Stage 3 Care Syllabus | The British Horse Society

Stage 3 Care

BHSQ Level 3 (Stage 3) Qualification Specification – Groom

Learning outcome	Assessment criteria	Guidance on the content to be learnt during training and sampled during assessment	Assessment method
1. Understand the roles, rights and responsibilities of a Groom	1.1 Explain the roles of a Groom	Roles to include; Managing the stable yard and environment Caring for and meeting the needs of the horses in their charge Managing the maintenance of daily routine yard activity Communicating and guiding others related to care and yard activity	Discussion
	1.2 Explain the responsibilities of a Groom	Responsibilities to include; Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of the horse Promoting equestrianism and horse welfare in a positive way (social license to operate) Working independently Monitoring all aspects of Quality of Life particularly for elderly, ill and injured horses. Raising concerns with a senior staff member and consulting with a vet Taking responsibility for routine horse care and stable yard management Managing horse’s feed according to work levels and nutritional needs Managing turnout areas Anti-doping guidelines	Discussion
	1.3 Explain a range of current legislation applicable to stable yards	Range = 2 or more Current legislation to include; Health and safety Safeguarding Data protection Horse welfare Horse transportation Equality, diversity and inclusion	Discussion
	1.4 Explain employment rights	The rights of the employee, to include: Contract of employment Holiday Sick pay Pension Self-employed, to include; Set own hours of work Set own rates of pay Responsible for own tax returns Responsible for own insurance	Discussion
2. Be able to use equipment for flatwork and jumping	2.1 Fit tack for flatwork	Tack to include; Double bridle Curb and bridoon bits Cavesson noseband Curb chain Saddle Suitable for flatwork	Observation
	2.2 Evaluate the fit of the flatwork tack	Fit, to include; Check for comfort Condition and suitability of the tack Action of bits and noseband	Observation and Discussion
	2.3 Put on schooling bandages for flatwork	Schooling bandages; Polo wraps (with or without padding underneath)	Observation
	2.4 Fit tack and boots for jumping	Tack and boots to include; Bridle Saddle Breastplate and martingale Boots suitable for jumping	Observation
	2.5 Evaluate the fit of the jumping tack	Fit to include; Check for comfort Condition and suitability of the tack Action of bit and noseband	Observation and Discussion
	2.6 Explain a range of factors affecting saddle fit	Range = 3 or more Factors; Width of tree Wither clearance Pressure points on horse’s spine Evenness of weight across the horse’s back Freedom around the horse’s shoulder Size of saddle in relation to horse Rider	Discussion
3. Be able to use studs	3.1 Demonstrate how to put a stud into a shoe	Demonstration to include; Holding the foot Clean and maintain stud hole Selection of stud type Using the stud tap Putting the stud in Plugging stud hole	Observation and discussion
4. Understand the use of bits	4.1 Explain the use of a range of bits	Range = 2 or more Bits to include; Snaffle Pelham Gag Bitless bridles	Observation and discussion
5. Understand the nutritional requirements of a horse	5.1 Explain the role of nutrients in a horse’s diet	Nutrients to include; Carbohydrates Proteins Fats Vitamins Minerals Water	Discussion
	5.2 Explain a range of forages available for feeding horses	Range = 4 or more Forages; Grass Hay Haylage Dried grass Chaff/chop Alfalfa Straw	Discussion
	5.3 Explain a range of factors that may influence a horse’s dietary requirements	Range = 3 or more Factors to include; Time of year Age Size Type Different work levels including; light, medium and hard Condition of the horse Availability of turnout Health	Discussion
	5.4 Explain how to manage feeding routines	Management to include; Timings Relation to work Amount of feed Variance of feed Availability of forage Time of year	Discussion
	5.5 Explain how to prepare food for horses with common health problems	Health problems to include; Respiratory Dietary issues Dental problems Preparation; Soaking Steaming	Discussion
	5.6 Assess a horse using a body condition/fat scoring scale	Body condition/fat scoring on a 0-5 point scale, to include; General body condition Quarters Ribs Shoulders Back Neck Withers	Observation and Discussion
	5.7 Explain the use of supplements or balancers in a horse’s diet	May include; Vitamin and mineral deficiency 100% roughage diet	Discussion
6. Understand how to improve a horse’s fitness	6.1 Explain the purpose of a fitness programme for a horse	Purpose may include; Preparing the horse for a specific activity Improving a horse’s fitness Maintaining fitness Lower risk of injury Rehabilitation	Discussion
	6.2 Explain the process used to improve a horse’s fitness	Process From a low level of fitness to be able to complete a one-day event Three stages of programme; long slow distance work, strength work, fast work Length of time	Discussion
	6.3 Explain a range of factors that may influence a horse’s fitness programme	Range = 2 or more Factors may include; Body conformation Weight Previous injury Work levels Equipment, environment and external factors Type and temperament Age	Discussion
