Open Awards
Level 4
QN: 610/5344/2
Curriculum Active
Open Awards Level 4 Diploma in Equine Health, Massage and Manual Therapy (RQF)
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Open Awards. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 300 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 4
Awarding Body
Open Awards
Syllabus Units
6 Units
Guided Hours
300 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Equine Anatomy and Physiology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand equine physiological principles 1.1 Explain the importance and relevance of an understanding of the fundamentals of physiology to the practice of equine massage, rehabilitation and veterinary physiotherapy2.
- Understand the structure and function of mammalian cells and tissues 2.1 Describe the structure and function of the mammalian cell and cellular organelles 2.2 Explain the types of mammalian tissues, their adaptation to function and their distribution in the body3.
- Understand anatomical structures in horses 3.1 Describe the structure and function of:a) skeleton and jointsb) muscles, tendons and ligamentsc) the foot 3.2 Demonstrate an understanding of regional differences in joint range of motion 3.3 Describe palpable skeletal landmarks and superficial muscles 3.4 Describe the structures and functions of the nervous and sensory systems 4.
- Be able to evaluate variations in musculoskeletal structure and function 4.1 Evaluate skeletal and muscular symmetry within individual horses 4.2 Assess the influence of conformational differences on structure and function between horses 4.3 Interpret symmetry findings in relation to balance or imbalance
- Principles of organic and physical chemistry relevant to biochemistry processes in horses. This must include organic molecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, phospholipids and enzymes. Cell membrane structure and function.Different cellular communication and transport systems relevant to equine anatomy and physiology. This must include cellular communication and transport systems such as the diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, active transport, endocytosis and exocytosis. Processes of homeostatic control in the horse. This must include the concepts of homeostasis, the internal environment, control mechanisms and how they apply to the principal body systems.AC 1.1 must include: fundamentals of physiology and biochemistry including SI units, atomic structure and bonding, elements and compounds, chemical reactions and partial pressures.
- Mechanisms of indirect cell division, including mitosis.AC 2.1 must include: mammalian cells including cellular structure and function, components of a cell and their functions, nucleus.AC 2.2 must include: mammalian tissues including: tissue types - epithelium, connective tissue, nerves and muscle. Adaptation to function and distribution in the body.
- Structure and function of the integument.Structure and functions of: a) the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems including the need for a circulatory system, heart and its function and control. b) the respiratory system mechanics of breathing, ventilation and gas exchange, blood gas transport and regulation of blood gases, cellular respiration and metabolism.c) the urogenital systems of the mare and stallion including osmoregulation and renal excretion. The function of the nephron, control of osmolarity, fluid, acid-base and electrolyte balance, excretion of urine.d) the endocrine system and the control of their secretion major endocrine organs, their hormones and the role of these hormones.e) the digestive system including the organs of the digestive tract, digestive processes.AC 3.1 Structural anatomy including: Skeletal anatomy and the function of bone and joints. The structure of bone and bone formation. Location and function of the major muscles, tendons and ligaments. Distinguish the layers of common muscles. Structure and function of the foot. Structure and function of the integument.AC 3.2 Learners must be able to demonstrate and understanding of regional differences in joint rage motion, including the vertebral columnAC 3.3 Learners must be able to Identify and describe anatomical structures through surface palpation. The location of anatomical structures using correct terminology to facilitate effective communication with the referring veterinary surgeon and other stakeholdersAC 3.4 Structure and function of the Nerve function including: passive a
2
Equine Health Management
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand husbandry requirements of horses 1.1 Explain the application of the five freedoms to horse management 1.2 Describe the importance of observation to identify normal and abnormal conditions and behaviour 1.3 Explain how to promote health and welfare when working with horses2.
- Understand the effect of pain on equine behaviour 2.1 Explain the physiology of pain 2.2 Evaluate the possible risk to handler and therapist when a horse is in pain 2.3 Explain when treatments should be adapted for the safety of the horse, handler and therapist3.
