BHS Horse Owners Certificate Level 4

BHS Horse Owners Certificate Level 4

Code: 70022

Department: Sport & Recreation

Short Description: This Level 4 course offers advanced knowledge of the care and maintenance of the horse

Entry Requirements: BHS Horse Owner's Certificate Level 3

Course Aims: These are offered at four levels of knowledge with regard to the care and management of the horse specifically aimed at the first time horse owner, or parent of horse owners

Content: Knowledge of the main systems in the horse (Respiration, Reproduction, Digestive, Immune, etc)., their function and common problems associated with these systems, (COPD, Colic, etc)

Knowledge of various grasses, conditions for growth and beneficial properties. Procedures for improving pasture i.e. drainage, cross grazing, re-seeding, fertilisers etc. Calendar of management for grassland. Haymaking - types of methods.

Vitamins/Minerals - difference between them and why they may be deficient in the diet. Name main vitamins and their uses. Weights and types of feed available for: Riding School horses, Hunters, Competition Horses etc.

Knowledge of structure of the tooth and ageing characteristics. Description of structure of mouth and common problems that may result from poor confirmation of this.

Name and structure of different types of remedial shoes. Give description of the condition under which these shoes may be used and the way in which they affect improvement/relief.

List the basic principles of sick nursing and the reasons/conditions for implementing these. Describe the way in which these principles may arise as a result.

Outline the basic principles of fitting various saddles (dressage, jumping, cross-country, general purpose) and bridles (snaffle, double bridle). Describve the uses of specific 'bit's' and gadgets. (draw reins, balancing reins, Market Harborough, De Gouge, etc.) and the way in which they work.

List common stable vices and their possible causes. Also suggested ways to stop such vices and the preventative steps that can be taken to limit these.

A general knowledge of the BHS and its Departments, Structure etc. Awareness of the BHS qualification system and BHS Register of Instructors.

Action to be taken in the event of an accident. A knowledge of RIDDOR and legal obligations of an Instructor.

Assessment: Each level will be assessed in the form of a written paper which should be completed under examination conditions.