Carry out pre and post horse trek activities — BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary Revision

    This element focuses on the essential procedures following a horse trek, ensuring the welfare of the horse, the longevity of equipment, and the safety of a

    Topic Synopsis

    This element focuses on the essential procedures following a horse trek, ensuring the welfare of the horse, the longevity of equipment, and the safety of all involved. Learners must demonstrate systematic approaches to cooling down horses, checking for injuries, cleaning and storing tack and gear appropriately, and adhering to health and safety protocols and relevant legislation to maintain high standards in a professional equestrian environment.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Carry out pre and post horse trek activities

    BHS QUALIFICATIONS
    vocational

    This element focuses on the essential procedures following a horse trek, ensuring the welfare of the horse, the longevity of equipment, and the safety of all involved. Learners must demonstrate systematic approaches to cooling down horses, checking for injuries, cleaning and storing tack and gear appropriately, and adhering to health and safety protocols and relevant legislation to maintain high standards in a professional equestrian environment.

    2
    Learning Outcomes
    10
    Assessment Guidance
    12
    Key Skills
    2
    Key Terms
    12
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    EQL Level 3 Diploma In Horse Care and Management (QCF)
    BHSQ Level 3 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care and Management

    Topic Overview

    The EQL Level 3 Diploma in Horse Care and Management (QCF) is a comprehensive qualification designed for individuals aiming to pursue a professional career in the equine industry. This diploma covers essential aspects of horse care, including stable management, nutrition, health, and handling, while also delving into business and management principles relevant to equine enterprises. It is ideal for those seeking roles such as yard manager, riding instructor, or equine business owner, as it combines practical skills with theoretical knowledge to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the sector.

    This qualification is part of the BHS Qualifications QCF framework, which aligns with industry standards set by the British Horse Society. Students will explore topics such as equine anatomy and physiology, disease prevention, and the legal responsibilities of horse ownership. The diploma also emphasizes the importance of ethical practices and animal welfare, reflecting the high standards expected in the UK equine industry. By completing this course, students gain a recognized credential that enhances employability and provides a solid foundation for further study, such as a foundation degree in equine science.

    The diploma is structured to balance theoretical learning with practical application, often requiring students to complete work-based assessments or placements. This hands-on approach ensures that learners can apply their knowledge in real-world settings, from managing a livery yard to assisting in veterinary care. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current best practices and legislative changes, making it a relevant and valuable qualification for anyone serious about a career in horse care and management.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Equine anatomy and physiology: Understanding the structure and function of the horse's body, including the skeletal, muscular, and digestive systems, is crucial for effective care and management.
    • →Nutrition and feeding: Knowledge of dietary requirements, feed types, and feeding regimes to maintain optimal health and performance, including managing conditions like laminitis.
    • →Stable management and biosecurity: Best practices for maintaining a clean, safe environment, preventing disease spread, and ensuring welfare, including quarantine protocols.
    • →Health monitoring and first aid: Recognizing signs of illness or injury, administering basic first aid, and knowing when to seek veterinary assistance.
    • →Legal and ethical responsibilities: Awareness of animal welfare legislation, duty of care, and ethical considerations in horse ownership and business management.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Be able to carry out post horse trek activities, Be able to clean and store relevant equipment, Be able to promote health and safety, Understand how to carry out post horse trek activities, Understand the reasons for cleaning maintaining equipment, Understand relevant health and safety legislation
    • Be able to carry out post horse trek activities, Be able to clean and store relevant equipment, Be able to promote health and safety, Understand how to carry out post horse trek activities, Understand the reasons for cleaning maintaining equipment, Understand relevant health and safety legislation

