Syllabi © British Horse Society
JUNIOR EQUITATION AND HORSE WELFARE EXAMINATIONS
These tests are intended to encourage Junior Members of Riding Clubs
aged between 8 and 16 to improve their standard of riding and horsecare.
JUNIOR EQUITATION AND HORSE WELFARE 1
Requirements
__ To have a basic understanding of horses/ponies
__ To be working towards developing a balanced seat, independent of
the reins
__ To understand elementary aids and be able to apply them correctly
__ To gain confidence in riding and handling a horse/pony safely
__ To be able to control a quiet pony in company, on the roads and in
the countryside
__ Have a basic understanding of the care of horse/pony kept a grass
Equitation
__ Mount and dismount correctly and run up stirrups (using a mounting
block if necessary)
__ Adjust stirrups and girth on a tacked up horse/pony before mounting
__ Have an adequate, correct and safe position in the saddle
__ Hold reins correctly
__ Be able to carry a short whip in either hand
__ In walk, lengthen and shorten the reins
__ Be able to walk, trot (rising) and canter in both directions in an
enclosed area without emphasis on position or leads
__ Walk without stirrups
__ Know simple aids for changes of pace and turning
__ Understand the importance of the voice while riding
__ Use of leg aids to maintain forward movement
__ Ride simple turns and circles in walk and trot
__ Ride gradual transitions from walk to trot and trot to walk and halt
__ Maintain place in ride while in a group
__ Demonstrate basic jumping position on the flat and over poles on
the ground
__ Walk and trot over poles on the ground
__ Use a combination of single randomly placed poles on the ground and
a sequence of 3 or 5 poles
Horse Welfare
__ Have some knowledge of a horse/pony's natural life style and instincts
Handling
__ Approach and handle a horse/pony correctly
__ Correct method of giving a titbit
__ Put on a headcollar
__ Lead a horse/pony in hand at walk and trot and turn correctly
__ Tie up a horse/pony correctly, in appropriate place with a quick
release knot
__ Hold a quiet horse/pony for inspection or for shoeing
Characteristics
__ Know points of the horse/pony, colours and markings
__ Describe characteristics of a strange horse/pony clearly enough for
it to be identified
__ Know basic condition of own horse/pony
Grooming Equipment
__ Know name and uses of essential grooming kit
__ Demonstrate the use of the Dandy brush and explain its purpose
__ Know the reasons why you groom especially horses/ponies kept at grass
Rugs
__ Be able to recognise New Zealand rugs, day rugs and night rugs
Saddlery
__ Name different parts of a saddle and snaffle bridle
__ Put on a saddle and bridle
__ Be able to give examples of unsafe equipment
__ Have some knowledge of safe saddlery with attention to stitching
and correct adjustment
__ Know the reasons for elementary care of saddlery
__ Know the reasons why a bit is washed after use
Shoeing
__ Pick up and out feet and correct use of hoof pick
__ Know the reason for daily foot care
__ Know the reasons why the farrier regularly checks a horse/pony
__ Recognise a very loose shoe
Exercise
__ Know the reasons for cooling a horse/pony after work
__ Know when the horse/pony is properly cooled
Feeding
__ Name and recognise some common foods suitable for a horse/pony
__ Know what roughage and concentrates are
__ Know own horse/pony's feeding routine
__ Know the amount of roughage and concentrates own horse/pony has
__ Know how to give hay, water and hard feed to horse/pony correctly
and safely
Health
__ Know the reasons for calling a vet to check/treat a horse/pony
Management at grass
__ Know the basic needs of a horse/pony in summer and winter
__ Know what a horse sick field looks like
__ Catch a horse/pony and turn it away in the field
If the examiner thinks that either the pony or the equipment used is
not safe they will stop the candidate from taking the exam.
| o 20m circles
in walk, rising & sitting trot and canter o 15m circles in walk and rising & sitting trot o Figure 8's in walk and trot o Serpentines o Halt and stand quietly for 5 seconds o Ride at walk, trot and canter with smooth transitions |
__ Understand the meaning of the word "aids"
__ Understand the meaning and use of Natural Aids to produce forward
movement with even rhythm
__ Describe artificial aids and their uses
__ Understand riding on the correct diagonal and be able to change diagonal
__ Canter on the correct leading leg aids. Recognise the correct lead
and change it
__ Have a basic understanding of warming up a horse/pony for every day
work and the value of warm up exercises
__ Be able to talk about the way the horse/pony is going, including
whether or not the horse/pony moves freely forward and has evenness
of rhythm.