- Understand how saddles and bridles should be properly fitted 3.1 Explain the principles of correct saddle and bridle fitting 3.2 Analyse methods of fitting and measuring saddles and bridles 3.3 Evaluate fit of saddles and bridles on the static and dynamic horse 3.4 Identify horse health problems associated with poor saddle and/ or bridle fit Mandatory ContentLO1 The importance of prophylactic measures in the management of horses.AC1.1 Must include: freedom from hunger, thirst, discomfort, pain, injury, disease, fear and distress. Freedom to express normal behaviourAC 1.2 Must include: Recognition of normal and abnormal conditions and behaviour. Normal parameters for temperature, pulse and respiration. AC 1.3 Must include: Internal parasites: life cycles, control. Zoonotic and notifiable diseases, application of biosecurity measures, and prophylactics: vaccinations, worming, dental careLO2 Importance of correct dental care including
- Equine dental structure and function
- Impact of dental problems on equine health and welfare
- Relationship between structure, dentition and biting.AC 2.1 Must include: the physiological processes of pain and how pain can change behaviour. This will underpin future units on modalities used in physiotherapy to manage and reduce pain.AC 2.2 Must include: indicators of pain, facial expression, behavioural changes, aggression, gait abnormalities.AC 2.3 Must include: Signs of a horse in pain and understand when treatments may need to be adapted for the safety of the horse, handler and therapist.LO3 AC 3.1 Must include: evaluating the horse’s back, evaluating the saddle off and on the horse’s back.AC 3.2 Must include: correct placement of saddles, saddle fit on the static and dynamic horse. Methods of fitting and measuring saddles. Measuring devices and saddle fitting templates.AC 3.3 Must include: evaluating the saddle with and without the mounted rider. Saddle fit solutions, science of saddle pressure and fit. The effect of saddle slippage. Saddle pad materials and functionsAC 3.4 Must include: signs of poor saddle fit. Direct (trauma) and indirect (behavioural, performance, referred pathology) problems caused by poor saddle fit.
3
Equine Manual Therapies and Practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to promote health, safety and welfare when handling horses and during the application of therapeutic procedures 1.1 Explain how to handle horses including young, nervous and ‘difficult’ horses 1.2 Evaluate a range of methods of restraint 1.3 Trot a horse up for veterinary inspection 1.4 Demonstrate correct positioning of self and horse during the application of therapeutic procedures2.
- Understand the principles of use of certain therapeutic modalities for the restoration and maintenance of mobility, locomotor function and performance in the horse 2.1 Distinguish between a range of manual therapies 2.2 Evaluate the benefits of a range of hands-on massage techniques 2.3 Explain the benefits of stretch exercises 2.4 Discuss the efficacy of a range of massage therapy aids and equipment3.
- Understand contraindications in the use of certain therapeutic modalities 3.1 Evaluate contraindications of a range of manual therapy techniques 3.2 Evaluate contraindications associated with the use ofa) Stretch exercisesb) Massage machines4.
- Be able to demonstrate methods of manual therapy used in the treatment of horses 4.1 Demonstrate assessment of a horse to identify appropriate manual therapy requirements 4.2 Demonstrate safe and effective use of:a) Massage techniques b) Stretch exercisesc) Massage machinesMandatory ContentLO1 AC 1.1 Must include: Health and safety of individuals involved and the horse. Handling horses appropriately. Awareness of horses’ temperaments. Promote welfare of the horse at all times.AC 1.2 Must include evaluation of the use of a range of restraints including twitch, chifney, sedation and skin pinch. AC 1.3 Must include: safety, equipment, method for veterinary inspection.AC 1.4 Must include demonstrating an awareness of own safety.LO2 AC 2.1 Must include: aims of different types of manual therapy. AC 2.2 Must include: theoretical study and demonstration of hands-on techniques – manipulation, massage, myofascial release, trigger point release, soft tissue mobilisation, joint mobilisation.AC 2.3 Must include: stretches for the limbs and vertebral column.AC 2.4 Must include: commercially available massage machines.LO3 AC 3.1 Contraindications must include: reasons why a therapeutic modality should not be applied.LO4 AC 3.1 Must include: discussion with client, client history, visual and physical assessment of the horseAC 3.2
- Select appropriate personal protective equipment and use it correctly
- Demonstrate safe and effective positioning and handling.
