Catch and move horses under direction — City & Guilds Limited Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary Revision

    This subtopic covers the essential skills for catching and moving horses safely under supervision, including proper approach techniques, correct fitting an

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic covers the essential skills for catching and moving horses safely under supervision, including proper approach techniques, correct fitting and maintenance of halters and lead ropes, and adherence to health and safety protocols. It emphasizes the importance of calm, confident handling to prevent accidents and ensure animal welfare, forming a foundational component of work-based horse care.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Catch and move horses under direction

    CITY & GUILDS LIMITED
    vocational

    This subtopic covers the essential skills for catching and moving horses safely under supervision, including proper approach techniques, correct fitting and maintenance of halters and lead ropes, and adherence to health and safety protocols. It emphasizes the importance of calm, confident handling to prevent accidents and ensure animal welfare, forming a foundational component of work-based horse care.

    4
    Learning Outcomes
    16
    Assessment Guidance
    19
    Key Skills
    4
    Key Terms
    19
    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 starting their career in the equine industry. It covers fundamental skills and knowledge required for safe and effective horse care in a work-based setting, including stable management, feeding, grooming, and basic health monitoring. This qualification is ideal for those with little or no prior experience, providing a solid foundation for progression to Level 2.

    Students will learn through practical, hands-on experience in a real or simulated work environment, focusing on daily routines such as mucking out, turning out, and handling horses. The course also emphasizes health and safety, biosecurity, and the importance of observing horse behavior to ensure welfare. By the end, learners will be able to perform basic care tasks independently under supervision, preparing them for roles such as stable hand or groom.

    This qualification fits within the wider Animal Care and Veterinary sector by introducing core equine husbandry practices. It aligns with industry standards and equips students with transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Success at Level 1 builds confidence and opens pathways to further study or employment in livery yards, riding schools, or breeding establishments.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Stable management: daily routines including mucking out, bedding types (straw, shavings, rubber mats), and maintaining a clean, safe environment.
    • →Feeding: understanding forage (hay/haylage), concentrates, and water requirements; recognizing common feeds and their purposes.
    • →Grooming: using tools like dandy brush, body brush, and hoof pick; reasons for grooming (hygiene, bonding, health checks).
    • →Basic health monitoring: checking temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR); recognizing signs of colic, lameness, or injury.
    • →Safe handling: approaching, leading, and tying up horses; using headcollars and lead ropes correctly; understanding flight zone and body language.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • To be able to catch and move horses, Be able to select, use and maintain relevant equipment, Be able to work safely
    • To be able to catch and move horses, Be able to select, use and maintain relevant equipment, Be able to work safely
    • To be able to catch and move horses, Be able to select, use and maintain relevant equipment, Be able to work safely
    • To be able to catch and move horses, Be able to select, use and maintain relevant equipment, Be able to work safely

