Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award in Land-Based Studies

PEARSON

vocational

This subtopic introduces learners to the essential practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to assist in the daily care and non-ridden exercise of horses under supervision. It covers routine tasks such as grooming, mucking out, feeding, and leading, alongside the importance of observing and reviewing a horse's condition to ensure its welfare needs are met. Successful completion equips learners with the foundational competencies for further study or entry-level roles in equine care settings.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for demonstrating safe and correct grooming techniques, including the appropriate use of tools and adherence to individual horse handling protocols.
Expect learners to show competence in leading a horse safely in a variety of environments, maintaining control and awareness of the horse's behaviour.
Learners must accurately identify signs of good and poor health through observation, and record findings using basic documentation.
Credit should be given for correctly explaining how to review a horse's care plan, linking observed condition to necessary adjustments in routine.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for demonstrating safe and correct grooming techniques, including the appropriate use of tools and adherence to individual horse handling protocols.
Expect learners to show competence in leading a horse safely in a variety of environments, maintaining control and awareness of the horse's behaviour.
Learners must accurately identify signs of good and poor health through observation, and record findings using basic documentation.
Credit should be given for correctly explaining how to review a horse's care plan, linking observed condition to necessary adjustments in routine.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡For practical assessments, always perform a pre-exercise safety check of tack and equipment, and clearly state each step aloud if permitted.
💡When asked to review care needs, structure your answer using a clear observation-analysis-recommendation framework, referencing specific signs (e.g., lameness, weight change).
💡Support your knowledge with real-world examples from your work placement or simulated sessions to demonstrate contextual understanding.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Approaching a horse from its blind spots or making sudden movements, leading to startle reactions and safety risks.
Confusing the purpose of different grooming brushes and using them in the wrong order, which can cause discomfort or ineffective cleaning.
Failing to adjust a horse's feed or exercise based on observable changes in weight, coat condition, or behaviour.
Omitting to secure gates or stable doors properly when leading or turning out, resulting in escape or injury.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

1. Assist with the care and exercise of horses.2. Review a horse’s care and exercise needs.

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Practice questions tailored to this topic

Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award in Land-Based Studies

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

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Assist with the Care and Non-ridden Exercise of Horses