What should I focus on for BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary?

For the tack fitting practical, verbally explain each step to the assessor, highlighting key checkpoints like wither clearance and brow band fit.

What should I focus on for BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary? (2)

When discussing bits, always relate the mechanical advantage to the horse's level of training and the rider's aids, using correct anatomical terminology.

What should I focus on for BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary? (3)

Prepare for the care section by creating a checklist of post-competition tasks, including monitoring vital signs and logging any abnormalities.

What should I focus on for BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary? (4)

In the transport assessment, structure your answer by applying the hierarchy of legislation: EU welfare regulation, national orders, and sporting body rules.

What should I focus on for BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary? (5)

Practice riding without stirrups for short periods daily to develop an independent seat.

What are common mistakes in BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary?

Confusing the action of a gag bit with that of a pelham, leading to inappropriate use.

What are common mistakes in BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary? (2)

Over-tightening exercise bandages, causing tendon damage.

What are common mistakes in BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary? (3)

Misunderstanding the differences between UK transport regulations for short journeys vs. long-distance travel, resulting in non-compliance.

Animal Care & Veterinary

BHS Qualifications

Vocational

Specification: 501/1800/6

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Units

Learning Outcomes

876

Assessment Guidance

968

Key Skills

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Key Features

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Qualification Units

39 units

BHSQ Level 3 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge and Care

This element focuses on the correct fitting and selection of competition tack, including bits, boots, and bandages, to ensure equine welfare and optimal performance. It also covers essential post-competition care and compliance with legal requirements for transporting horses, emphasizing the integration of practical skills with theoretical knowledge for safe, effective practice.

Fit Tack and Equipment and Care for the Competition Horse, Horse Health, Anatomy and Physiology, Lunge a Fit Horse for Exercise +2 more

44 guidance points5 criteria

BHSQ Level 2 Diploma in BHS Riding Horses

This subtopic focuses on developing the rider's ability to maintain a secure, independent, and balanced position while performing walk, trot, and canter, both with and without stirrups. It emphasizes the correct and coordinated application of natural and artificial aids to communicate effectively with the horse, ensuring smooth and controlled movements within a confined arena. Riders must also demonstrate the ability to ride in harmony with others, maintaining safe distances and spatial awareness, while grounding their practice in a solid understanding of the horse's biomechanics and way of going to promote equine welfare and performance.

Ride Horses on the Flat in an Enclosed Area, Ride Horses over Fences in an Enclosed Area

14 guidance points2 criteria

BHSQ Level 3 Groom (Stage 3)

This unit equips learners with the advanced knowledge and practical skills essential for a professional groom at BHS Stage 3 level. It covers comprehensive horse care management, including equipment use for flatwork and jumping, stud application, bit selection and fitting, tailored nutrition, fitness programming, anatomy and physiology, health monitoring, behaviour assessment, turnout management, and conformation analysis. Mastery of these elements ensures the groom can maintain equine welfare and optimise performance in professional environments.

Unit 1: Stage 3 Care, Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge

16 guidance points2 criteria

BHSQ Level 3 Groom with Riding - Dressage (Stage 3)

This unit consolidates advanced stable management and horse care competencies required for a professional groom in a dressage yard. Learners integrate theory and practice to maintain equine health, optimise performance through correct equipment selection, and apply foundational anatomy and nutrition knowledge. The emphasis is on proactive, welfare-centred care that supports ridden work and long-term soundness.

Unit 1: Stage 3 Care, Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge, Unit 3: Stage 3 Ride Dressage

26 guidance points3 criteria

BHSQ Level 3 Coach - Jump Ride (Stage 3)

This unit consolidates practical and theoretical knowledge essential for a proficient groom, covering daily horse management from tacking up to health monitoring. It integrates understanding of equine behaviour, nutrition, and fitness to ensure optimal horse welfare and performance. Students must demonstrate competence in handling horses, using specialist equipment, and making informed decisions about care routines.

Unit 1: Stage 3 Care, Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge, Unit 4: Stage 3 Ride Jump +1 more

32 guidance points4 criteria

BHSQ Level 3 Groom with Riding - Complete (Stage 3)

This unit focuses on the comprehensive care and management skills required of a Stage 3 Groom, integrating practical horse husbandry with theoretical knowledge to ensure the horse's well-being and performance readiness. It covers equipment use and maintenance, nutritional planning, fitness development, health management, and the ability to assess conformation and behaviour, all aligned with a groom's professional responsibilities.

