Open Awards
Level 4
QN: 610/1414/X
Curriculum Active
Open Awards Level 4 Diploma in Equine Sports Massage (RQF)
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Open Awards. Classified as a Occupational Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 221 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 4
Awarding Body
Open Awards
Syllabus Units
5 Units
Guided Hours
221 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 Handling and Professional Conduct in Equine Sports Massage
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand responsibilities to owner and horse before, during and after equine sports massage treatment 1.
- Describe own responsibilities to owner and horse before, during and after sports massage treatment 1.
- Demonstrate how to display a professional attitude and correct professional conduct during and after sports massage treatment 1.
- Assess the importance of clear communication with the owner from initial contact through to follow up treatment/advice 1.
- Demonstrate the use of clear communication with the owner from initial contact through to follow up treatment/advice 1.
- Reflect on own performance in relation to: a) Professional conductb) Clear communication 2. Understanding legal obligations and codes of practice relating to equine sport massage 2.
- Describe current legislation in regard to the treatment of animals by paraprofessionals 2.
- Describe the relevant Code of Practice and assess its impact on the practitioner's role within the industry3.
- Be able to safely handle and manage the environment and horse during equine sports massage treatment 3.
- Display a professional attitude and conduct 3.
- Demonstrate maintaining full communication with all relevant parties 3.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage the environment so treatment is effective and safe 3.
- Demonstrate competent and safe horse handling including restraints 3.5 Demonstrate taking appropriate steps to maintain biosecurity4.
- Be able to maintain accurate records 4.
- Assess the importance of maintaining accurate records 4.
- Demonstrate completing and maintaining records accurately 4.
- Demonstrate using relevant veterinary, clinical and anatomical terminology5.
- Be able to assess the horse statically and dynamically 5.
- Demonstrate assessing a horse:a) Staticallyb) Dynamically 5.
- Describe the relationship between static conformation, function and movement 5.
2
Equine Sports Massage Management
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the effect of tack and saddlery on the horse 1.
- Describe the concept of correct saddle fit 1.
- Describe the effect of different and ill-fitting tack on equine performance2.
- Understand the management of the competition horse with regard to massage treatment 2.
- Describe the management of the horse at competition and the integration of massage therapy to competition management 2.
- Describe suitable and unsuitable massage techniques within the different stages of a competition environment3.
- Be able to use techniques for improvement of the physical health of the horse by prescription of suitable exercises 3.
- Describe the purpose of passive stretches, and passive range of motion 3.
- Demonstrate the correct and safe execution of a range of stretches or AROM/PROM movements 3.
- Develop a programme of passive stretches to assist the physical health of a live animal 3.
- Critically assess the outcome of the stretching regime4.
- Understand foot balance and showing theory 4.
- Describe the theory behind correct foot balance and shoeing, hoof-pastern axis and mediolateral/dorsopalmar balance 4.
- Evaluate the relationship between foot balance, musculoskeletal health and body balance 4.
- Describe common patterns of shoes and the reasons for their use5.
- Understand inflammatory process, tissue repair and relationship to massage therapy 5.
- Describe the inflammatory process 5.
- Analyse the possible use of massage therapy within the stages of the inflammatory process6.
- Understand the general health of a horse 6.
- Outline the normal parameters for health and vital signs of a horse 6.
3
Equine Sports Massage Techniques
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to perform standard massage strokes 1.
- Safely and effectively perform the following standard strokes:a) Effleurageb) Compressionc) Kneadingd) Wringinge) Tapotementf) Friction 1.
- Evaluate the effect of each of the following standard strokes: a) Effleurageb) Compressionc) Kneadingd) Wringinge) Tapotementf) Friction2.
- Be able to perform specialised manual techniques 2.
- Safely and effectively perform the following specialised techniques:a) Skin rollingb) Myofascial releasec) Trigger point therapy 2.
- Evaluate the reasons for use, supporting theory and effect of the following specialised techniques:a) Skin rollingb) Myofascial releasec) Trigger point therapy3.
- Be able to perform a complete equine sports massage treatment 3.
- Perform a safe and effective massage treatment on a horse 3.
- Evaluate conclusions drawn from palpation 3.
- Justify choice/implementation of strokes used 3.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of completed equine sports massage treatment4.
- Be able to explain contraindications to treatment 4.1 Describe contraindications for performing equine sports massage 4.
- Demonstrate how to test patient suitability5.
- Be able to reflect on own performance 5.
- Reflect on own performance, assessing areas for improvement and continued professional development Unit note:This unit should include live work. Learners are required to complete a minimum of 100 hours in a practical, live environment.
4
Functional Anatomy of the Horse
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to identify bony landmarks of a horse 1.
- Identify bony landmarks of the horse2.
- Understand the joint structure and function and its relationship to functional anatomy of the axial and appendiceal skeletons 2.
- Describe how joint structure and morphology relate to function 2.
- Describe the structure of a given equine joint and related structures3.
- Understand the functional anatomy of the equine axial and appendicular skeletons 3.
- Describe the functional anatomy of the thoracic limb anatomy including the thoracic sling and/or thoracic stay apparatus 3.
- Describe the functional anatomy of the pelvic limb, including the reciprocal apparatus and/or stifle locking mechanism 3.
- Describe the functional anatomy of the spine and pelvis relative to morphology4.
- Understand the actions of individual muscles and muscle groups related to functional anatomy of the axial and appendicular skelents 4.
- Describe the interaction between muscle groups, antagonistic pairs, and muscle fibre alignment on muscle function 4.
- Analyse the importance of understanding individual muscle origin, insertion and action 4.
- Identify equine axial and appendicular extrinsic and intrinsic muscles 4.
- Explain the relationship between muscle activity and movement of a limb 5.
- Understand the integumentary system and its relationship to massage and performance 5.
- Describe the importance of the skin:a) As an organb) In its function in thermoregulationc) In its relevance to massage 5.
- Describe how to test for dehydration6.
- Understand the lymphatic and circulatory systems and their relationship to muscle function, massage and performance 6.
- Describe the function of the lymphatic system 6.
- Evaluate the use of massage to influence circulation, lymphatic flow, and muscle function 7.
5
Therapy in Practice: Equestrian Activity
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand human and physical activity in the equestrian sphere 1.
- Assess the relationship between human and equine movement and function 1.
- Describe how to effectively manage human and equine needs as a therapist 1.
- Describe the likely areas of stress on the equine body in relation to a range of disciplines
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 610/1414/X
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- Open Awards
- Qualification Type
- Occupational Qualification
- Operational Start
- Sept 2022