__ Have some knowledge of the horse/pony's paces and the way he should
go
__ Know the reasons for adjusting stirrups for different types of work
__ Ride over trotting poles, followed by a small jump maximum height
18"
__ Ride over a show jumping course of 6 to 8 obstacles (not to exceed
2') including a two stride double
__ Ride over several cross country jumps not exceeding 2' and including
ditches and a small jump on a slope
__ Ride safely with control in a group at walk, trot and canter
__ Be able to work independently in the open and to ride in the countryside,
across farmland and bridleways
__ Be able to open and shut a gate mounted on an experienced horse/pony
__ Ride safely over varied terrain to include hills, ditches, low banks,
flat open spaces and streams
__ Develop a hand gallop from a canter and return smoothly to canter
(performed individually)
Horse Welfare
Stable Management
__ Show due regard for safety factors when handling horses/ponies
__ Understand the importance of keeping the yard clean and safe
__ Show understanding of the horse/pony's behaviour in a field
__ Lead in hand in walk, trot and turn from both sides
Bedding
__ Recognise the types of bedding used
__ Clean and bed down a box. Know the reasons for each step
__ Know how to skip out
Grooming
__ Name items of grooming kit and their uses
__ Know the reasons for grooming
__ Care of the mane and tail
__ Know how to correctly groom a grass kept and stabled horse/pony
__ Be able to recognise the different clips in use and the reasons for
clipping
Rugs & Bandages
__ Put on a rug and remove safely, including a New Zealand rug
__ Be able to know if a rug fits correctly
__ Be able to put on travel bandages (with assistance)
__ Put on a tail bandage correctly
__ Be able to roll up travelling bandages and tail bandages
Saddlery
__ Put on a saddle and snaffle bridle
__ Care and cleaning of saddlery and new tack
__ Know how to carry a saddle correctly
__ Explain the reasons for equipment used on own pony for flat work
and over fences
Shoeing
__ Describe the obvious signs of a foot needing shoeing or trimming
__ Know what to look for in a newly shod foot
__ Explain the reasons for shoeing
__ Have some knowledge of the shoeing procedure
__ Recognise farrier tools and know their uses
__ Recognise simple types of shoe (fore, hind, concave)
Health
__ Know the main indications for health in a horse/pony
__ Know when to seek help, when to call the vet and what to tell him
__ Know normal pulse, temperature and respiration
__ Recognise when a horse/pony is lame in a foreleg
__ Know some possible causes of poor condition - worms, bots, malnutrition,
teeth needing attention
__ Know the obvious symptoms of colic, laminitis, coughs, colds, lice,
ticks, ringworm and thrush. Know what immediate action to take
__ Know the conditions which foster internal and external parasites,
procedures for parasite control in pasture and stable management. Know
how to control flies and bot eggs
__ Be able to deal with minor wounds
__ Know health care schedule for own horse/pony including dates of vaccinations
(tetanus, flu etc), worming programme, rasping teeth, shoeing etc
__ Know of the danger of taking horses/ponies out of their natural environment
Management at Grass
__ Care and working of a horse/pony off grass at all times of year
__ Understand the importance of daily checking
__ Know what to look for in and around a paddock on a daily basis
__ Describe the field requirements e.g. fencing, water, shelter, gates
and pasture
__ Simple care of horse/pony's paddock, good/bad pasture conditions
__ Know some injurious and poisonous weeds and trees
Feeding
__ Rules of feeding and watering
__ Know the common feeds used
__ Describe how feeds are measured and why this is important
__ Know amount and type of feed for own horse/pony
__ How to use a hay net and dangers of improper use
__ How to make a bran mash and the reasons for use
__ Know how to recognise the main types of hay and whether or not it
is good or bad quality
Travel
__ Know basic equipment needed for horse/pony's safety and comfort during
trailer travel
__ Understand the importance and means of protecting the legs while
travelling. Know the critical area to be protected by travel bandages
or boots. Give reasons for their use
__ Know the trailer safety check-list
__ Be able to load and unload safely (with assistance) an experienced
co-operative horse/pony
Exercise
__ Care of the horse/pony before and after riding, and the importance
of cooling off
__ Understand what conditioning means
__ How to condition a horse/pony for a Riding Club event, using a 6
- 8 week conditioning and feeding programme for basic fitness
__ Know the care of a horse/pony after strenuous work, including: cooling
legs, inspection of
legs, watering and feeding
__ Safety measures, preparation and care of horse/pony and equipment
on the day of a club event, including feeding routine, consideration
of the horse/pony's condition, of climate and going, cooling after,
treatment of any injuries and making the horse/pony comfortable after
work
Lungeing
__ Reasons for lungeing
__ Equipment necessary and safety procedures for lungeing
__ Lunge a horse/pony for exercise in an enclosed area (with assistance)
Conformation
__ Describe how to measure a horse/pony
__ Identify good and bad points of basic conformation
__ Name 5 basic conformation qualities desirable in a horse/pony for
own use
| o
15m and 20m circles in walk, trot and canter o Half circles o Shallow loops o 3 loop serpentine o Lengthen stride (rising), know the difference between increase of speed and lengthening of stride o Quarter turn about the forehand o Change of leg through trot o Walk on a long or loose rein and know the difference o Halt and correct salute |