- Demonstrate awareness of the animal’s safety and adapt or alter the environment to ensure compliance.
- Demonstrate awareness of the owner/handler's safety, adapting or altering the environment to ensure compliance
- Hands on massage techniques]; Specific stretches, soft tissue mobilisation, joint mobilisation
- Massage machines.
4
Equine Veterinary Management
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand signs and symptoms associated with common health and welfare concerns 1.1 Analyse indicators of normal health and behaviour seen in horses 1.2 Describe conditions and presentations which require the attention of a veterinarian 1.3 Explain the importance of recognising common health and welfare concerns for equine therapy2.
- Understand when and how to apply first aid 2.1 Compare arterial, venous and capillary haemorrhage and state the factors leading to the natural arrest of haemorrhage 2.2 Describe the first aid measures to control haemorrhage 2.3 Analyse wound management and healing and the factors that affect healing 2.4 Apply a range of dressings and bandages3.
- Be able to differentiate between a sound horse and an unsound horse 3.1 Recognise normal/correct gait patterns at walk and trot 3.2 Identify ‘soundness’ at walk and trot 3.3 Recognise gait abnormalities at walk and trot 3.4 Identify ‘unsoundness’ at walk and trotMandatory ContentLO1 AC1.1 Must include: signs of health and normal behaviourAC1.2 Must include: when to call the vet or recommend that the horse’s owner calls the vetAC1.3 Must include: the importance of recognising equine health and welfare challenges and the subsequent influence on the equine therapist’s course of actionLO2 Equine first aid: definition of an emergency, aims of first aid in the horse, equine first aid kits, modes of first aid treatment, including limitations of their own role in administering first aid.Working with wound management, including
- Problems caused by incorrectly applied bandages including uneven/ excessive pressure.
- Topical wound treatments including hydrogels, antibiotic treatments and Manuka honey.Range of wound dressings including support bandages, pressure bandages, knee bandages, hock bandages and foot poultices.Diagnostic techniques commonly used by veterinary surgeons, including: a) Nerve blocking b) Radiographyc) Ultrasonographyd) Nuclear scintigraphye) Thermographyf) Magnetic resonance imagingg) ArthroscopyAC 2.4 Must include: wound management - wound healing, puncture wounds, penetration wounds, contused wounds. Mechanisms of injury, pathology and healing. LO3 AC 3.1 Must include: correct gait patterns, footfall, stride length.
5
Study and Research Skills in Higher Education
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to access and critically review information from a range of sources 1.1 Assess the credibility of a range of sources of information for study at Higher Education level 1.2 Critically appraise a published research article 2.
- Be able to demonstrate the application of Higher Education study skills 2.1 Demonstrate application of personal development, time management and study planning techniques 2.2 Summarise information from a range of sources 2.3 Proofread and edit a range of document effectively3.
- Be able to present information effectively in a range of formats 3.1 Use a range of formats to present information as a means of effectively presenting information as part of higher education study 3.2 Effectively present data in a range of formats4.
- Be able to demonstrate effective writing skills 4.1 Submit work that is fully referenced using an appropriate method 4.2 Apply research planning techniques 4.3 Develop an argument/case and structure it in a piece of academic writing 5.
- Understand the use of different research designs 5.1 Describe different research paradigms 5.2 Describe types of research designs and their application to own role 5.2 Use key terms commonly used in researchMandatory Content
- Techniques to check the authenticity and accuracy of sources of information. This could include scientific research, peer reviewed, currency, academic level and integrity. Evidence based research may also be included.AC 1.1 Could include: books, online publications, journals, internet, AI, scientific papers, lectures and presentations, other media.
- AC 2.1 Could include: Personal development planner, study planner, personal timetabling
- work, family, leisure, study, practical time planning.AC 2.2 Conduct a literature search and an associated literature review.AC 2.3 Proof reading must include: spelling, punctuation, grammar. Editing must include: presentation, layout, word counts.
