The Open College of Equine Studies

Courses

BTEC Foundation Certificate in Horse Management

BTEC Foundation Certificate in Horse Management

(Course Reference: FCHM)

Level: Introductory

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BTEC Foundation Certificate in Horse Management

Aims of the course:
  • To provide a straightforward introductory course suitable for anyone wishing to establish the foundation of stable management principles.
  • To provide preparation for the BTEC Intermediate Certificate in Horse Management (ICHM). It is not mandatory to complete FCHM before starting the ICHM course.
Entry requirements:
  • Students must be at least 16 years old upon enrolment.
  • There are no formal academic entry requirements.
  • Students must try to gain some experience with horses. This can be in the form of owning a horse, working with horses and/or riding regularly and helping at a yard.
FCHM is ideal for:
  • Inexperienced students from the age of 16 years.
  • Any student at the start of training with little or no experience of horse-care.
  • A 'returning to horses' student - perhaps you rode years ago and are a bit rusty.
  • The non-horsey parent of pony-mad children.
  • Students preparing for the BHS Stage 1 HKC examination.
  • Anyone wanting an alternative validated qualification.
Study Weekend
 
Students attend a three day study weekend during which all practical topics are taught and assessed. 
This course is set at a level comparable to BHS Stage 1.
 
Unit 1 Equine Anatomy and Physiology (1)
 
This module introduces the colours, markings and basic anatomy of the horse including the structure of the respiratory and circulatory systems, structure of the foot, points of the horse and basic conformation.
 
Unit 2 Horse Knowledge and Care (1)
Handling the horse safely – leading, tying up, safety around horses. Accident prevention. Care of the stabled horse: bedding types, mucking out, grooming, rugging, applying a tail bandage.
Keeping a horse at grass, the paddock, fencing, watering, poisonous plants, shelter, general care.
Fitting of snaffle bridle and general purpose saddle, bits and bitting, martingales, tacking up and untacking. Health problems associated with ill-fitting tack.
 
Unit 3 Feeding
The digestive tract, basic digestion, types of feedstuffs, hay, haylage, rules of feeding, food preparation, use of haynets, how much to feed, sample feed charts for different types of horse or pony.
 
Unit 4 The Healthy Horse
Creating the optimum environment for good health. The physical and psychological well being of the horse. Understanding the behaviour of horses.
Preventative medicine, vaccinations, worming, dental care
Footcare - shoeing procedure, a well shod foot, type of shoe, studs, causes of lameness, disorders of the foot.
 
Unit 5 Equine Veterinary Care (1)
Hygiene and disease prevention. Signs of good health. Recognising poor health. When to call the vet.
The equine first aid kit. Types of wound, wound treatment, dealing with bleeding and inflammation - hot and cold treatments, hosing.
Signs, causes and course of action for: Coughing, laminitis, thrush, colic, cracked heels and mud fever.

Click here to find out more about residential study weeks.