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating ability to approach a horse calmly from the side, speaking softly to alert the horse of your presence.
    • Award credit for correctly fitting a halter to a horse, ensuring it is secure but not overly tight, with the lead rope attached to the lower ring.
    • Award credit for moving the horse at the handler's shoulder, maintaining a safe distance, and turning the horse away from the handler when changing direction.
    • Award credit for inspecting equipment for signs of wear or damage before use, such as frayed stitching or rusted hardware.
    • Award credit for working safely under direction, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like steel-toed boots and gloves, and following supervisor instructions without delay.
    • Award credit for approaching the horse confidently from the side, avoiding the blind spot, and using soothing vocal cues.
    • Credit for correctly positioning and fitting the halter, ensuring it is not twisted and allows comfortable breathing and movement.
    • Credit for leading the horse from the near side, maintaining a safe distance, and never wrapping the lead rope around the hand.
    • Credit for selecting equipment free from damage, cleaning it after use, and storing it appropriately.
    • Credit for demonstrating safe manoeuvring through gates, doorways, and among other horses, with constant awareness of surroundings.
    • Award credit for demonstrating a calm, confident approach when catching a horse, using appropriate body language and positioning to avoid startling the animal.
    • Evidence must show correct selection and pre-use inspection of a well-fitting halter and lead rope, with clear justification of choice based on horse size and temperament.
    • Learner must consistently apply safe leading practices, including positioning at the horse’s shoulder, maintaining attentive control, and negotiating gates or obstacles with due care.
    • Credit is given for working under direction, following clear verbal instructions from a supervisor without prompting, and confirming understanding when unsure.
    • Award credit for correctly fitting the halter, adjusting noseband and headpiece for security and comfort, and attaching the lead rope to the appropriate ring.
    • Award credit for demonstrating correct approach from the horse's left side, speaking calmly to avoid startling, and placing the lead rope around the horse's neck before haltering.
    • Learner selects appropriate-sized headcollar and lead rope, checks for wear or damage, and fits the headcollar securely with the noseband resting two fingers below the cheekbone.
    • When leading, maintain a position at the horse's shoulder, hold the lead rope with one hand 20-30cm from the headcollar and the other on the tail end, and turn the horse away from you without pulling sharply.
    • After use, clean and store equipment correctly, and report any damage or faults to the supervisor.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Always perform a safety check of equipment before handling the horse, even if it appears to have been checked previously.
    • 💡Maintain a calm and confident demeanor; horses can sense anxiety and may become unsettled.
    • 💡When leading, keep the horse's head at your shoulder and allow ample space when turning; avoid pulling the horse's head towards you.
    • 💡Listen carefully to the supervisor's instructions and clarify any uncertainty before attempting the task.
    • 💡Document or verbally confirm your understanding of the task to ensure you are meeting the assessor's expectations.
    • 💡Always begin a practical assessment by conducting a visual safety check of the area and the horse's demeanour, narrating your observations.
    • 💡Demonstrate the full process: catching, leading a short distance, halting, and releasing – then repeat to show consistency.
    • 💡Articulate the reason for each action, linking to welfare and safety principles, to evidence underpinning knowledge.
    • 💡After the task, show correct equipment maintenance: wipe down, check for wear, and store in designated area.
    • 💡During practical assessments, verbalize your actions: explain why you are checking the gate latch, adjusting the halter, or positioning yourself at the shoulder to demonstrate underpinning knowledge.
    • 💡Always perform a visual and tactile equipment check before handling the horse, even if the assessor does not explicitly remind you—this shows a safety-first mindset.
    • 💡If you make a minor mistake, such as a tangled lead rope, pause, correct it calmly, and communicate what you are doing; this demonstrates problem-solving under pressure.
    • 💡Practice reading horse signals—ears back, swishing tail, tense posture—and be prepared to explain how you would adjust your approach to avoid escalating stress.
    • 💡Practice your approach and haltering technique until it is fluid and calm; assessors look for confidence, gentleness, and consistency.
    • 💡Always verbalise your actions to the assessor, explaining why you are doing each step, especially safety checks and equipment choices.
    • 💡If the horse becomes unsettled, demonstrate your ability to calm it by using a soothing voice and maintaining a secure but relaxed hold, and know when to seek assistance.
    • 💡Always link practical tasks to safety and welfare. For example, when mucking out, explain why removing wet bedding prevents ammonia buildup and respiratory issues.
    • 💡Use correct terminology (e.g., 'nearside' and 'offside') and demonstrate awareness of horse behavior—mentioning that a pinned ear indicates aggression shows deeper understanding.
    • 💡In written assessments, structure answers using the 'point, evidence, explain' method. For instance, state a feeding rule, give an example, then explain the consequence of not following it.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Approaching a horse from directly behind or startling it, increasing the risk of kicks.
    • Failing to check the halter for fit or damage before use, leading to potential breakage or injury.
    • Wrapping the lead rope around the hand, which could cause serious injury if the horse pulls away.
    • Not maintaining a safe distance when leading, allowing the horse to crowd the handler.
    • Ignoring supervisor's directions or not communicating effectively, especially in group settings.
    • Rushing towards the horse or using sudden movements, which can trigger flight responses and unsafe situations.
    • Failing to check equipment for frayed stitching or cracked leather before use, risking breakage during handling.
    • Leading the horse without maintaining a clear escape route, or standing directly in front of the horse when halting.
    • Leaving the halter too loose, allowing the horse to slip out, or too tight causing discomfort and resistance.
    • Ignoring early signs of agitation in the horse, such as pinned ears or tail swishing, leading to avoidable strikes or bolting.
    • Approaching a horse too quickly, from directly behind, or with loud, abrupt movements, which can cause spooking or defensive reactions.
    • Incorrect halter fitting, such as a noseband too loose allowing escape, or too tight causing discomfort and resistance.
    • Wrapping the lead rope around hands or body, creating a severe entanglement risk if the horse bolts.
    • Leading by pulling from in front of the horse’s head rather than walking at the shoulder, reducing control and increasing risk of being kicked or trampled.
    • Failing to check equipment for wear or damage before use, potentially leading to breakage and loss of control.
    • Approaching the horse directly from the front or rear, risking a kick or bite.
    • Using a headcollar that is too large, which can slip off, or too tight, causing discomfort and resistance.
    • Wrapping the lead rope around the hand or body, which can cause serious injury if the horse pulls away suddenly.
    • Failing to check the environment for hazards like loose objects, other horses, or narrow passages before moving.
    • Misconception: Horses can eat unlimited grass or hay. Correction: Overfeeding can cause laminitis or obesity; forage should be measured and balanced with work level.
    • Misconception: Grooming is only for appearance. Correction: It's essential for health—removing dirt and sweat prevents skin infections and allows detection of injuries or parasites.
    • Misconception: A horse that lies down is always sick. Correction: Horses lie down for rest, but prolonged or frequent lying down, especially with signs of distress, may indicate illness.

    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 basic understanding of animal care (e.g., from personal experience or school) is helpful.
    • •Familiarity with health and safety principles, such as wearing appropriate footwear and PPE, is recommended.
    • •Basic literacy and numeracy skills are needed to follow instructions and measure feed quantities.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • To be able to catch and move horses, Be able to select, use and maintain relevant equipment, Be able to work safely
    • To be able to catch and move horses, Be able to select, use and maintain relevant equipment, Be able to work safely
    • To be able to catch and move horses, Be able to select, use and maintain relevant equipment, Be able to work safely
    • To be able to catch and move horses, Be able to select, use and maintain relevant equipment, Be able to work safely

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