- AC 3.1 Must include: structure and write a correctly referenced essay or report, write a clear and concise abstract. Poster: style, content, referencing. Peer group presentations
- prepare for a viva. AC 3.2 Must include: collect original data
- perform descriptive statistics (e.g. calculation of central tendency and spread of quantitative data)
- analyse quantitative data, and evaluate the analysis. Present data and analysis clearly using tabular and graphical formats.
- Reflection and evaluation of own work, through self-evaluation and reflective practice.AC 4.1 Must include: Harvard and other referencing systems, how to reference work and avoid plagiarism, correct citation, reference lists, bibliography.AC 4.2 Must include: research planning.AC 4.3 Must include: academic justification.
- AC 5.1 Could include the following research paradigms: e.g. quantitative, qualitative, exploratory, observational. AC 5.2 Could include the following research designs: e.g. randomised controlled trial (RCT), cross-over trial, cohort study, case-controlled, case study.AC 5.3 Could include the following terms: e.g. Hypothesis, null-hypothesis, independent variable, dependent variable, p-value, significance, distribution, parametric, non-parametric, sample size.
6
The Legal, Professional and Ethical Framework of Equine Health Care
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the ethical and legal principles of the application of equine therapy and health care 1.1 Explain legislation requirements relating to the application of equine therapy and health care 1.2 Explain the requirements of relevant guidelines and codes of practice 1.3 Evaluate ethical issues surrounding the application of equine therapies 1.4 Outline the scope of practice of massage, rehabilitation and physiotherapy and any limitations2.
- Understand the requirements of professional practice within the field of equine physiotherapy 2.1 Explain the importance of ‘professionalism’ within the context of equine physiotherapy 2.2 Describe the roles and scope of training organisations and professional associations in the field of equine physiotherapy 2.3 Evaluate the benefits and obligations of membership of a professional body or register 3.
- Understand health, safety and welfare requirements 3.1 Describe responsibilities under applicable health, safety and welfare legislation 3.2 Undertake a risk assessment relevant to own role 3.3 Outline the importance of dynamic risk assessment during equine physiotherapy 3.4 Apply appropriate control mechanisms from risk assessment AMandatory ContentWorking as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Roles and responsibilities of the professionals, paraprofessionals and lay persons within the equine health management team. This includes the veterinary surgeon, owner, farrier, equine dentist, physiotherapist, nutritionist, saddler. Learners must consider the role of the equine physiotherapist within the context of equestrian sport.
- The importance of a holistic approach to effective equine health management. This must include the importance of working as a team for Veterinary diagnosis, referral, intra-team liaison, rehabilitation planning. Along with governing bodies and organisations important in the regulation and certification of equine health care paraprofessionals. These could include, but are not limited to: Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP), Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT), National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP) Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP), International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT).
- The importance of communication across the multi-disciplinary team.LO1 AC 1.1 must include: National, European and International legal frame
- work surrounding therapies and ethical and legal responsibilities incumbent on practitioners including: veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, pharmacists, farriers, equine dental technicians, equine physiotherapists, osteopathic or chiropractic practitioners, animal behaviourists, complementary medicine practitioners, animal owners and lay persons. Legal requirements such as the Veterinary Surgeons Act; Exemption Order; GDPR.AC 1.2 must include: gaining veterinary consent and referral. e.g., RCVS, RAMP, AHPR. AC 1.3 must include: UK: Animal Welfare Act 2006, Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 2015. Differences internationally in requirements.AC 1.4 must include: inadequately trained practitioners, working without veterinary diagnosis and/or consent, inappropriate treatment.LO2 AC 2.1 must include: Preparation for Professional Practice: communication skills, client liaison, consultation
- record keeping. Identifying extent that the equine physiotherapist has established, maintained and developed ability to work safely and competently. Career-long learning, continuing professional education (CPD) and development to maintain fitness to practise. AC 2.2 must include: Compliance - Insurance, professional indemnity, public liability, personal accident. Marketing, promotion. RCVS, Registers, Professional Associations. LO3 Contagious diseases and infection control procedures including ringworm, strangles, equine influenza, adapting/deferring treatment. Consideration of diseases of importance/s
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 610/5344/2
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- Open Awards
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Mar 2025