__ Know whether
or not the horse/pony maintains forward movement, bent correctly on
circles and accuracy of transitions
__ Work the horse or pony towards accepting the bit
__ Know what being on the bit means, accepting the bit and importance
of contact
__ Understand the terms balance, straightness, rhythm, tempo and impulsions
__ Some understanding of the correct riding from inside leg to outside
hand
__ Sequence of legs at all paces. Some understanding of quality of paces
__ Work towards feeling the movement of the horse/pony's legs and be
able to feel when the horse/pony loses balance
__ Be able to discuss the horse/pony's balance and way of going in simple
terms
__ Have a basic knowledge of evasions and corrections
__ Ride individually or as part of a ride. Know the rules of riding
safely in an enclosed area
__ Show manners and knowledge of open order
__ Discuss the reasons for different lengths of stirrups and various
positions for different work
__ Warm up for jumping, using exercises appropriate for level of horse/pony,
including simple jumping grids
__ Ride a show jumping course 0.85cm (2'9"), showing attention
to presentation, pace and authority. The course to include verticals,
spreads, combinations, turns and regular distances
__ Knowledge of pace at 450mpm, developing an estimated pace of 350-450mpm
using large circles in an open field
__ Ride at gallop in the open alone and in a group
__ Ride over several cross-country obstacles at 0.85 cm (2'9").
Consider timing, approach and negotiation of solid obstacles of various
types
__ Understand the importance of walking a course
__ Deal with run outs and refusals. Correct use of whip
__ Riding in the countryside-across farmland, bridle paths etc
__ Open and shut gates
__ Ride up and down a hill
__ Walk and trot through water
Horse Welfare
Stable Management
__ Understand safety practises, both human and equine, in and around
the stable yard including basic fire prevention
__ Handle a pony safely and efficiently at all times
__ Have practical experience in stable work and use of stable tools
__ Know the usual types of bedding and how to use them
__ Good and bad features of a stable
Grooming
__ Cleanliness-name and demonstrate use of essential grooming kit
__ Be able to turn out a well groomed horse
__ Prepare a horse/pony for clipping
Bandages
__ Explain the purposes of bandaging and the dangers involved
__ Rug up and put on stable/travel bandages and a tail bandage
Saddlery
__ Recognise the correct fitting of a saddle and bridle
__ Put on boots correctly
__ Knowledge of different types of saddle for different purposes
__ Use and fitting of different girths and martingales
__ Identify a range of snaffle bits that are in common use, understand
the action of the snaffle bit and common evasions
__ Explain the use and functions of equipment used on own horse/pony
for flat and over fences
__ Describe and demonstrate the care and cleaning of tack both in and
out of use
Shoeing
__ Name the farriers tools and their uses
__ Describe the basic structure of the foot
__ Describe some commonly used shoes and the reasons for their usage
__ Name the different parts of the shoe
__ Points of good shoeing
__ Have basic knowledge of studs and when to use them
Health
__ Put together a simple First Aid kit
__ Know the main indications of a horse/pony's state of health
__ Recognise when a horse/pony is lame
__ Run up in hand for lameness/action
__ Elementary knowledge of the treatment of minor wounds. Causes, types,
how to treat, be able to put on a simple poultice and use of cold water
__ Know the causes and signs of the following: colic, azoturia, laminitis,
choke, heaves, skin diseases and thrush
__ Discuss symptoms and preventative measures for the following diseases:
Influenza, Tetanus and Strangles
__ Name and locate on a horse/pony the following unsoundness: ringbone,
curb, bowed tendon, sidebone, thoroughpin and sprain
__ Know the main internal parasites and the damage they can cause to
the horse/pony
__ Location of incisors and molars. Know the number and type of teeth
(male and female)
__ Know age with permanent incisors
Stabling
__ How to care for a stabled horse/pony including feed and water schedule,
minerals needed, clothing and exercising
__ Discuss types and causes of the main stable vices
Management at Grass
__ Care and working of a horse/pony at grass including feed, grooming
and mineral supply
__ Elementary knowledge of grazing, worm control, shelter, fence repair,
water supply and security
__ Identify toxic plants, including when most toxic, which parts are
toxic and symptoms of poisoning.