Unit 1: Stage 3 Care, Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge, Unit 3: Stage 3 Ride Dressage +1 more

35 guidance points4 criteria

BHSQ Level 2 Award in The Principles of Horse Care

This element covers the fundamental principles of providing appropriate housing and grazing environments for horses, focusing on stable design, construction requirements, and routine grassland care. It integrates equine behaviour and welfare considerations to ensure that horses remain healthy, safe, and comfortable whether kept indoors or outdoors. Learners will understand how to assess and maintain facilities to meet legal, ethical, and practical standards in the equine industry.

The Principles of Stabling and Grassland Care for Horses, The Principles of Watering, Feeding and Fittening Horses

17 guidance points2 criteria

BHSQ Level 2 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge and Care

This subtopic covers the essential skills for fitting, removing, and maintaining horse tack prior to exercise, ensuring both horse welfare and rider safety. It encompasses correct selection, adjustment, and care of equipment, alongside adherence to relevant health and safety legislation. Mastery of these competencies is critical for preventing injury, complying with legal duties, and promoting optimal performance in equestrian settings.

Fit, remove and maintain tack for exercise, Groom and Plait Horses and Fit Equipment, Lunge a horse under supervision +4 more

65 guidance points7 criteria

BHSQ Level 3 Certificate in Horse Care

This element centers on the competent fitting of equestrian competition tack and protective gear, ensuring both equine welfare and optimal athletic performance. It encompasses the practical skills of safely handling horses, fitting saddlery and bits, applying bandages, and executing post-competition care routines, alongside the theoretical knowledge of relevant legislation for equine transport.

Fit Tack and Equipment and Care for the Competition Horse, Horse Health, Anatomy and Physiology, Lunge a Fit Horse for Exercise

28 guidance points3 criteria

BHSQ Level 3 Groom with Riding - Jump (Stage 3)

This unit assesses the groom’s ability to autonomously manage the daily care and fitness of horses in a professional yard, integrating knowledge of anatomy, nutrition, and equipment to maintain equine health and performance. Learners must demonstrate competence in selecting and using flatwork and jumping tack, applying studs correctly, and evaluating conformation and behaviour to inform management decisions.

Unit 1: Stage 3 Care, Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge, Unit 4: Stage 3 Ride Jump

32 guidance points3 criteria

BHSQ Level 2 Foundation Coach in Complete Horsemanship (Stage 2)

This unit equips learners with the essential practical skills and underpinning knowledge required for the daily care and management of horses in a professional yard. It covers the full spectrum of an Assistant Groom's duties, from ensuring correct tack fitting and preparing horses for travel, to maintaining health through appropriate feeding, fitness monitoring, and foot care, all while adhering to welfare and safety responsibilities.

Unit 1: Stage 2 Care, Unit 2: Stage 2 Lunge, Unit 3: Stage 2 Ride +1 more

48 guidance points4 criteria

BHSQ Level 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship (Stage 3)

This unit equips learners with the comprehensive skills and knowledge required for the daily care, management, and performance support of horses. It integrates practical competencies such as grooming, tacking up, and stud application with theoretical understanding of nutrition, fitness programming, anatomy, health management, and behavioral assessment. Learners will develop the ability to maintain horse welfare, enhance performance, and effectively communicate reasoning to others, laying the foundation for coaching responsibilities.

Unit 1: Stage 3 Care, Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge, Unit 3: Stage 3 Ride Dressage +2 more

44 guidance points5 criteria

BHSQ Level 3 Coaching Riders (Stage 3)

This unit focuses on equipping aspiring coaches with the skills to deliver safe, structured, and effective riding lessons. It emphasizes responsibilities, risk management, and adaptable coaching for flatwork and cross-country, while fostering reflective practice for ongoing professional development.

Unit 5: Stage 3 Coaching

10 guidance points

BHSQ Level 4 Senior Coaching Riders (Stage 4)

This unit equips coaches with the advanced skills to plan, deliver, and evaluate safe and effective eventing sessions, integrating flatwork, jumping, and cross-country elements. Emphasis is placed on developing the horse and rider partnership through clear communication, progressive exercises, and meticulous risk management. Practical application involves coaching individuals on the lunge, groups over show jumps, and arena eventing courses, ensuring readiness for competitive environments.

