Assist with riding activity for riders with special requirements — BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary Revision

    This element focuses on the skills and knowledge required to safely assist with riding activities for individuals with physical, sensory, or learning disab

    Topic Synopsis

    This element focuses on the skills and knowledge required to safely assist with riding activities for individuals with physical, sensory, or learning disabilities. It covers the adaptation of standard practices, the use of specialist equipment, and the implementation of person-centred approaches to ensure inclusive and therapeutic riding sessions. Learners will develop an understanding of the responsibilities involved in supporting riders with special requirements, including adherence to health and safety legislation and effective communication with the multidisciplinary team.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Assist with riding activity for riders with special requirements

    BHS QUALIFICATIONS
    vocational

    This element focuses on the skills and knowledge required to safely assist with riding activities for individuals with physical, sensory, or learning disabilities. It covers the adaptation of standard practices, the use of specialist equipment, and the implementation of person-centred approaches to ensure inclusive and therapeutic riding sessions. Learners will develop an understanding of the responsibilities involved in supporting riders with special requirements, including adherence to health and safety legislation and effective communication with the multidisciplinary team.

    5
    Learning Outcomes
    3
    Assessment Guidance
    3
    Key Skills
    5
    Key Terms
    4
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    BHSQ Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care

    Topic Overview

    The BHSQ Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care is a vocational qualification designed for individuals working or volunteering in the horse care industry. It covers essential skills for daily stable management, horse handling, and welfare, preparing learners for roles such as groom, yard assistant, or stable hand. The qualification is assessed through practical observations and a portfolio of evidence, ensuring competence in real-world settings.

    This diploma is part of the BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification framework, which is recognised by employers across the equine sector. It focuses on safe working practices, horse behaviour, and routine care tasks like feeding, grooming, and mucking out. By completing this qualification, students demonstrate they can maintain high standards of horse welfare and work effectively as part of a yard team.

    Understanding this diploma is crucial for anyone pursuing a career in horse care, as it provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to progress to higher-level qualifications, such as the BHS Stage 2 or 3. It also aligns with industry standards, making graduates more employable and confident in their abilities.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Routine stable management: daily tasks such as mucking out, bedding management, and maintaining clean water and feed areas.
    • →Safe horse handling: leading, tying up, and handling horses in a way that minimises risk to both horse and handler.
    • →Feeding and nutrition: understanding different feed types, quantities, and feeding routines based on the horse's workload and condition.
    • →Health and welfare monitoring: recognising signs of ill health, injury, or distress, and knowing when to report to a supervisor or vet.
    • →Yard safety and biosecurity: maintaining a clean, organised yard and following protocols to prevent the spread of disease.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Identify the key principles of the Equality Act 2010 as it applies to riding activities.
    • Describe the adjustments required for a rider with a specific physical disability, such as cerebral palsy.
    • Demonstrate the correct fitting and use of a specialist saddle or mounting block.
    • Explain the risks associated with transferring a rider from a wheelchair to a horse and the control measures needed.
    • Apply effective communication techniques when instructing a rider with a learning disability.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating safe lifting and handling techniques during a simulated or real transfer, including team coordination.
    • Evidence must show correct selection and adjustment of adaptive equipment (e.g., rein loops, safety stirrups) for the rider's needs, with justification.
    • In a written risk assessment, expect identification of specific hazards related to the rider's condition and environmental factors, with practical control measures.
    • Assessor observation must confirm effective communication that respects the rider's dignity, promotes independence, and uses appropriate aids or language.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡When completing written tasks, always link practical actions to the relevant legislation or code of practice, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act.
    • 💡During practical observations, verbalise your reasoning when making adjustments or choosing equipment to demonstrate underpinning knowledge.
    • 💡Review the specific needs profiles of common disabilities to quickly recall appropriate adaptations during scenario-based questions.
    • 💡When demonstrating practical tasks, always explain what you are doing and why. Assessors want to see that you understand the reasoning behind each step, not just that you can perform it mechanically.
    • 💡Keep a detailed portfolio with clear photographs and written reflections. Use the BHS criteria as a checklist to ensure you cover every point, and ask your assessor for feedback early on.
    • 💡Focus on health and safety in every task. Mentioning risk assessments, correct use of equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) will show you are thinking like a professional.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Assuming all riders with the same diagnosis have identical support requirements, rather than conducting individual assessments.
    • Failing to check the adjustment of adaptive equipment before each session, leading to potential safety issues.
    • Neglecting to communicate directly with the rider, instead speaking only to the carer or instructor.
    • Misconception: 'Horses can be fed the same amount every day regardless of workload.' Correction: Feed quantities must be adjusted based on the horse's activity level, body condition, and time of year to prevent obesity or undernourishment.
    • Misconception: 'A clean stable means the horse is healthy.' Correction: While cleanliness is important, a horse can appear healthy but have underlying issues like lameness or colic; regular health checks are essential.
    • Misconception: 'Leading a horse is just about pulling the rope.' Correction: Effective leading requires clear communication, correct positioning (beside the shoulder), and awareness of the horse's body language to ensure safety.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic understanding of horse behaviour and handling, typically gained through volunteering or work experience.
    • •Completion of a Level 1 qualification in horse care or equivalent practical experience.
    • •A current tetanus vaccination and awareness of basic first aid for horses.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Adaptive equipment usage
    • Disability-specific support techniques
    • Health and safety compliance
    • Inclusive riding session preparation
    • Rider-centred communication

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