__ Dealing with seasonal problems of horses/ponies at grass
Feeding
__ List the 6 classes of nutrients needed by horses/ponies and the basic
feeds that provide them
__ Know principles of watering and feeding horses/ponies stabled or
at grass and be able to put these into practise
__ Some knowledge of items of forage
__ The use, if necessary, of vitamin and mineral supplements
__ For where you live know availability, cost and origin of forage and
hard feed needed to meet your horse/ponies nutritional requirements
Travel
__ The preparation of a trailer and vehicle for safe and comfortable
travel
__ Know how to take a horse/pony into a box or trailer
__ Understand the importance and means of protecting a horse/pony's
legs during travel
Lungeing
__ Reasons for lungeing
__ Equipment necessary and safety procedures for lungeing
__ Lunge a horse/pony for exercise in an enclosed area (with assistance)
__ Discuss methods, equipment and safety procedures for lungeing
Exercise
__ Know the condition of own horse or pony
__ Know normal vital signs of horse/pony at rest and after work
__ Know the basic principle of exercise and how to get a horse/pony
fit
__ Balance feeding and conditioning for an idle horse/pony. Factors
or conditions that will effect the feeding programme
__ Discuss knowledge of safety measures, preparation and care of horse/pony
and equipment before and on a day of strenuous exercise. To include
feeding routine, consideration of horse/pony's condition, consideration
of climate and terrain, cooling off,
treatment of any injuries and make the horse or pony comfortable after
work
Conformation
__ Points of the pony - colours and markings
__ Describe good and bad conformation points on your own horse/pony
__ Know which conformation points may contribute to the following blemishes,
unsoundness or defects in the way of going: bowed tendons, curb, ringbone,
sidebone, splints, navicular, interfering, overreaching and forging
JUNIOR
EQUITATION AND HORSE WELFARE 4A (with jumping)
Requirements
__ Riding club member who is interested in acquiring further knowledge
and proficiency in all phases of riding
__ Understands and explains the reasons for what he/she is doing
__ Capable of riding and jumping any well mannered horse or pony and
commenting on his way of going
__ Be able to ride over different types of fences at specified paces
__ To be capable of competing at championship level in any discipline
and caring for the horse/pony before and after competition
__ Has gained knowledge and practical experience of the care and conditioning
of horses and ponies and is able to care for them with minimum supervision
__ Must demonstrate sound judgement and maturity in the care of horses
and equipment
__ Understand the reasons for what they are doing
Equitation
__ Maintain a good position at all paces that is effective, independent
and showing some depth that is conducive to correct, tactful and harmonious
use of the natural aids (leg and hand)
__ Be able to ride in a balanced, supple manner with the horse/pony
moving forward with rhythm and impulsion whilst accepting the bit
__ Ride on the flat without stirrups in walk, trot and canter
__ Use the diagonals correctly at all times
__ Be able to ride with two sets of reins
__ Be able to ride with the reins in either hand
__ Be able to give and retake the reins in trot and canter
__ Understand the terms balance, rhythm, tempo and impulsion
__ Know the difference between the horse accepting the bit and being
on the bit
__ Have a basic understanding of the scales of schooling and the concept
of riding inside leg to outside hand
__ Be able to cope confidently with disobediences, evasions and corrections
__ Know the reasons for warm up for work on the flat and over fences.
The amount of time for the horse being ridden and why
__ Be prepared to ride the following movements
| o
Serpentine 3 loops, sitting and/or rising trot o Change of rein across the diagonal including free walk on a long rein o 10m half circle, walk and/or trot o 10m circle in walk/trot o 15m and 20m circle in sitting trot and/or canter o Shallow loops o Canter change of lead through walk and/or trot o Lengthening stride at trot and/or canter o Leg yielding at walk and trot (centre line to wall) o Turn about the forehand o Rein back o Work towards demi-pirouette o Have a background knowledge of required movements o Be able to explain the aids for each movement |
__ Evaluate and
discuss performance, including strong and weak points of the horse/pony
being ridden
__ Discuss the benefits of trotting poles and know how to adjust distances
for own horse/pony
__ Demonstrate warm up for jumping including trotting poles
__ Demonstrate ability to ride over fences 0.85 (3'0"). Course
to include combination fences
__ Ride through a grid showing a secure and independent seat
__ Show an understanding of causes of disobedience
__ Ride up and down steep hills
__ Walk and trot through water
__ The highway code
__ Manners and consideration to other riders/road users/events
__ Riding club rules for various competitions
Horse Welfare
Stable Management
__ Handle a horse safely and efficiently at all times
__ Hold a horse for shoeing, clipping and veterinary treatment
__ Knowledge of ventilation, lighting, drainage and watering systems
used in stabling
__ Know the usual types of bedding and how to use them. Manure disposal
__ Fire prevention
__ Stable routine over a limited period at the championships
__ What to look for when inspecting a stabled horse first thing in the
morning and last thing at night
__ Understand the deviations from natural lifestyle caused by stabling
a horse or pony
__ Indications of nervousness in a horse/pony
__ Understand what causes anti-social behaviour in horses and ponies
Grooming
__ Groom, strap a horse efficiently and make and use a whisp
__ Cool down after work including washing down and drying off a wet
or sweating horse. Deal with a horse that has broken out
__ Be able to pull a mane and/or tail
__ Plait a mane and/or tail
__ Trim heels with scissors and comb
__ Prepare a horse to clip
__ Reasons for clipping
__ Types of clip
Saddlery
__ Fitting of all saddlery that can be used in BRC
__ Bits and their uses including fitting of and action of a double bridle.
__ Types of and fitting of brushing boots and pull on over reach boots
__ Inspection of saddlery for soundness
__ Put on a stable bandage, various travelling boots for protection
and horse clothing
__ Demonstrate travelling, stable and tail bandages, discuss the materials
used, reasons for bandaging and potential dangers
Shoeing
__ Discuss the structure and function of the hoof
__ Shoeing including common faults and the results
__ Recognise different shoes used for specific reasons
__ Know how to remove a dangerous shoe
__ Studs and their uses
Health
__ Temperature, pulse and respiration of a horse/pony at rest and possible
cause of changes
__ Know when to call the vet out and what to have on hand when he arrives
__ How to record a sick and injured horses symptoms for the vet
__ Detection of heat and swelling in horse's leg
__ Carry out prescribed treatment for wounds, lameness and ailments
__ Determine and discuss age by teeth, discuss special problems such
as over/under shot mouth, cribbing and reasons for rasping
__ Discuss colic, azoturia, laminitis, common diseases and respiratory
ailments
__ First aid in an emergency. Dealing with all types of wounds and know
when to get help
__ Discuss the following common causes of lameness including the location
and inner structures involved: navicular, side bone, ringbone, splints,
bog spavin, bone spavin, curb, bowed tendons, cracked shins, cracks,
corns, and suspensory problems.