Unit 7: Stage 4 Senior Coaching Eventing, Unit 8: Stage 4 Senior Coaching Dressage, Unit 9: Stage 4 Senior Coaching Show Jumping

33 guidance points3 criteria

BHSQ Level 4 Senior Dressage Coach (Stage 4)

This unit develops advanced skills in managing the holistic care of competition horses, focusing on the safe application of specialist tack, tailored nutrition for peak performance, proactive health and wellbeing strategies, and lifecycle-specific management from breeding to geriatrics. Learners must integrate knowledge across these areas to maintain equine athletes at the highest standard, reflecting the practical demands of a Level 4 Senior Dressage Coach.

Unit 1: Stage 4 Senior Care, Unit 2: Stage 4 Senior Management, Unit 3: Stage 4 Senior Lunge +3 more

48 guidance points6 criteria

BHSQ Level 2 Foundation Coaching Riders (Stage 2)

This unit equips learners with practical coaching skills, focusing on safe, structured delivery of equestrian sessions from lead-rein to jumping. It covers the coach's responsibilities, including understanding individual rider needs, managing lessons, and planning professional development. Learners will develop competence in coaching a range of practical sessions, ensuring physical and emotional welfare of both horse and rider.

Unit 4: Stage 2 Coaching

8 guidance points

BHSQ Level 2 Certificate in Riding Horses on the Flat

This topic covers riding horses on the flat in an enclosed area, focusing on a secure, independent position in walk, trot, and canter, with and without stirrups, and applying aids harmoniously with others.

Ride Horses on the Flat in an Enclosed Area

6 guidance points

BHSQ Level 1 Certificate in BHS Riding Horses

This element focuses on developing fundamental riding skills for flatwork and pole work, emphasizing a secure, independent position and effective use of the natural aids. Riders learn to maintain balance and harmony with the horse while performing essential tasks such as mounting, adjusting tack mounted, and riding with and without stirrups. Mastery of the light seat and correct diagonal work prepares the rider for jumping and ensures safety and confidence.

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

12 guidance points

BHSQ Level 2 Certificate in Horse Care

This element covers the essential practical skills of correctly fitting and removing saddlery and bridles for equine exercise, ensuring horse welfare and rider safety. It emphasises the importance of maintaining tack to prevent injury and comply with health and safety regulations, enabling learners to work competently in a professional yard environment.

Fit, remove and maintain tack for exercise, Groom and Plait Horses and Fit Equipment, Lunge a horse under supervision +2 more

41 guidance points5 criteria

BHSQ Level 4 Certificate In The Principles of Horse Care and Management

This subtopic provides a comprehensive foundation in equine physiology, exploring the integrated functioning of major body systems and their direct relevance to horse care, performance, and welfare. Learners apply this knowledge to manage horses effectively across different life stages, from optimising training regimes to recognising early signs of ill health. Mastery of these principles underpins safe, evidence-based husbandry and enhances decision-making in professional equestrian environments.

Principles of Horse Physiology, Principles of Managing an Equestrian Business, Principles of Nutrition and Fittening Horses

29 guidance points3 criteria

BHSQ Level 4 Award In Lunge a Horse for Improvement

This subtopic focuses on the use of lunging as a systematic training method to enhance the horse's way of going, including rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection. Learners will explore advanced lunging techniques, equipment selection, and training methodologies to address specific weaknesses and promote balanced development, with an emphasis on safety, ethical practice, and progression planning. The content integrates biomechanics, equine behaviour, and the Scales of Training to enable effective and measurable improvements in the horse's performance.

Lunge a Horse for Improvement

12 guidance points

BHSQ Level 2 Foundation Groom (Stage 2)

This unit covers the fundamental skills and knowledge required for an Assistant Groom, including equine care, handling, and welfare. Learners will develop practical competencies in fitting equipment, preparing horses for travel, and maintaining health and hygiene, underpinned by an understanding of behaviour, anatomy, and nutrition. It equips students with the essential capabilities to support horse management in a professional yard environment.

Unit 1: Stage 2 Care, Unit 2: Stage 2 Lunge

19 guidance points2 criteria

BHSQ Level 2 Foundation Groom with Riding (Stage 2)

This unit develops the essential practical skills and underpinning knowledge required for an Assistant Groom to maintain horse welfare and presentation in a professional yard. Learners will gain competence in routine care tasks such as fitting tack, preparing horses for travel, feeding, foot care, and health monitoring, underpinned by an understanding of anatomy, behaviour, and environmental needs. Successful completion ensures the learner can work safely and effectively under direction, contributing to the horse's fitness and overall condition.

