Assist with putting on and taking off tack — BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary Revision

    This subtopic covers the essential skills and knowledge required to assist with the fitting and removal of equine tack under supervision, with a strong emp

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic covers the essential skills and knowledge required to assist with the fitting and removal of equine tack under supervision, with a strong emphasis on safe working practices. Learners are expected to understand correct procedures, identify potential hazards, and work effectively as part of a team in a yard environment, while ensuring the wellbeing of the horse at all times.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Assist with putting on and taking off tack

    BHS QUALIFICATIONS
    vocational

    This subtopic covers the essential skills and knowledge required to assist with the fitting and removal of equine tack under supervision, with a strong emphasis on safe working practices. Learners are expected to understand correct procedures, identify potential hazards, and work effectively as part of a team in a yard environment, while ensuring the wellbeing of the horse at all times.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
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    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
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    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    BHSQ Level 1 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care

    Topic Overview

    The BHSQ Level 1 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care is an introductory qualification designed for individuals starting their career in the equine industry. It covers essential practical skills and theoretical knowledge required for safe and effective horse care in a professional setting. This diploma is ideal for those working or volunteering in stables, riding schools, or livery yards, providing a solid foundation for progression to higher levels.

    The qualification focuses on key areas such as feeding, watering, grooming, tack cleaning, and maintaining a safe working environment. Students learn to handle horses safely, recognise signs of good health, and perform basic first aid. Understanding these fundamentals is crucial for ensuring the welfare of horses and the safety of handlers, which are core responsibilities in any equine role.

    This diploma fits into the wider subject of Animal Care & Veterinary by establishing the baseline competencies needed for horse care. It aligns with industry standards set by the British Horse Society (BHS) and prepares students for further study, such as the BHSQ Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care, or for employment as a stable hand or groom. Mastery of these skills demonstrates a commitment to professional development and animal welfare.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Routine stable management: daily tasks like mucking out, bedding management, and maintaining clean water and feed buckets.
    • →Safe handling and leading: using correct techniques to lead horses in hand, including approaching, haltering, and turning out.
    • →Basic health monitoring: checking temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR), and recognising signs of colic, lameness, or injury.
    • →Grooming and tack care: proper grooming routines to maintain coat health and cleaning tack to prevent damage and ensure safety.
    • →Feeding principles: understanding forage-to-concentrate ratios, feeding according to workload, and recognising common feeds.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Evaluate the importance of systematic safety checks before, during and after tacking up
    • Demonstrate correct assistance techniques for putting on and taking off a saddle and bridle
    • Explain how to identify common signs of discomfort or ill-fitting tack in the horse
    • Assess potential risks associated with working in close proximity to horses and apply appropriate control measures

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for clearly communicating with the lead handler before approaching the horse
    • Look for evidence of a rapid visual check of all tack components for damage or wear prior to use
    • Expect the candidate to adjust the girth gradually and recheck after walking the horse a few steps
    • Credit the candidate for maintaining a calm, confident demeanour and avoiding sudden movements

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Always articulate your actions during the assessment to demonstrate understanding, e.g. stating safety checks aloud
    • 💡When assisting, follow the lead handler’s instructions precisely and confirm each step before proceeding
    • 💡In written or oral questions, link your answers back to both horse welfare and human safety considerations
    • 💡Use a logical sequence: check horse, check tack, position and secure, final walk and recheck
    • 💡When demonstrating practical skills like leading or grooming, always explain what you are doing and why. Examiners look for understanding of the reasons behind each action, not just the action itself.
    • 💡For written assessments, use correct terminology (e.g., 'nearside' and 'offside', 'forehand' and 'hindquarters'). This shows you are familiar with industry language and will gain you marks.
    • 💡In health checks, always start by observing the horse from a distance before approaching. Note any signs of distress, such as sweating, pawing, or looking at the flank, as these can indicate colic or pain.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Forgetting to check that the saddle cloth is correctly positioned and wrinkle-free before placing the saddle
    • Tightening the girth fully on the first attempt, which can cause the horse distress
    • Neglecting to remove the bridle over the horse's ears carefully, pulling straps roughly
    • Failing to communicate with the person holding the horse, leading to unsynchronised movements
    • Misconception: Horses can be fed unlimited haylage. Correction: Haylage is higher in energy and protein than hay; overfeeding can lead to obesity and laminitis. It should be fed in controlled amounts based on the horse's workload and condition.
    • Misconception: Grooming is just for appearance. Correction: Grooming is essential for health—it stimulates circulation, removes dirt and parasites, and allows you to check for injuries or skin conditions.
    • Misconception: You should always approach a horse from the front. Correction: Approach from the shoulder, where the horse can see you without feeling threatened. Approaching head-on can startle the horse and increase the risk of being bitten or struck.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •No formal prerequisites are required for this Level 1 qualification, but a basic understanding of horse behaviour and safety around horses is beneficial.
    • •Completion of the BHS Horse Care and Riding Level 1 Award or similar introductory course can provide a helpful foundation.
    • •Practical experience, such as volunteering at a riding school or stable, will greatly enhance your understanding and confidence.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Safe handling and restraint
    • Tack inspection and fitting
    • Teamwork and communication
    • Hazard identification and risk reduction

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