__ Discuss the life cycle for parasites and the preventative measures
for strongyles, bots, ascarids, large stomach worms and pin worms
__ Record book (health, maintenance and immunisation) and why it must
be kept up to date
Management at Grass
__ Management of a horse or pony at grass throughout the year
__ Maintenance of pasture and seasonal care of grass
__ Recognise poisonous plants
__ Types of shelter that can be used
Feeding
__ Feeding and watering principles
__ Assess different types of forage
__ Relate feeding practices to their effect on the horse/ponies digestive
system
__ Discuss the six classes of nutrients and why they are needed
__ Discuss the nutritive value of own horse/ponies feed and supplements
__ Discuss seasonal variations in planning a horse/ponies ration
Travel
__ Prepare a horse for travel, knowledge of suitable clothing and protective
bandages and boots
__ Loading and travelling a horse/pony
__ Discuss trailer care and travel preparation
__ Care of horse/pony during a journey and whilst away from home
Lungeing
__ Lunge own horse/pony (maybe done under direct supervision) using
properly fitted suitable equipment, including: Lunge cavesson or bridle,
saddle or surcingle (side reins are not required but are permitted if
appropriate)
__ Demonstrate safe lungeing technique
__ Demonstrate proper use of equipment and voice
Exercise
__ Appreciation of fitness and health
__ Balance feeding with conditioning horse/pony
__ Understand the principles of conditioning and getting horse/pony
fit for a BRC ODE
__ Roughing off
Conformation
__ Discuss anatomy of front and hind leg from shoulder and hip down
to include principle bones, tendons and ligaments
__ Discuss conformation: good, bad and not so good
__ Know how the conformation of the horse/pony relates to interfering,
overreaching and forgeing
JUNIOR EQUITATION
AND HORSE WELFARE 4B (without jumping)
The conditions for the above will apply to this examination, except
that all references to
jumping should be removed. Candidates will not be required to jump any
obstacle
Equipment
Headcollar with shank and bucket with feed.
Food samples including hay.
Haynet (weighed).
Grooming kit/tail bandage.
Saddle and snaffle bridle to fit horse.
New Zealand rug to fit horse.
Knowledge of
Type of horse/pony that will live out.
Acreage required per horse.
Management at
grass
Know a horse sick field, poisonous plants and disposal.
Turning horses out into a field.
Catching horses at grass.
Checking horses at grass and discussing importance of daily visit.
Importance of worming and methods of preventing a field becoming worm
infested.
Tie up a horse
Pick out and examine feet
Recognise worn shoes, risen clenches.
Grooming
As required for a horse at grass.
Saddlery
Inspect tack for repairs and name parts.
Explain dangers of unsafe tack and indicate danger areas.
Explain importance of good quality tack for safety and comfort for horses
and rider and the care of it.
Put on saddle, bridle (snaffle), and martingale and comment on fitting.
Rugs and Bandages
Put on tail bandage and rugs including New Zealand.
Psychology
Behaviour of the horse or horses in a field.
Companionship, pecking order, difficult to catch, feeding more than
one horse in a field.
Feeding
Feeding at grass, summer/winter.
Principles of feeding; principles of watering.
The importance of clean water and food.
Identify good, acceptable and bad hay.
Explain the effects of using tainted or mouldy food.
Name common food stuffs from samples and comment on quality.
Make a bran mash and assess when ready to be fed.
Fill a haynet to a given weight and tie up safely.
Very basic knowledge of the parts of a horses digestive system.
Health
Recognise signs of when a horse is off colour and steps that should
be taken.
Treatment of minor ailments and cuts.
Recognise and know what action to take for cracked heels, rain scald,
laminitis, colic.
Recognise when to call the vet.
Know about equine influenza and tetanus injections.
Safety
Know correct procedures in event of accident or fire and the principles
to follow.
Know the points of the horse
Know some descriptive terminology, colours and markings.
Exemptions
Holders of Junior Equitation and Welfare III or above and holders of
BHS Care Stage 1 or above or Pony Club B test.
SENIOR
HORSE WELFARE 2
SNR Horse Welfare 2
Knowledge and care of a horse or a pony part stabled; i.e. in at night
and out in the field by day; possibly trace clipped in winter.
Indications
As far as possible this will be a practical examination. Candidates
may be examined in pairs. Approximate time 2 hours.
Equipment
Mucking out tools.
Grooming kit to include wisp or massage pad.