Unit 1: Stage 2 Care, Unit 2: Stage 2 Lunge, Unit 3: Stage 2 Ride

21 guidance points3 criteria

BHSQ Level 1 Certificate in BHS Horse Knowledge and Care

This subtopic covers the fundamental skills of safely grooming and equipping a horse, including brushing off, putting on and taking off headcollars, rugs, tail bandages, and tack such as saddles, bridles, and martingales. Learners must demonstrate efficient working practices, correct handling to minimize stress and risk, and the ability to prepare a horse and stable for work. These competencies are essential for daily horse care and form the basis for more advanced handling and riding activities.

Brushing off horses including putting on and taking off equipment, Horse Husbandry, Identification and Handling, The Principles of Caring for Horses

22 guidance points3 criteria

BHSQ Level 3 Diploma in BHS Riding Horses

This element focuses on the development of a secure, independent seat and effective application of the aids when riding horses on the flat. It covers the progressive training of the horse to Novice Dressage level, incorporating work in walk, trot, and canter with and without stirrups, while emphasizing sympathetic horsemanship and the ability to ride harmoniously within a group setting.

Ride Horses on the Flat, Ride Horses over Fences

18 guidance points2 criteria

BHSQ Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care

This element covers the essential knowledge and skills required to evaluate grazing land before introducing horses, including assessing pasture quality, identifying hazards, and ensuring a safe environment. It emphasises practical application and compliance with health and safety legislation and environmental best practice to safeguard both equine and human welfare.

Assess grazing land for the introduction of horses, Assist with the care of horses at competitions, Assist with the care of performance horses after strenuous exercise +34 more

288 guidance points37 criteria

BHSQ Level 3 Award in The Principles of Horse Care

This unit covers the principles of equine nutrition, focusing on the composition and nutritional value of feedstuffs, the correct storage and management of feed, and the systematic conditioning of horses for work. Learners will explore how to evaluate feed quality, calculate rations, and design fitness programmes to meet performance demands while maintaining health and welfare.

The Principles of Feeding and Fittening Horses, The Principles of Stabling and Grassland Care for Horses

18 guidance points2 criteria

BHSQ Level 3 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care and Management

This element focuses on the practical skills and underpinning knowledge required to safely and effectively exercise and care for performance horses in a work-based environment. Learners must demonstrate competence in assessing the horse's condition, applying appropriate exercise routines, and maintaining meticulous records, while strictly adhering to health and safety legislation and environmental best practices. The content is directly applicable to roles such as grooms, riders, and yard assistants in competitive or professional equestrian settings.

Assist with the exercise and care for performance horses, Collect and analyse information and prepare for equine coaching sessions, Contribute to the design and implementation of a work programme for horses +38 more

341 guidance points41 criteria

BHSQ Level 1 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care

This subtopic covers the essential skills and knowledge required to clean and maintain tack and horse clothing effectively, while adhering to health and safety protocols. Learners will explore appropriate techniques for different materials, the correct use and storage of cleaning agents, and the importance of teamwork in a stable yard environment. The focus is on developing safe, methodical work habits that ensure equipment longevity, hygiene, and the well-being of both horse and handler.

Assist with cleaning tack and horse clothing, Maintain Health and Safety in the Workplace, Mount and dismount quiet horses under supervision +21 more

199 guidance points24 criteria

BHSQ Level 3 Certificate in Riding Horses on the Flat

This element focuses on developing the skills to ride horses confidently and correctly on the flat, encompassing all gaits both with and without stirrups. It emphasizes independent riding within a group setting while maintaining sympathetic horsemanship, ensuring welfare and responsiveness. Additionally, it requires a theoretical understanding of progressive training methods up to Novice Dressage level, enabling riders to contribute to the horse's education.

Ride Horses on the Flat

8 guidance points

BHSQ Level 3 Coach - Dressage Ride (Stage 3)

This unit consolidates advanced horse care competencies essential for a Stage 3 Coach in Dressage, integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on application. Candidates are required to demonstrate proficient handling of flatwork and jumping equipment, stud management, bitting systems, nutritional planning, fitness programming, and health surveillance, all underpinned by sound understanding of anatomy, physiology, and conformation. The practical skills and academic grounding ensure the coach can maintain optimal equine welfare, support performance goals, and mentor junior staff in a professional yard environment.