	6.4 Explain how to assess a horse’s fitness	Assessment may include; Visual signs (for example; excessive sweating, fatigue) Behaviour Recovery rate	Discussion
	6.5 Explain how to care for a horse after strenuous work	Care to include; Walking the horse Dismounting the rider Adjusting and removing equipment Rehydrating the horse Washing down and checking for injury Regaining normal body temperature Feeding the horse Monitoring recovery Leg care	Discussion
	6.6 Explain the purpose of using a horse walker	Purpose to include; Non ridden exercise Time out of stable Rehabilitation Fitness programme	Discussion
7. Understand horse anatomy and physiology	7.1 Explain the function and components of the respiratory system	Function, to include: Gaseous exchange – the take up of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide Components, role to include; Nostrils Nasal passage Trachea Lungs Diaphragm	Discussion
	7.2 Explain the function and components of the cardiovascular system	Function: Circulating blood (transporting oxygen and nutrients) around the body and removal of waste Lymphatic system Components, role to include; Heart Arteries Veins Blood	Discussion
	7.3 Describe the anatomy of the lower leg and foot	Anatomy to include; Bones: pedal, navicular, splint, cannon, sesamoid, pasterns Ligaments: check, suspensory, annular Tendons: flexor and extensor tendons	Discussion and Observation
8. Be able to manage the health of a horse	8.1 Demonstrate how to measure a horse’s vital signs	Vital signs: Temperature Pulse Respiration	Observation
	8.2 Explain the importance of maintaining health records	Health records to include; Veterinary history Vital signs Routine care: worming, teeth, vaccinations, saddle checks Passport	Discussion
	8.3 Explain the roles of a range of health care professionals	Range = 2 or more Health care professionals may include; Physiotherapist Chiropractor Osteopath Acupuncture practitioner Equine Dental Technicians	Discussion
	8.4 Describe the signs and symptoms of a range of common health conditions	Range = 3 or more Health conditions may include; Exertional Rhabdomyolysis Syndrome (ERS) / Azoturia Bursal and bony enlargements or conditions Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)/ Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)/equine asthma Colic Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) Equine influenza Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) Equine Seasonal Myopathy Laminitis Lymphangitis Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)/ Cushings Ringworm Strangles Tendon injury Worm burden	Discussion
	8.5 Explain the management and treatment of common health conditions	Management may include; Minimise work levels Adjust feed Prevention Routine healthcare Treatment may include; Referral to vet Medication (prescribed by vet) Stable care (box rest)	Discussion
	8.6 Explain how to prevent the spread of disease in the equine environment	Prevention, to include; Biosecurity The maintenance of cleanliness for horses, people and stable yards Dealing with new horses to the stable yard Isolation procedures Promoting health care of the horse Disease; Infectious and contagious diseases	Discussion
	8.7 Explain how to assess lameness	Assessment of lameness to include; Observe the horse at rest Observe the horse in walk Observe the horse in trot Inspection of limbs Report to an informed person, if appropriate	Discussion
	8.8 Explain the principle of Quality of Life	Quality of life to include; Indicators that can be used to assess Quality of Life for the horse Options for humane euthanasia Awareness of support services available to assist with euthanasia decisions	Discussion
9. Understand undesirable horse behaviour	9.1 Describe the signs and causes of stereotypical behaviour in horses	Causes may include; Stabled for long periods Unable to move freely Separation from other horses Hunger Pain Fear Poor training Learned behaviour Signs may include; Box walking Crib biting Wind sucking Weaving Aggression	Discussion
	9.2 Explain how to manage stereotypical behaviour in horses	Management may include; Enrichment Turnout Access to open space Handling Routine Sufficient work Feeding regimes	Discussion
	9.3 Explain how to manage horses that are difficult to handle	Management may include; Positive reinforcement How to approach the horse Methods of restraint Managing routine care Loading Treating wounds Clipping Catching in Leading Safety equipment	Discussion
10. Understand how to manage a turnout area	10.1 Explain how to manage a turnout area for a horse	Management may include; Resources for example; tractor, harrow, topper mower, roller, strimmer Stocking density Regular removal of droppings, weeds, poisonous plants Harrowing, rolling and topping Fertilising Rotational grazing Fencing, gates and security Cross grazing	Discussion
11. Be able to assess a horse’s conformation	11.1 Evaluate the conformation of a horse	Evaluation to include; Assessment of; static and dynamic conformation including foot balance Condition of the horse Type of horse and suitability for work	Observation and discussion
11. Be able to assess a horse’s conformation	11.2 Explain the use of a range of shoes	Range = 2 or more Shoes may include; Fullered Plain stamp Natural balance Bar – egg, heart and rolled toe Racing plate Glue-on shoes Pads	Discussion