Clipping machine and trimming scissors.
Saddle, snaffle bridle, breast plate, martingale, numnah, rugs and roller,
plaiting equipment.
Boots -various types; poultices for foot; bandages.
Lungeing
Be able to tack up a horse for lungeing
Discuss equipment and how to lunge a horse
Stable Routine
Knowledge of different types of bedding, their management, advantages
and disadvantages.
Importance of inspection first thing in the morning and last thing at
night.
Be able to muck out and skep a box.
Bed down and management throughout day.
Build & maintain muck heap.
Show basic knowledge of stable design in respect of safety features
and ventilation.
Understand the importance of safety in the stable yard.
Grooming
Show correctly, efficiently and safely.
Quartering.
Strapping including wisp or banger.
Washing.
Care of hot, sweaty horse.
Sponge down.
Rugging up.
Wash sheath.
Clipping
Knowledge of all types of clips and when they should be used.
Preparation of horse prior to clipping. Assist with clipping.
Trimming
Trim lower jaw and legs using correct equipment.
Explain and demonstrate pulling of mane and tail.
Plaiting of mane and tail.
Health
Recognise the signs of good and bad health.
Know how to take a temperature, pulse and respiration rate of horse.
Deal with minor cuts and abrasions.
Recognise lameness and how to identify.
Trot up.
Know when to call the Veterinary Surgeon and what information to give.
Understand and explain the functions and methods of applying ice packs
and poultices.
Understand and explain the use of cold water bandages, hosing, tubbing,
fomenting.
Understand why teeth need rasping.
Psychology
Know the value of calmness, kindness and respect in establishing the
horses confidence and improving his well-being and therefore his
worth.
Understand behavioural characteristics of the horse when riding -shying,
pulling, excitability, bucking, napping -possible reasons.
Exercise
How to relate condition, feeding and exercise.
Preparing a horse for work and roughing off.
Feeding
Knowledge
of feeding, quality and quantity -including boiled foods, sugar beet
and laxative diet.
Different systems of watering and when to withhold water.
Feeding of sick, young or old horses.
Discuss hay/haylage, soaked hay.
Saddlery
Fitting of basic bits, saddle, breast plate, martingales and numnah.
Fit various types of boots.
Care and maintenance of tack including storage.
Use of different rugs and bandages and their care and maintenance including
storage.
Travel
Preparing horse for travel, knowledge of loading/unloading.
Safety
Know correct procedures in event of accident or fire and principles
to follow.
Shoeing
Ability
and knowledge to remove a shoe.
Knowledge of farriers tools.
Anatomy
Know the basic skeleton.
Know the position
of the main organs in the body.
Structure of the horses foot.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold Horse Welfare I certificate.
Exemptions
Holders
of Junior Equitation and Welfare III or above and holders of BHS Care
Stage II or above or Pony Club B test.
SENIOR
HORSE WELFARE 4
Previously Stable Managers Certificate)
Organisation
To be run at area level and organised by the Area Chairman.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold Horse Welfare III.
Aims of the test
Candidates are expected to show a deeper knowledge and understanding
of all the subjects previously covered in III and other Horse Welfare
exams and to have the ability to give clear explanations of their reasons
for actions and methods chosen. A high standard of efficiency will be
expected in all practical work in running a small private yard.
Knowledge and practical experience in the following subjects:
Physiology
The main functions and effects of malfunction of the system of the horses
body:
Systems of
support and movement - functions of muscles, tendons and ligaments;
joints and their structure and movement.
Their effect
on performance and movement
Systems of
information -nervous and sensory.
Skin.
Digestion including dental system.
Reproductive, urinary and mammary systems.
Circulatory system.
Respiratory system
Lymphatic and endocine system
Psychology
The nature, functions and phenomena of the mind producing behavioural
patterns
Reasons for such behaviour.
Prevention of stress/ tension.
The five senses.
The sixth sense.
Handling
The correct approach, tie up, moving about and handling of a horse in
an enclosed space.
The importance of good stable manners.
Holding a horse for clipping or treatment
The benefits and dangers of using twitches
Other methods of physical restrain from mild to strong
Handling difficult horses in and out of the stable
Stable vices
Dealing with a horse cast in a stable and after care
Care of the horses teeth, checking for sharp and worn teeth
Running a horse up for show and veterinary inspection
Conformation
Able to describe fully a horse, including sex, colour, size, age, markings
and the type of work suited to it
Conformation related to the suitability for a specific activity and
performance level
Knowledge of vetting a horse for purchase, warranties related to the
sale and soundness of horses
Use of horseman terms
Stable Yard
Planning a stable yard, boxes, buildings, light, ventilation, drainage,
water systems and supply
Precautions to be taken against burglary and fire
Organisation and fitting out of the tack room
Organisation and fitting out of feed store, and rodent control
Siting, building and disposing of muck heap
Records that are needed and should be kept
Insurance and accident forms
First aid for riders
Daily routine
for a yard of 4 horses in work
Types of bedding, advantages and disadvantages
Feeding
Rules of feeding and watering
Hay and alternatives, types, quantities, purchasing, storage, amounts
to be fed
Recognition of basic traditional feedstuffs, knowledge of coarse mixes,
nuts, micronised and cooked feedstuffs.
