Working with horses

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.

You can have a career with horses without the advantage of a wealthy background - here's the proof

"While equestrianism has traditionally been thought of as a sport only for the wealthy, many of our Olympic riders this year are turning these perceptions of the sport on its head. 

Charlotte Dujardin, the 26-year-old who broke two Olympic records to take dressage individual and team gold, has been featured heavily in mainstream press noting her comprehensive education and background as a stable girl after leaving school at 16. 

Neither was Charlotte’s mentor, three-time Olympian Carl Hester, born with the proverbial equestrian silver spoon in his mouth. Carl’s first ride was bareback on a donkey at the age of nine on the Channel Isle of Sark before moving to England at 16 to train for his BHS qualifications. "

Meanwhile, eventer Mary King had been growing up in another non-horsy family without the money for her own pony. After leaving grammar school at 16, Mary took on a string of less-than-glamorous jobs to fund training for her dream of becoming an eventer, which she realised countless times, including four previous Olympic Games before her success at London 2012 at the age of 51."

Source: British Horse Society Press Release

NCFE Level 3 Award Certificate of Achievement - Stable Management

There are many ways to get qualified as an equestrian / equine professional in the UK with a number of different courses leading to various qualifications here we take a look at the NCFE Level 3 Award Certificate of Achievement - Stable Management.

If you are looking for a stable management qualification you might have seen a number of Stable Management Diplomas / Certificates on offer that include an NCFE Level 3 Award Certificate of Achievement.

Who are NCFE?

NCFE,  a registered educational charity, is a national Awarding Organisation recognised by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.

What's on the stable management course syllabus?

Buying a horse

Conformation

Stabling

Why bedding is necessary

The digestive system and principles of feeding and watering

Grass kept horse and pasture management

The skin

The foot and shoeing

Exercise and conditioning

Tack and biting

Blankets, bandages and boots

Sick nursing

Minor ailments

Unsoundness and related minor ailments

Clipping, trimming and plaiting

Travelling and care of the horse at a show

Can't find the stable management course on the NCFE's website?

If an NCFE qualification has been advertised by a third party it may be a Customised Award or an Investing in Quality programme.  These are courses that are not national qualifications but have been developed by other training centres and are independently accredited by NCFE.

 

Myth and Reality of Working With Horses

Jan Hoodley an American freelance writer who has  a lifetimes experience of working professionally with horses published an article in 2007 on Yahoo Voices called So You Want to Work with Horses: The Myth and Reality

Many people dream of working with horses - usually in the capacity of trainer or showing horses. The reality of work in the horse industry is much different than most picture.

My first paid job with horses was in the late 1970s at a Standardbred off track facility. Over 30 years later and a lifetime of experience things aren't quite what I pictured sitting on that pony in the hay field after watching Secretariat win the Kentucky Derby! It's better - and worse. So many want a fast track to the sweet jobs and the truth is - without money, luck and marketing there's little future and littler money in the horse industry. If that doesn't discourage you - read on!

The reality is you'll start as hundreds of thousands of others - picking stalls, grooming, feeding. You can insert here you will be the one out in the freezing snow and stifling heat catching the horse who don't want to be caught; you will be the one dealing with nasty tempered horses because those above you insist they can't be disciplined as it will "break" them. And when you work for others you do things their way - or quit. Continue reading ... and do read the comments too.

A day in the life of a stud hand

 

A stud hand works at an equine stud and is responsible for looking after the mares, foals, teasers and youngstock. This involves everything from feeding, grooming and mucking out to assisting with veterinary procedures and holding for the farrier.

Stud hands are also expected to assist with the teasing and covering of mares,  the monitoring of pregnant mares and assisting with foaling. 

Most studs prepare bloodstock for the sales as a stud hand you will be involved with the preparation, including exercising, grooming, presentation to clients and general handling.

Accommodation is often provided onsite.

Getting Qualified - BHS Horse Knowledge, Care and Riding - EQL Stage 1

There are many ways to get qualified as an equestrian / equine professional in the UK with a number of different courses leading to various qualifications here we take a look at the first step for The British Horse Society exams and qualifications - Stage 1.

The British Horse Society (BHS) is the largest equine membership organisation in the UK it was founded in 1947 with the amalgamation of two organisations - the Institute of the Horse and Pony Club, and the National Horse Association of Great Britain and it's exams and qualifications are recognised all over the world.

