Riding horses on the flat and over ground poles in the light seat — BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary Revision

    This element focuses on developing fundamental riding skills for flatwork and pole work, emphasizing a secure, independent position and effective use of th

    Topic Synopsis

    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.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

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

    BHS QUALIFICATIONS
    vocational

    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.

    11
    Learning Outcomes
    6
    Assessment Guidance
    6
    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
    6
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    BHSQ Level 1 Certificate in BHS Riding Horses

    Topic Overview

    The BHSQ Level 1 Certificate in BHS Riding Horses is an entry-level occupational qualification designed to equip individuals with fundamental riding skills and essential knowledge for safe and responsible horse interaction. It focuses on developing a secure and balanced seat, understanding basic riding aids (voice, leg, rein, weight), and demonstrating control of a horse at walk and trot, both on the lunge and independently. This qualification is crucial for building a solid foundation in equestrianism, emphasising rider safety, horse welfare, and effective communication between horse and rider.

    This certificate is vital for anyone aspiring to work with horses or progress further in BHS qualifications, such as the BHSQ Level 2 Care and Riding. It provides a recognised standard of competence, assuring employers and educational institutions that the holder possesses the foundational practical skills and theoretical understanding required for basic horse riding and handling in a professional or recreational setting. Mastery of these initial skills is paramount, as they form the bedrock for all advanced riding techniques and horse management practices.

    Within the broader Animal Care & Veterinary sector, this qualification specifically addresses the practical skills component often required for entry-level roles in riding schools, livery yards, or equestrian centres. It complements theoretical knowledge of animal welfare by providing hands-on experience in horse handling and riding, ensuring that individuals can apply best practices in a practical environment. It highlights the importance of safe working practices around horses, a critical aspect of animal care and occupational safety in the equestrian industry.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Secure and Balanced Seat: Maintaining an independent, balanced, and effective seat at walk and trot, allowing for clear communication with the horse.
    • →Basic Riding Aids: Correct application of voice, leg, rein, and weight aids to influence the horse's pace, direction, and balance.
    • →Rider Safety and Awareness: Understanding and implementing safety procedures when mounting, dismounting, and riding, including awareness of surroundings and other riders.
    • →Horse Welfare and Communication: Recognising basic signs of horse comfort and discomfort, and using aids in a way that promotes a positive partnership.
    • →Tack and Equipment Knowledge: Identifying and correctly fitting basic riding tack, such as saddles and bridles, ensuring comfort and safety for the horse.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Demonstrate the ability to lead a saddled and bridled horse in hand safely and correctly.
    • Ride safely and in harmony with the horse while maintaining awareness of other riders and following all safety protocols.
    • Identify the footfalls and assess the balance of the horse in walk, trot, and canter.
    • Mount and dismount a horse correctly and safely from the correct side.
    • Adjust stirrups, girth, and reins from the saddle with control and minimal stress to the horse.
    • Maintain a secure, balanced position independent of the reins when riding with stirrups at all gaits.
    • Maintain a secure, balanced position independent of the reins when riding without stirrups at walk and trot.
    • Adopt a balanced, light seat independent of the reins in preparation for jumping and pole work.
    • Demonstrate basic use of the natural aids (seat, legs, hands, voice) to communicate with the horse.
    • Ride on the correct diagonal in rising trot and demonstrate ability to change diagonal without loss of rhythm.
    • Handle a whip correctly, ensuring it does not exceed 75cm, and use it appropriately as an aid.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating a clear, independent seat at walk, trot, and canter both with and without stirrups.
    • Look for correct diagonal identification and change without loss of balance or rhythm.
    • Expect mounting and dismounting without undue stress to the horse, using correct technique and checking girth before mounting.
    • Credit for safely adjusting girth and stirrups while mounted and maintaining control and a relaxed horse.
    • Reward consistent light seat position over poles with hands forward and eyes up.
    • Assess basic understanding and application of natural aids in transitions and changes of direction.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Always perform mounting and dismounting on the correct side and in a controlled, smooth manner.
    • 💡Practice riding without stirrups regularly to develop a deep, independent seat and confidence.
    • 💡Check your whip length before the assessment to ensure it complies with the 75cm rule.
    • 💡Remember to look up and ahead to maintain balance, especially when riding over poles.
    • 💡During the test, clearly demonstrate your ability to adjust tack from the saddle without dismounting unnecessarily.
    • 💡Use soft, following hands and a steady leg to show harmony with the horse’s movement.
    • 💡Demonstrate Understanding, Not Just Execution: When asked about a specific aid or manoeuvre, clearly articulate why you are applying it that way, not just how. For instance, explain the purpose of an inside leg to outside rein connection. This shows deeper comprehension.
    • 💡Prioritise Safety and Horse Welfare: Throughout your practical assessment, consistently demonstrate safe practices, such as checking girths, ensuring stirrups are correctly adjusted, and maintaining appropriate distances from other horses. Show consideration for the horse's comfort and well-being at all times.
    • 💡Communicate Clearly and Confidently: During verbal questions, answer succinctly and use correct equestrian terminology. In practical sessions, if you make a mistake, acknowledge it calmly and explain how you would correct it. Confidence in your knowledge and ability to learn is highly valued.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Leaning on the horse's mouth for balance instead of using an independent seat.
    • Failing to check girth and stirrup length before mounting, leading to saddle slipping.
    • Incorrectly identifying the diagonal or failing to correct it, indicating poor feel.
    • Gripping with knees or thighs, causing loss of light seat and ineffective position.
    • Looking down at the horse or poles, disrupting balance and forward intention.
    • Mounting or dismounting on the wrong side or with a tense, abrupt movement.
    • Misconception: Students often believe that pulling on the reins is the primary way to stop or slow down a horse. Correction: While reins are part of the stopping aid, an effective halt or slowdown primarily comes from a balanced seat, engaging core muscles, and using leg and voice aids in conjunction with a gentle, yielding rein contact. Over-reliance on reins can cause discomfort to the horse and make them resistant.
    • Misconception: Many beginners think that riding is solely about controlling the horse, rather than a partnership. Correction: Successful riding at any level is about developing a harmonious partnership. This involves understanding the horse's responses, anticipating their movements, and communicating clearly through subtle aids, rather than simply dictating. Empathy and observation are key.