Advantages and disadvantages.
Constituents carbohydrates, proteins etc.
Quality and quantity to be fed.
Grooming
Stabled horses
Reasons and methods for washing grooming kit and stable equipment
Making and using a hay wisp.
Alternatives, leather pads etc.
Purpose and effect on horses system of strapping
How to wash a horses sheath, mane and tail
Correct cooling off a horse after work, including washing down and drying
off of a wet or sweating horse.
Dealing effectively with a horse that breaks out.
Care of legs and heels.
Clipping, Trimming
and Plaiting
How to pull and thin a mane and tail
Trimming the horses legs and heels
How to plait a mane and tail
How to clip. Preparation of the horse, person clipping, stable and safety
measures
Care of clippers, before, during and after clipping
Types of clips and their uses
Dealing with nervous or diffcult horses
Clothing and
Rugs
Types of rugs including modern materials.
Alternatives to rollers and surcingles
Cleaning and storage of rugs, bandages etc
Putting rugs on and taking rugs off
Types and uses of bandages, materials, alternatives to gamgee.
Stitching exercise bandages
Types of boots for exercise and travel
Putting on stable, exercise and travel bandages
Tail and poll guards
Saddlery
Inspection of saddlery for soundness, stitching, broken trees etc to
determine need for adjustment, repairs etc.
Dealing with neglected tack
Tack cleaning and storage
Making temporary adjustments eg saddle too low on withers, cantel too
low, reins too long
Recognise types of bits and saddles, their fit, actions and applications
for various horses.
Indicate the discipline they are used in.
Bits of various types, uses, advantages and disadvantages and actions,
including double bridle, curb, Pelham and gag.
Saddles GP, dressage, jumping.
Martingales, breastplate and over girth.
Exercise and
Fittening
Development and maintenance of condition and fitness for all BRC competitions,
including all the various championships
Roughing off, the importance of rest periods
Relationship of feeding to work and condition
Lungeing
Working the horse in the correct way for exercise.
Practical
technique and handling of lunging equipment
Benefits and dangers of lungeing
Correct fit and use of equipment
Teaching the horse to lunge correctly.
Foot and Shoeing
Structure of the horses foot
Recognition of well-shaped and feet.
Faults to look for
Notice unusual shoeing, pads etc.
Wear of shoes and relate to possible unsoundness, diseases or poor movement
Use of various types of shoe to correct interference, brushing, over
reaching etc
Use of studs
How to remove a loose shoe.
Tools to use
either farriers or substitutes if these are not available
Health and Condition
Understand and be able to use the score system for assessing
a horses condition.
Be able to
suggest possible causes of poor condition
Recognition of good and ill health.
Be able to take temperature, pulse and respiration.
Know when to call the vet
What to look for when inspecting the horse first thing in the morning
and last thing at
night
Recognising and dealing with an exhausted, stressed or dehydrated horse
after hard
work
First Aid, Nursing
and Minor Ailments
Simple medical and veterinary terms
Precautions against infection and contagion
Precautions against flies and around the stables
The rules of nursing
Support and surgical bandaging, figure of 8, hock and knee
Fomenting, tubbing and hosing
Hot and cold poultices, types and uses.
Applying to
the foot
Inoculations types and timing
Treatment for all kinds of worms
Wounds different types of treatment, when to call the vet, how
to deal with severe bleeding
Colic - recognition and treatment until the vet arrives
Ailments relating to feeding, azoturia, laminitis etc
Diseases and unsoundness of the respiratory system, whistling, roaring,
COPD, allergies, strangles, coughs, colds etc
Treatment of saddle sores and galls
Skin diseases
Problems in relation to the horses eye
Lameness
How to detect lameness
Detection of heat, swelling etc in the horses leg
Seats of lameness, splints, curbs, spavin, arthtitis etc.
Where to find
them, what they are and causes
Lameness that might be associated with conformation faults
Diseases and ailments of the foot
Loading &
Travelling
Inspection of the horsebox or trailer.
A maintenance programme for kepping the horsebox or trailer safe to
use
Routine preparation for travelling horses by road
Loading and unloading including young and difficult horses.
Possible reasons
for loading problem
Grassland Management
Amount of land needed to keep horses.
Correct grazing
and grassland management, including watering systems, fencing, topping,
harrowing, strip gazing, shelter etc
Avoiding worm infestation
Checking for poisonous plants, shrubs or trees.
Prevention
of dangerous weeds
Importance of soil testing, fertilisers and seeding for correct soil
management
Precautions necessary after use of sprays, fertilisers, lime etc.