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating a thorough post-trek check of the horse, including assessing gait, vital signs, and physical condition for signs of strain or injury.
    • Recognition should be given for correctly cleaning, drying, and conditioning tack according to material specifications, ensuring no residue or moisture remains that could cause damage or discomfort.
    • Evidence of proper storage of equipment in a clean, dry, and organised manner, with attention to ventilation and protection from pests or contaminants, must be observed.
    • Marks should be allocated for the accurate completion of post-trek documentation, such as recording any incidents, equipment faults, or observations about the horse's behaviour and condition.
    • Assessors should look for the application of health and safety measures, including safe lifting techniques, disposal of waste, and compliance with biosecurity protocols (e.g., disinfecting shared equipment).
    • Credit understanding of key health and safety legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, in relation to cleaning products and manual handling.
    • Award credit for performing a thorough post-trek horse inspection, checking for signs of rubbing, sweating, lameness, or fatigue, and implementing appropriate cooling-down protocols.
    • Award credit for correctly untacking the horse in a safe sequence, ensuring equipment is removed without causing injury, and verbally justifying the order of removal.
    • Award credit for cleaning each piece of tack and equipment according to manufacturer guidelines, including drying, conditioning, and conducting wear-and-tear checks before storage.
    • Award credit for explaining the importance of equipment maintenance in preventing cross-contamination and material breakdown, citing relevant safety data sheets or COSHH requirements.
    • Award credit for identifying potential hazards during post-trek activities (e.g., manual handling risks, chemical exposure) and describing suitable control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment and safe working practices.
    • Award credit for accurately recording post-trek incidents or equipment faults in line with workplace procedures and health and safety legislation such as RIDDOR.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡When completing written assessments, always link cleaning and storage procedures to specific legislation; for example, mention COSHH when describing the use of cleaning chemicals and the need for safety data sheets.
    • 💡In practical exams, narrate your actions to demonstrate understanding—explain why you are checking a particular area (e.g., 'I am feeling the horse's tendons for heat or swelling to prevent injury escalation').
    • 💡Structure your evidence portfolio to show a clear workflow from post-trek horse care to equipment maintenance, using step-by-step photographs or checklists as supporting documentation.
    • 💡For health and safety questions, use the hierarchy of control (eliminate, reduce, protect) when discussing risks such as handling a tired horse or lifting heavy saddles, and always reference risk assessments.
    • 💡Be prepared to discuss the consequences of poor maintenance, such as tack failure leading to accidents, and relate this to duty of care under the Animals (Scotland) Act 2006 or Animal Welfare Act 2006 (as applicable).
    • 💡Narrate your actions during observed practical tasks – explain why you perform each step to demonstrate depth of understanding to the assessor.
    • 💡In written work, always connect cleaning and storage routines to specific health and safety legislation (e.g., COSHH for chemical use, Manual Handling Operations Regulations for lifting saddles) to achieve higher marks.
    • 💡Create a laminated post-trek checklist for your own reference and mental rehearsal; this reduces the risk of skipping steps under assessment pressure.
    • 💡Observe correct lifting posture and two-person lift techniques when handling heavy tack, even if not explicitly prompted, as assessors will deduct marks for unsafe manual handling.
    • 💡During knowledge-based questioning, be prepared to discuss real-world consequences of poor practice, such as bacterial infections from dirty bits or RIDDOR reportable incidents from equipment failure.
    • 💡Use specific examples from your practical experience to illustrate theoretical points. For instance, when discussing feeding, mention a case where you adjusted a horse's diet due to weight loss or medical condition.
    • 💡Always link your answers to current UK legislation, such as the Animal Welfare Act 2006, to demonstrate understanding of legal responsibilities.
    • 💡In management questions, show awareness of cost-effectiveness and business planning, as the diploma prepares you for real-world yard management roles.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Learners often underestimate the importance of cooling down the horse adequately before stabling, potentially leading to muscle stiffness or colic.
    • A frequent error is using the wrong cleaning products on leather tack, causing deterioration or slippage; for example, using saddle soap without conditioning can dry out the leather.
    • Many students forget to check the fit and condition of the tack after cleaning, missing signs of wear such as stretched stitching or cracked leather that could fail on the next trek.
    • It is common to store equipment while still damp or in poorly ventilated areas, promoting mould growth and material degradation, especially with synthetic fabrics and leather.
    • Ignoring small cuts or rubs on the horse's skin after removing the saddle or bridle, assuming they are inconsequential, can lead to infections or behavioural issues.
    • A typical oversight is failing to log equipment faults or horse health concerns in the yard diary, which compromises traceability and professional accountability.
    • Failing to check for girth galls or tightness rubs immediately after untacking, which can lead to missed injuries and prolonged equine discomfort.
    • Storing leather tack while still damp, resulting in mould growth, weakened fibres, and premature replacement costs.
    • Neglecting to disassemble and scrub bit ports thoroughly, leaving dried saliva and food debris that can cause oral sores or infections.
    • Confusing a near-miss with a reportable incident under RIDDOR, leading to under-reporting or over-reporting in workplace records.
    • Skipping the post-trek cool-down walk, which can cause muscle stiffness, tying-up, or respiratory distress in the horse.
    • Using harsh or inappropriate cleaning chemicals on sensitive materials like sheepskin numnahs, causing skin reactions or fabric damage.
    • Misconception: Horses can be fed the same diet year-round. Correction: Nutritional needs change with workload, season, and health status; for example, horses in light work require less energy-dense feed than those in heavy training.
    • Misconception: A clean stable means a healthy horse. Correction: While cleanliness is important, biosecurity also involves proper ventilation, waste disposal, and isolation of sick horses to prevent disease spread.
    • Misconception: All horses need shoes. Correction: Many horses can be kept barefoot with proper hoof care and suitable terrain; shoeing decisions should be based on individual needs, workload, and hoof health.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care or equivalent practical experience in stable management.
    • •Basic understanding of equine behavior and handling techniques.
    • •Familiarity with health and safety practices in an equine environment.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Be able to carry out post horse trek activities, Be able to clean and store relevant equipment, Be able to promote health and safety, Understand how to carry out post horse trek activities, Understand the reasons for cleaning maintaining equipment, Understand relevant health and safety legislation
    • Be able to carry out post horse trek activities, Be able to clean and store relevant equipment, Be able to promote health and safety, Understand how to carry out post horse trek activities, Understand the reasons for cleaning maintaining equipment, Understand relevant health and safety legislation

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