Assist with putting on and taking off tack — City & Guilds Limited Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary Revision

    This element introduces learners to the safe and correct procedures for assisting with the fitting and removal of tack on horses under supervision. It cove

    Topic Synopsis

    This element introduces learners to the safe and correct procedures for assisting with the fitting and removal of tack on horses under supervision. It covers essential safety checks, handling techniques, and routine care of tack to ensure horse welfare and prevent injury. Practical application is in a work-based stable environment where learners support experienced staff in daily riding and handling routines.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Assist with putting on and taking off tack

    CITY & GUILDS LIMITED
    vocational

    This element introduces learners to the safe and correct procedures for assisting with the fitting and removal of tack on horses under supervision. It covers essential safety checks, handling techniques, and routine care of tack to ensure horse welfare and prevent injury. Practical application is in a work-based stable environment where learners support experienced staff in daily riding and handling routines.

    4
    Learning Outcomes
    15
    Assessment Guidance
    18
    Key Skills
    4
    Key Terms
    21
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Work-based Horse Care
    City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Riding
    City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Work-based Horse Care
    City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care

    Topic Overview

    The City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Work-based Horse Care is an introductory qualification designed for individuals who are new to the equine industry or wish to develop basic practical skills in horse care. This qualification covers essential topics such as stable management, feeding, grooming, and health monitoring, providing a solid foundation for further study or entry-level employment in yards, riding schools, or livery stables. It is typically delivered in a work-based setting, allowing learners to apply theoretical knowledge directly to real-world scenarios under supervision.

    This qualification is part of the wider Animal Care and Veterinary sector, which emphasises animal welfare, safety, and responsible husbandry. By completing this certificate, students gain confidence in handling horses, understanding their behaviour, and maintaining a clean and safe environment. The skills learned are transferable to other animal care roles and form the basis for progression to Level 2 qualifications in Horse Care or related subjects.

    Mastery of this certificate demonstrates to employers that a candidate has a recognised standard of competence in basic horse care. It also instils a strong awareness of health and safety protocols, which are critical in any equine setting. Whether you aspire to become a groom, stable hand, or riding instructor, this qualification is the first step towards a rewarding career working with horses.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Stable management: daily routines for mucking out, bedding types, and maintaining a clean, safe stable environment to prevent injury and disease.
    • →Feeding and nutrition: understanding the horse's digestive system, types of feed (hay, concentrates, supplements), and the importance of a balanced diet based on workload and condition.
    • →Grooming and hoof care: correct techniques for grooming to maintain coat health, identify skin issues, and basic hoof picking to prevent infections like thrush.
    • →Health monitoring: recognising signs of good health (bright eyes, normal temperature, appetite) and common ailments (colic, laminitis, coughs) to know when to seek veterinary advice.
    • →Safe handling and behaviour: approaching, leading, and tying up horses safely, understanding herd dynamics, and reading body language to avoid accidents.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Be able to assist with putting on and taking off tack, Be able to work safely
    • Be able to assist with putting on and taking off tack, Be able to work safely
    • Be able to assist with putting on and taking off tack, Be able to work safely
    • Be able to assist with putting on and taking off tack, Be able to work safely

