam

There are only 10 places a year and students should be 18 or over with some experience of working with / handling horses and due to the academic level of the coursework, students are expected to be educated to A Level standard or equivalent.

Full details can be found at Equine Podiatry Training Ltd

Cost of becoming an Equine Podiatrist

At the time of writing The Diploma in Equine Podiatry coats £4,800 + Mentoring fees of £1000, and Shadowing fees of £200. In addition students will have to pay travel to and from courses plus accommodation and meals.Books, tools, equipment and suitable (safety) clothing will also be required.

 Image: Belinda Hankins Miller via Wikipedia

Working with horses - how to get qualified - What is Distance Learning?

"Distance education or distance learning is a mode of delivering education and teaching, often on an individual basis, to students who are not physically present in a traditional setting such as a classroom. Distance learning provides "access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both." Wikipedia

Distance learning is the name given to a structured learning plan where the student studies course material away from a college or university, usually at home. This form of study is also known as 'Home Study Courses', 'Correspondence Courses' and 'Open Learning.'

Equine / Equestrian Qualifications - Study Levels Explained

Apprenticeships, NVQs, BTECs, BHS Stages, so many different courses offering different qualifications and study levels. Choosing a course can be difficult, here we offer guidance about different study levels:

Study levels

Most courses are split into 'levels' (eg Level 2, Level 3). These levels can range from Entry Level up to Level 8.  

The level best for you will depend on any existing qualifications and experience.  In most cases, you will need to have a Level 2 qualification in a relevant subject to join a Level 3 course, a Level 1 qualification to join a Level 2 course and so on.

Further Education courses, including Apprenticeships, A-levels and BTECs, are part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and are broken down into:

Entry Level courses

• Level 1 courses
• Level 2 courses
• Level 3 courses

Higher Education courses are typically classed at between Level 4 and Level 6. Vocational courses are part of the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and available from Entry Level to Level 8.

Video about the advantages of equine apprenticeships

In this video produced for Lantra you can hear what both employer and employee have to say about the benefits of equine apprenticeships both to equestrian / equine businesses and to the trainee.

A - Z of Careers in Horse Racing

Advanced Flag Operator

Betting Investigator / analyst

Bloodstock Agent

Bookmaker

Catering Staff

Clerk of the Course

Clerk of the Scales

Event Manager

Farrier

Finance Assistant

Finance Controller

Goundstaff

Handicapper

Head Staff

Horse Transporter

Inspector of Courses

Investigating Officer

Jockey

Jockeys Agent

Journalist

Judge

Nominations Executive

Operations Manager

Pedigree Researcher

Personal Assistant

Racecourse Safety Officer

Raceday Official

Racehorse Trainer

Racing Administrator

Racing Secretary

Sponsorship / VAT Helpdesk

Stable Guard

Stable Staff

Stallion Handler

Starter

Stependiary Steward

Stud Groom

Stud Hand

Stud Manager

Stud Secretary

Trainer

Travelling Staff

Veterinary Techncian

Weighing Room Security Officer

Work Rider

For more information on any of the above careers in horse racing visit the British Horse Racing Authority 's website Careers in Racing.

NVQ 's in Horse Care

NVQ's, National Vocational Qualifications, are work based courses marked on assessment:

NVQ Level 1 in Horse Care

Level 1 is designed for those with little, or no, experience of the Equine industry and all the work covered by the qualification is carried out under supervision.

Syllabus

• Assist with the care of horses
• Assist with cleaning the stables and yard
• Assist with putting on, taking off and cleaning equipment
• Assist with handling horses
• Maintain health, safety and good working relations
• Ride horses in an enclosed area

Level 2 NVQ in Horse Care

Level 2 is designed for those with limited experience of working with horses, who want asolid foundation qualification in horse care with practical experience in the workplace.

Syllabus

• Prepare and clean stables
• Maintain the health and well-being of horses
• Prepare horses for use
• Prepare and maintain horses on grazing land
• Prepare and provide non-ridden exercise and aftercare
• Load and unload horses under supervision
• Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety
• Maintain effective working relationships

Level 3 NVQ in Horse Care

Level 3 is designed for those already working in the equine industry in a position of responsibility eg. Head Groom who are looking for a more advanced level of qualification that reflects their experience and knowledge.

Syllabus

• Plan and monitor routine care
• Promote and maintain the health and well-being of horses
• Prepare horses for work
• Maintain the health and well-being of horses during transportation
• Maintain activities to meet requirements
• Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety

All levels are awarded via work based practical assessments, students also have to collect evidence to complete a portfolio.

NVQ's, National Vocational Qualifications, are now known as  NPTC 's, National Proficiency Testing Council.