Unit 1: Stage 3 Care, Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge, Unit 3: Stage 3 Ride Dressage +1 more

43 guidance points4 criteria

BHSQ Level 4 Certificate In Horse Care and Management

This element focuses on the systematic evaluation of equine conformation and its direct impact on health, soundness, and athletic performance. Learners develop skills in performing safe and structured static and dynamic assessments, interpreting musculoskeletal relationships, and predicting how deviations may affect locomotion and career longevity in horses.

Assessing Conformation and Health in Horses, Fitting and Evaluating Specialist Tack and Equipment for Horses

14 guidance points2 criteria

BHSQ Level 4 Senior Eventing Coach (Stage 4)

This element covers the advanced care and management of competition horses, encompassing specialist tack usage, nutritional planning, and life-stage specific care for mares, youngstock, and older horses. Practical application ensures the senior coach can maintain peak equine performance and welfare in a competitive eventing context.

Unit 1: Stage 4 Senior Care, Unit 2: Stage 4 Senior Management, Unit 3: Stage 4 Senior Lunge +4 more

66 guidance points7 criteria

BHSQ Level 4 Senior Yard Manager with Riding (Stage 4)

This unit equips senior yard managers with advanced skills to oversee holistic equine care, covering specialist tack usage, tailored nutrition, and management of horses across life stages. It emphasizes evidence-based practices to maintain physical wellbeing in competition horses, breeding stock, and geriatric equines, ensuring compliance with welfare standards and performance goals.

Unit 1: Stage 4 Senior Care, Unit 2: Stage 4 Senior Management, Unit 3: Stage 4 Senior Lunge +3 more

52 guidance points6 criteria

BHSQ Level 4 Diploma In BHS Horse Knowledge, Care and Management

This subtopic delves into the systematic evaluation of equine conformation and its impact on athletic performance. Learners will assess both static structure and dynamic movement, linking anatomical function to gait abnormalities and potential health issues. The practical application involves conducting thorough pre-purchase or performance assessments, ensuring safety and efficiency in handling.

Assessing Conformation and Health in Horses, Fitting and Evaluating Specialist Tack and Equipment for Horses, Principles of Horse Physiology +2 more

34 guidance points5 criteria

BHSQ Level 4 Certificate In Riding Horses on the Flat

This subtopic focuses on the progressive training and riding of horses on the flat, from early backing through to elementary level competition. Learners will develop the skills to assess and improve a horse's way of going using the Scales of Training, ensuring ethical, systematic development of the horse's athletic potential. Practical application involves riding a variety of horses to enhance suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection.

Ride Horses on the Flat

8 guidance points

BHSQ Level 4 Senior Yard Manager (Stage 4)

This unit equips senior yard managers with the advanced skills to oversee comprehensive equine care, blending specialist tack usage with in-depth nutritional and life-stage management. It focuses on maintaining optimal physical wellbeing and performance in competition horses, while tailoring care protocols for mares, youngstock, and geriatric equines. Learners must integrate theoretical knowledge with practical, safe handling to ensure welfare and operational efficiency at a managerial level.

Unit 1: Stage 4 Senior Care, Unit 2: Stage 4 Senior Management

17 guidance points2 criteria

BHSQ Level 4 Senior Show Jumping Coach (Stage 4)

This subtopic develops advanced knowledge and skills essential for the care of competition horses, focusing on the safe and efficient use of specialist tack, precise nutritional management tailored to performance and life stage, and comprehensive husbandry routines. Learners will explore the specific needs of mares, youngstock, and older horses, integrating preventive health care, conditioning, and competition-day strategies to maintain peak physical wellbeing and longevity in the equine athlete.

Unit 1: Stage 4 Senior Care, Unit 2: Stage 4 Senior Management, Unit 3: Stage 4 Senior Lunge +3 more

52 guidance points6 criteria

BHSQ Level 4 Diploma In BHS Riding and Training Horses

This subtopic focuses on the advanced application of lunging to systematically enhance the horse's way of going, incorporating established training methodologies. Learners will explore how to use lunging not just for exercise, but as a targeted tool to improve balance, rhythm, suppleness, and connection, preparing the horse for ridden work and overall athletic development.

Lunge a Horse for Improvement, Ride Horses on the Flat, Ride Horses over Fences

24 guidance points3 criteria

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