Contribute to harvesting crops using horses and horse drawn equipment — British Driving Society Vocationally-Related Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary Revision

    This element focuses on the competent use of horses and horse-drawn equipment to harvest crops, blending traditional skills with contemporary safety and we

    Topic Synopsis

    This element focuses on the competent use of horses and horse-drawn equipment to harvest crops, blending traditional skills with contemporary safety and welfare standards. Learners must demonstrate practical ability in tasks such as mowing, raking, and carting, while prioritising the horse's wellbeing and adhering to legal requirements.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Contribute to harvesting crops using horses and horse drawn equipment

    BRITISH DRIVING SOCIETY
    vocational

    This element focuses on the competent use of horses and horse-drawn equipment to harvest crops, blending traditional skills with contemporary safety and welfare standards. Learners must demonstrate practical ability in tasks such as mowing, raking, and carting, while prioritising the horse's wellbeing and adhering to legal requirements.

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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

    BDS Level 3 Diploma in Driving and Working with Harness Horses

    Topic Overview

    The BDS Level 3 Diploma in Driving and Working with Harness Horses is a vocationally-related qualification that equips students with advanced skills in preparing, driving, and caring for harness horses. This diploma covers everything from selecting appropriate tack and vehicles to managing horses in traffic and competitive driving events. It is designed for those aiming to work professionally in driving yards, coaching, or competition settings, and it builds on foundational knowledge of equine care and handling.

    This qualification is part of the British Driving Society's suite of awards and is recognised across the UK equine industry. It emphasises safety, horse welfare, and precision in driving techniques. Students learn to assess horse fitness, maintain equipment, and navigate complex driving scenarios, including road driving and obstacle courses. The diploma also covers the history and rules of carriage driving, making it ideal for those pursuing careers in coaching, event management, or as professional grooms.

    Mastering this diploma is crucial for anyone serious about harness driving. It not only enhances practical skills but also deepens understanding of horse behaviour and biomechanics in harness. The qualification is often a stepping stone to higher-level coaching awards or specialised roles in driving yards. By the end, students are confident in managing horses in various environments, ensuring both horse and driver safety.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Tack and vehicle selection: Understanding the correct fit and use of harnesses, bridles, and carriages for different horse types and driving disciplines.
    • →Road driving safety: Mastering the Highway Code for horse-drawn vehicles, including signals, positioning, and dealing with traffic.
    • →Competition driving: Knowledge of dressage, cones, and marathon phases in carriage driving trials, including scoring and penalties.
    • →Horse fitness and conditioning: Designing training programmes that build stamina and strength for driving, with attention to diet and rest.
    • →Emergency procedures: Techniques for handling bolting horses, broken equipment, or accidents during drives.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Contribute to harvesting crops using horses and horse drawn equipment, Work in a way which maintains the safety of self and others and the welfare of the horse, and follow relevant legislative requirements and codes of practice, Know how to prepare and use experienced working horses and horse drawn equipment to harvest selected crops, Know how to work in a way which maintains the health and safety of self and others and the welfare of the horse(s)

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating correct hitching and unhitching procedures, ensuring all connections are secure and harness is correctly adjusted to prevent chafing or injury.
    • Credit for maintaining consistent and appropriate speed and direction while operating horse-drawn harvesting machinery, responding to the horse’s behaviour and crop conditions.
    • Award credit for conducting pre-operational checks of equipment and harness, identifying wear or faults, and taking appropriate corrective action before starting work.
    • Credit for showing effective communication with the horse through voice commands, rein handling, and body language, ensuring smooth operation and minimal stress.
    • Award credit for planning the harvesting route to optimise efficiency and minimise turning strain on the horse, considering field layout and crop maturity.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡During practical assessments, narrate your actions and decisions to demonstrate understanding of health and safety protocols and welfare considerations.
    • 💡Provide a comprehensive risk assessment for the harvesting activity, detailing identified hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures.
    • 💡Include annotated photographs or video evidence of yourself performing harvesting tasks, highlighting alignment with codes of practice and legislative requirements.
    • 💡Revise the specific requirements for transporting harvested crops by horse-drawn vehicle, including load security and weight limits to prevent strain on the horse.
    • 💡In practical assessments, always perform a thorough safety check of tack and vehicle before mounting. Examiners look for systematic checks, not just a quick glance.
    • 💡When driving cones, plan your route before entering. Look ahead at least three cones to maintain a smooth line and avoid penalties.
    • 💡In written exams, use specific terminology (e.g., 'breeching' instead of 'back strap') and reference BDS guidelines to show depth of knowledge.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Failing to properly inspect and maintain harness and equipment before use, leading to breakages or discomfort for the horse.
    • Overestimating the horse’s fitness, resulting in overheating, exhaustion, or injury due to excessive working periods without adequate rest.
    • Incorrectly setting the cutting height or width on mowers or binders, causing crop wastage or damage to the machinery.
    • Neglecting to clear the work area of hazards like large stones, branches, or hidden obstacles that could injure the horse or damage equipment.
    • Misconception: Any horse can be driven with the same tack. Correction: Tack must be fitted individually; a poorly fitted collar can cause sores and restrict breathing.
    • Misconception: Driving is less physically demanding than riding. Correction: Drivers must have strong core stability and arm strength to control horses, especially in emergencies.
    • Misconception: Road driving is just like riding on roads. Correction: Vehicles have different blind spots and stopping distances; drivers must anticipate driver behaviour and use specific signals.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •BDS Level 2 Award in Driving and Working with Harness Horses or equivalent experience.
    • •Basic equine first aid and stable management knowledge.
    • •Understanding of horse behaviour and handling in hand.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Contribute to harvesting crops using horses and horse drawn equipment, Work in a way which maintains the safety of self and others and the welfare of the horse, and follow relevant legislative requirements and codes of practice, Know how to prepare and use experienced working horses and horse drawn equipment to harvest selected crops, Know how to work in a way which maintains the health and safety of self and others and the welfare of the horse(s)

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