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating safe approach to horse, including checking signs of discomfort or resistance before tacking up.
    • Award credit for correctly identifying and gathering required tack items (bridle, saddle, girth, etc.) in appropriate order.
    • Award credit for assisting in fitting the saddle by gently placing it forward of the withers and sliding back into position, avoiding hair pulling.
    • Award credit for tightening the girth gradually in stages, checking tension appropriately to prevent discomfort.
    • Award credit for bridling assistance by correctly holding the bit and headpiece, allowing the horse to calmly accept the bit.
    • Award credit for safely removing tack by first loosening girth, then removing saddle, followed by bridle, and hanging up neatly.
    • Award credit for performing a post-use tack check for damage, cleanliness, and safe storage.
    • Award credit for identifying and selecting the correct tack for the horse, checking for cleanliness and sound condition.
    • Award credit for approaching and handling the horse calmly, using appropriate restraints or assistance as required.
    • Award credit for correctly positioning the saddle and girth, ensuring it is not too tight or loose, and removing it without causing discomfort.
    • Award credit for safely putting on and removing a bridle, checking the bit is clean and correctly fitted, and avoiding knocking the horse's teeth.
    • Award credit for demonstrating safe working practices, including wearing suitable footwear and gloves, and being aware of the horse's body language.
    • Award credit for correctly identifying all tack components and their purpose before handling.
    • Award credit for consistently checking and responding to the horse's behavioural signals throughout the process.
    • Award credit for safely approaching, securing, and releasing the horse in accordance with protocols.
    • Award credit for correctly adjusting tack (e.g., girth, noseband) to ensure comfort and security as directed by a supervisor.
    • Award credit for correctly identifying and explaining the function of key parts of a saddle and bridle before assisting.
    • Award credit for demonstrating safe approach and handling of the horse, including use of a head collar and lead rope, and checking the horse's demeanor.
    • Award credit for correctly assisting with the sequence of tacking up, such as placing the saddle pad and saddle smoothly, fastening the girth gradually, and fitting the bridle without causing discomfort.
    • Award credit for performing safety checks after tacking up, including girth tightness, stirrup length, and bit fit, and communicating findings to the supervisor.
    • Award credit for demonstrating safe removal of tack, including unbuckling and removing the bridle gently, loosening the girth before removing the saddle, and storing tack correctly.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡In practical assessments, verbalise each step you are taking to demonstrate your reasoning and safety checks to the assessor.
    • 💡Always highlight your awareness of horse behaviour, noting any signs of discomfort or resistance and how you respond appropriately.
    • 💡Show methodical working, such as tacking up from one side consistently, and explain why you are following that order.
    • 💡For written exams, memorise the correct names of tack parts and the sequence of putting on and taking off to answer multiple-choice or short-answer questions accurately.
    • 💡Always narrate your actions during practical assessments to demonstrate your understanding to the assessor.
    • 💡Even if you are only assisting, show initiative by checking the tack and adjusting fitting under supervision.
    • 💡Prioritise safety: if the horse shows signs of distress or resistance, stop and seek guidance rather than forcing the procedure.
    • 💡Revise the correct names and parts of tack, as oral questioning may test your knowledge.
    • 💡Verbally explain each step during practical assessments to demonstrate your understanding of safety and welfare considerations.
    • 💡Adopt a consistent, methodical sequence for tacking up and untacking to minimise errors and project competence.
    • 💡Familiarise yourself with common types and variations of tack, as assessors may test your ability to assist with unfamiliar equipment.
    • 💡During practical assessment, narrate your actions to demonstrate understanding: e.g., 'I am checking the saddle pad is even and the withers are clear.'
    • 💡Always prioritise safety by wearing appropriate PPE (boots, helmet, gloves) and ensure the horse is securely tied or held by a competent person.
    • 💡If you make a minor error, such as forgetting to straighten the numnah, verbalise the correction to show the assessor you recognise the issue.
    • 💡Show empathy with the horse by checking for signs of discomfort like pinned ears or tail swishing, and adjust accordingly.
    • 💡When answering questions on stable management, always mention health and safety first – for both the horse and the handler. Examiners look for awareness of risks like slipping, fire hazards, and correct use of equipment.
    • 💡For feeding questions, remember to state that water must be fresh and available at all times, and that changes to diet should be gradual over several days to avoid digestive upset.
    • 💡In practical assessments, demonstrate a calm, confident approach. Always approach the horse from the side, speak softly, and use a lead rope correctly. Examiners reward safe, methodical handling.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Tightening the girth too quickly or too tightly, causing pain and potential behavioural issues in the horse.
    • Failing to check the bit temperature in cold weather, leading to discomfort and possible mouth injuries.
    • Placing the saddle directly onto the withers rather than forward and sliding it back, risking rubs and soreness.
    • Pulling the bridle off over the horse’s ears without first unfastening the throatlash and noseband, causing entanglement.
    • Neglecting to run up stirrups or secure loose straps, leading to tripping hazards or tack damage.
    • Forgetting to check the tack for damage or cleanliness before use, which can cause injury or discomfort to the horse.
    • Standing directly in front of the horse when bridling, increasing the risk of being pushed or bitten.
    • Not properly securing the horse (e.g., tying up) before tacking up, leading to the horse moving and creating a safety hazard.
    • Pulling the girth too tight from the start, causing the horse to become girthy or nip.
    • Leaving loose straps or buckles that could catch on equipment or cause tripping.
    • Failing to check that the saddle pad is smooth and positioned correctly before placing the saddle, leading to rubs or pressure points.
    • Attempting to put on or remove tack without first tethering the horse correctly and assessing its mood.
    • Over-tightening the girth at once rather than gradually, which can cause the horse to react or become uncomfortable.
    • Removing tack by pulling it off without fully unfastening all buckles and straps, risking damage or startling the horse.
    • Students often forget to check the girth after leading the horse a few steps, leading to a loose saddle and potential accidents.
    • A common error is incorrectly positioning the saddle too far forward or back, which can cause discomfort and restrict movement.
    • Students may rush when fitting the bridle, causing the bit to knock against the horse's teeth or the headpiece to twist, leading to resistance.
    • Neglecting to maintain three points of contact or standing directly behind the horse when assisting puts the student at risk of kicks.
    • Misconception: Horses can be fed large amounts of grain like dogs or cats. Correction: Horses have a small stomach and require frequent, small meals of forage; too much grain can cause colic or laminitis.
    • Misconception: A clean stable means the horse doesn't need daily checks. Correction: Even in a clean stable, horses must be checked daily for injuries, signs of illness, or changes in behaviour.
    • Misconception: All horses enjoy being groomed vigorously. Correction: Some horses are sensitive; grooming should be gentle, especially on bony areas, and always start with a soft brush to remove dirt without causing discomfort.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •No formal prerequisites are required for this Level 1 qualification, but a genuine interest in horses and a willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions are essential.
    • •Basic literacy and numeracy skills are helpful for understanding feeding instructions, measuring feed, and completing written assessments.
    • •Prior experience handling horses is not necessary, but any voluntary work at a stable or riding school will provide a useful foundation.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Be able to assist with putting on and taking off tack, Be able to work safely
    • Be able to assist with putting on and taking off tack, Be able to work safely
    • Be able to assist with putting on and taking off tack, Be able to work safely
    • Be able to assist with putting on and taking off tack, Be able to work safely

    Ready to learn?

    AI-powered learning tailored to this unit

    Related Topics in CITY & GUILDS LIMITED vocational Animal Care & Veterinary

    Business Management in the Land-based Sector

    View Topic

    Business Management in the Land-based Sector

    View Topic

    Business Management in the Land-based Sector

    View Topic

    Business Management in the Land-based Sector

    View Topic