Breeding
The principles of the care of brood mares and the handling of foals
and youngstock
Selection of brood mares and stallions
Choice of service date, basic outline of covering programme
Foaling environments, facilities and equipment, selection, preparation
and procedures
Care of the in-foal mare, including feeding, worming and testing routines
Precautionary measures eg tetanus and influenza
Know when to call the vet
Signs of the mare about to foal
What to watch out for when the mare is foaling
Deciding factors on whether to return the mare to stud, procedures necessary
Travelling mares and foals
Weaning when and how
Gelding colts advantages and disadvantages
How to cope with basic problems which may occur at any time with mares,
foals and youngstock
Exemptions
Holders of FBHS or BHSI.
SENIOR EQUITATION EXAMINATIONS
SENIOR EQUITATION 1
Requirements
The rider must be capable of riding in an enclosed space on a quiet
horse.
Equitation
Leading a horse in either hand.
Mounting and dismounting, giving and receiving leg up.
Adjusting stirrups and girth.
Holding reins correctly.
Having reasonably safe position in the saddle, and an elementary knowledge
of the aids.
Riding a horse independently at the walk, trot and canter.
Making transitions including halt.
Exemptions
Holders of Junior Equitation and Welfare II or above, and holders of
BHS Riding Stage I or above or Pony Club B test.
SENIOR
EQUITATION 2A (with jumping)
Requirements
Candidate
must be capable of riding a well-mannered horse alone or in company.
Equitation
Having a good position in the saddle, independent of the reins.
Having control of the horse at a walk, trot and canter.
Riding with/without stirrups at walk and trot, recognise diagonals at
trot.
The correct use of the aids for elementary movements: i.e. walk, trot
and canter.
Cantering on a named leg.
Be able to explain Riding School movements and transitions,
Trotting poles and jumping low fences safely up to 60cm.
Riding up and down hill.
Correct handling of a whip.
General Knowledge
Riding on the public highways.
Opening and shutting gate
Exemptions
Holders of Junior Equitation and Welfare III or above and holders of
BHS Riding Stage II or above or Pony Club B test.
SENIOR EQUITATION
2B (without jumping)
The conditions for the above will apply to this examination, except
that all references to
jumping should be removed. Candidates will not be required to jump any
obstacles.
SENIOR
EQUITATION 3A (with jumping)
Qualifications
Candidates must hold Riding Clubs Equitation I and II certificates.
Requirements
The candidate must be an active rider who knows the reasons for what
they are achieving.
They must be capable of riding any well-mannered horse effectively in
Club events.
Equitation
The effective
rider should be able to maintain a good position at all paces.
Apply the
aids correctly and smoothly and understand the reasons for them.
Canter on
a named leg, both with and without stirrups.
Trot on both
diagonals.
Ride progressive
transitions; show some lengthening of strides at all paces.
Show judgment
of pace and distance.
Show turns
at the walk, including turns about the forehand and work towards demi-pirouette.
Jump small
fences and ditches at all paces up to 90cm.
Ride up and down steep hills and jump small banks and steps.
Show awareness and ability to ride amongst other riders and individually.
General Knowledge
The Highway Code
The Country
Code
A responsibility whilst riding towards others
Examiner
Any member
of the Riding Clubs Examiners Panel for Equitation III. An examiner
may not examine more than six candidates in any one day. No candidate
may be examined by an Examiner who during the three months prior to
the Examination has either instructed the Candidate or been concerned
with the schooling of the horse used during the Examination
Exemptions
Holders of BHS Stage III Riding and above or Junior Equitation &
Horse Welfare 4.
SENIOR EQUITATION
3B (without jumping)
The conditions for the above will apply to this examination, except
that all references to
jumping should be removed. Candidates will not be required to jump any
obstacles
SENIOR
EQUITATION 4A (with jumping)
Organisation
Organised
by the Riding Clubs Training Committee.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold Riding Clubs Equitation I, II and III certificates.
On receipt of application, enquiries will be made as to the candidates
ability.
Requirements
The candidate must be an educated rider capable of improving the training
of a horse, and of participating in various equestrian activities.
Equitation
Knowledge of the correct position for riding on the flat, over fences
and ability to demonstrate this, applying the aids quietly, unobtrusively
and effectively.
Demonstrate
the understanding of riding the horse forward into an acceptance of
the aids.
Show an understanding
of the principles and stages of schooling a horse up to Riding Club
Horse Trials standard in all phases, dressage, cross-country and show
jumping.
Riding a trained
horse up to Elementary dressage standard, including lateral work.
Riding in a double bridle.
Riding over a course of jumps, with changes of direction showing judgement
of stride and pace, over fences exceeding 90cm and not exceeding 110cm.
Examiner
To be appointed by the Riding Clubs Training Committee from the
Riding Clubs Examiners Panel for Equitation IV. No candidate may
be examined by an Examiner who during the three months prior to the
Examination has either instructed the Candidate or been concerned with
the schooling of the horse used during the Examination.
Exemptions
BHS Riding Stage IV and above.
Applications for Equitation IV, including Riders CV should be made on the appropriate form to the Riding Clubs Office, for consideration by the Riding Clubs Training Sub-Committee.
SENIOR EQUITATION
4B (without jumping)
The conditions for the above will apply to this examination, except
that all references to jumping should be removed. Candidates will not
be required to jump any obstacles.