    Revision Plan

    How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks

    1. 1Week 1: Practical Skill Refinement: Dedicate 2-3 sessions to practical riding, focusing on developing a secure and independent seat at walk and trot. Practice applying basic aids for transitions, steering, and maintaining rhythm. Incorporate lunge lessons to focus purely on seat and balance without steering distractions.
    2. 2Week 1: Theoretical Knowledge Immersion: Spend dedicated time reviewing BHSQ Level 1 theory materials. Focus on horse welfare, safety procedures, identification of tack, and the purpose of basic riding aids. Create flashcards for key terms and definitions.
    3. 3Week 2: Simulated Assessment Practice: Conduct mock practical assessments with an instructor, simulating exam conditions. Ask for specific feedback on your riding, communication, and safety awareness. Practice answering verbal questions related to the practical elements.
    4. 4Week 2: Review and Self-Assessment: Revisit any areas identified as weak during mock assessments. Watch videos of correct riding techniques. Mentally rehearse the sequence of actions for common manoeuvres. Ensure you can confidently articulate the 'why' behind your actions.
    5. 5Ongoing: Observation and Engagement: Spend time observing experienced riders and instructors. Ask questions, engage in discussions about horse care and riding techniques, and volunteer for yard duties to deepen your practical understanding beyond just riding.

    Exam Question Types

    How this topic typically appears in the exam

    • 📋Practical Riding Assessment (on the flat): Candidates will be assessed on their ability to ride a horse safely and effectively at walk and trot, demonstrating a secure and balanced seat, correct application of basic aids, and control over the horse's pace and direction. Advice: Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm, looking where you are going, and using subtle, clear aids. Practice transitions and riding accurate figures (e.g., circles, straight lines).
    • 📋Verbal Questioning (during practical): The examiner will ask questions related to the practical tasks being performed, horse welfare, tack, and safety protocols. Advice: Be prepared to explain the purpose of your aids, identify parts of the tack, and describe safety procedures. Use correct terminology and be concise.
    • 📋Tack Identification and Fitting: Candidates may be asked to identify different pieces of riding tack and explain how to correctly fit them to a horse. Advice: Know the names of all common tack items (saddle, bridle, girth, stirrup irons, leathers) and understand the principles of correct fitting for horse comfort and safety (e.g., girth tightness, bridle adjustment).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic Horse Handling Experience: Familiarity with being around horses, including leading, tying up, and general stable etiquette, to ensure safety and comfort.
    • •Ability to Mount and Dismount Independently: Students should be able to safely get on and off a horse with minimal assistance.
    • •Understanding of Basic Horse Behaviour: A foundational knowledge of common horse behaviours and how to react appropriately to ensure personal safety and the horse's well-being.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Safe handling and leading
    • Balanced independent seat
    • Light seat for jumping preparation
    • Aids and communication
    • Riding on the flat
    • Tack adjustment and safety

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