Principles of mounting and dismounting quiet horses under supervision — BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary Revision

    This element covers the essential knowledge and skills for safely mounting and dismounting quiet horses, a fundamental routine in equine care. It emphasize

    Topic Synopsis

    This element covers the essential knowledge and skills for safely mounting and dismounting quiet horses, a fundamental routine in equine care. It emphasizes the importance of correct technique to protect both horse and handler, the selection and upkeep of suitable equipment such as mounting blocks and tack, and compliance with health and safety legislation like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Learners also explore environmental good practice, ensuring that mounting and dismounting activities minimize mess and waste while maintaining a tidy yard.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Principles of mounting and dismounting quiet horses under supervision

    BHS QUALIFICATIONS
    vocational

    This element covers the essential knowledge and skills for safely mounting and dismounting quiet horses, a fundamental routine in equine care. It emphasizes the importance of correct technique to protect both horse and handler, the selection and upkeep of suitable equipment such as mounting blocks and tack, and compliance with health and safety legislation like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Learners also explore environmental good practice, ensuring that mounting and dismounting activities minimize mess and waste while maintaining a tidy yard.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
    3
    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
    5
    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 entry-level qualification designed for individuals starting their career in the equine industry. It covers essential skills for working with horses in a supervised capacity, including stable management, feeding, grooming, and basic health care. This qualification is ideal for those who are new to horse care and want to gain practical, hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

    The diploma is structured around work-based learning, meaning students develop competence through actual employment or work placement in a stable yard or equestrian centre. It aligns with the British Horse Society's standards, ensuring that learners acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills required for safe and effective horse care. Topics include understanding horse behaviour, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and recognising signs of ill health.

    This qualification is a stepping stone to further study, such as the BHSQ Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care, and can lead to roles like stable hand, groom, or assistant yard manager. It is also valuable for those pursuing a career in riding instruction, equine therapy, or competition yard work. By completing this diploma, students demonstrate a commitment to high standards of animal welfare and professional practice.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Stable management: daily routines for mucking out, bedding types, and maintaining a clean, safe environment.
    • →Feeding and nutrition: understanding forage, concentrates, and water requirements, plus feeding schedules.
    • →Grooming and tack care: correct use of grooming tools, cleaning tack, and fitting basic equipment.
    • →Basic health care: recognising signs of good health, common ailments, and when to seek veterinary advice.
    • →Safe handling: leading, tying up, and handling horses in a way that minimises risk to both horse and handler.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Explain the importance of correct mounting and dismounting procedures for quiet horses, including potential risks to horse and handler.
    • Identify essential equipment for mounting and dismounting and describe routine maintenance checks to ensure safety.
    • Outline the key requirements of relevant health and safety legislation and how they apply to mounting and dismounting activities.
    • Describe environmental good practices, such as waste management and cleanliness, associated with mounting and dismounting areas.
    • List the sequential steps for safely mounting and dismounting a quiet horse under supervision.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for clear explanation linking safe mounting/dismounting to accident prevention, such as avoiding falls or startling the horse.
    • Expect learners to list at least three items of equipment (e.g., mounting block, stirrup leathers, girth) and provide basic maintenance checks like inspecting for wear or damage.
    • Credit for mentioning specific legislation (e.g., Health and Safety at Work Act 1974) and giving a simple example of compliance, such as using a properly maintained mounting block.
    • Look for inclusion of environmental good practice points, such as sweeping up debris after dismounting or proper disposal of waste.
    • In practical assessment or written description, assess whether the learner accurately sequences the mounting/dismounting steps (e.g., checking girth, positioning horse, using block safely).

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡When describing procedures, break them into clear steps and use phrases like 'first', 'then', and 'finally' to show methodical understanding.
    • 💡Always connect equipment care to safety outcomes, e.g., explain that a worn stirrup leather could break while mounting.
    • 💡Use precise industry terminology (e.g., 'near side', 'off side', 'stirrup iron') to demonstrate professional knowledge.
    • 💡In written answers, link health and safety legislation directly to everyday practices, such as using a mounting block to reduce strain on the horse's back.
    • 💡Always link your answers to safety and welfare – examiners look for evidence that you prioritise the horse's wellbeing and your own safety.
    • 💡Use specific examples from your work placement to illustrate your understanding, e.g., 'During my placement, I noticed a horse with a swollen leg and reported it to my supervisor immediately.'
    • 💡Know the 'why' behind procedures – for example, why we pick out feet before and after riding (to prevent bruising and check for stones). This shows deeper understanding.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing the correct order of safety checks (e.g., not tightening the girth before mounting).
    • Overlooking the need to run up stirrups and lead the horse away correctly after dismounting.
    • Failing to reference the requirement for supervision when working with quiet horses and not acknowledging the handler's role in maintaining control.
    • Misconception: Horses can be fed whenever you like. Correction: Horses need a consistent feeding routine with measured amounts to prevent digestive issues like colic.
    • 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.
    • Misconception: All bedding is the same. Correction: Different beddings (straw, shavings, paper) have different absorbency, dust levels, and disposal methods; choice depends on the horse's needs and yard facilities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •No formal prerequisites, but a genuine interest in horses and willingness to work in a stable environment is essential.
    • •Basic literacy and numeracy skills are helpful for reading feed labels and recording observations.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Safe mounting and dismounting techniques
    • Equipment selection and maintenance
    • Health and safety legislation
    • Environmental good practice
    • Risk assessment and hazard control

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