BHS qualifications are awarded by Equestrian Qualifications GB Limited (EQL Ltd) a subsidiary company of The British Horse Society who also award qualifications on behalf of British Equestrian Federation, Scottish Vocational Qualifications, Work Based Diplomas and Equestrian Tourism
Qualifications.

Certificate in BHS Horse Knowledge and Care

Horse Knowledge and Care is split into three units:

UNIT 1 - Brushing off horses including putting on and taking off equipment.

Candidates should:

• Be able to work safely and efficiently.
• Be able to put on a headcollar and tie up the horse correctly and prepare the stable for work.
• Be able to brush off / quarter a horse.
• Know how to groom a horse.
• Be able to put on and take off a tail bandage.
• Recognise overgrown feet, risen clenches, and worn, loose or lost shoes.
• Be able to put on and take off rugs.
• Be able to put on and take off a saddle, bridle and matingale / hunting breatplate,
• Know about tack and rugs.

UNIT 2 - Horse Husbandry, Identification and Handling.

Candidates should:

• Be able to work safely and efficiently.
• Be able to skip out and set fair a bed.
• Know about bedding and be able to utilise it for the horse's comfort and safety.
• Be able to correctly indentify the points, colours and markings of a horse.
• Be able to hold and lead a horse for inspection or treatment.
• Know how to use a haynet.
• Be able to tie up a haynet.

UNIT 3 - Principles of Caring for Horses

Candidates should:

• Know the basic principles of health, safety and welfare when working with horses.
• Know the signs of good and ill health in a horse and understand basic behaviour and welfare.
• Know how to maintain a horse in a safe grazing environment.
• Know how to feed and water horses.

Certificate in BHS Riding Horses

Riding horses on the flat and over ground poles in the light seat.

The candidate should:

• Be able to lead a saddled and bridled horse in hand.
• Be able to mount and dismount.
• Be able to safely adjust stirrups, girth and reins when mounted.
• Be able to maintain a secure position that is independant of the reins when riding with stirrups.
• Be able to maintain a secure position that is independant of the reins when riding without stirrups.
• Be able to maintain a balanced, light seat that is independant of the reins, in preperation for jumping and working over poles on the ground.
• Be able to show a basic understanding of the natural aids.
• Be able to ride on the correct diagonal for rising trot.
• Be able to handle a whip that does not exceed 75cms / 30 inches.
• Be able to ride safely and in harmony with the horse and in conjuction with others.
• Know the footfalls of the horse's normal gaits and whether the horse is balanced.

Candidates must be Gold or Junior Gold members of The British Horse Society and the minimum age is 14.

The full syllabus and guidelines can be downloaded in pdf form  via the BHS website here

British Dressage Apprenticeship Scheme.

If you are interested in working in a dressage yard, British Dressage run a succesful Apprenticeship Scheme.

British Dressage has formed a new partnership with Haddon Training which will make it possible to offer formal work-based Apprenticeships in the dressage industry.

The new scheme aims to support employers in building a tailored workforce with the appropriate skills and knowledge. It is also designed to help young people acquire a nationally recognised qualification whilst gaining the practical experience necessary to succeed in dressage today.

Haddon Training, in partnership with BD, will offer formal, government funded Apprenticeships at Level 2 and Advanced Apprenticeships at Level 3 for 16-24 year olds. In addition, there is the opportunity to improve skills for life including essential numeracy and literacy, if required.

“We feel that these vocational qualifications are a very valuable option for young dressage riders and grooms who want to focus on building their practical skills while they work for some of the outstanding riders and trainers within the dressage industry. We are also very keen to support employers as they develop the skills they need within their workforce for the success of their own businesses,” said David Hunt, Director of Training at BD.

“Haddon Training has a very strong record within the training and vocational qualification sector and we are looking forward to working with them to support the next generation of dressage professionals.”

Haddon Training is a leading training provider specialising in the equine industry and they already work with many prestigious establishments in the dressage community as well as in other disciplines. The company has been helping young people with Apprenticeships and training for many years and in 2011 they achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted on the basis of quality provision, great support and success rates.

Chris Hewlett, Managing Director of Haddon Training commented; ‘Being born out of the equine industry means we fully understand the specific need to deliver a portfolio of relevant qualifications in the work place. We are excited to be working alongside British Dressage and will be keen to work closely with employers in our mission to support the next generation and offer British Dressage members the opportunity to develop recognised skills. We are a friendly, professional team, passionate about quality and outstanding expertise to develop learners to be the best they can be.’