The Open College of Equine Studies

BHS Horse Knowledge and Care Stage 1

This range of courses allows those unable to attend traditional training courses or train as a working pupil, to complete BHS Stage 1 to 4 Horse Knowledge and Care examination preparation through distance learning. The distance learning element can be supplemented by a five-day intensive Study Week at which a mock BHS examination is taken.

Specially developed course material provides all of the information required for students to pass the relevant HKC stage examination. A work assignment is completed at the end of each course module and submitted for assessment and tutor feedback. In-text activities and in-text questions are supplemented by a Practical Skills Workbook, which details the practical skills needed to pass the BHS examination. Students record satisfactory attainment of each skill listed in the Skills Workbook and seek verification of the achievement by a colleague or friend.

Once all skills have been attained and all work assignments completed, students may choose to attend the Study Week at TOCES’ yard in Suffolk. The course will help prepare the student for the practical elements of the BHS HK & C examination, with a mock exam taken on the final day of the course.

Please note that you cannot train for the riding section of the Stage 1 to 4 examinations through distance learning and that in order to attain a BHS HK & C qualification you must take the examination at a BHS Examination Centre. Structure and content of the range of BHS Courses may be subject to amendment to reflect changes in the BHS examination structure.

Module 1 – Introduction to Equine Anatomy
Colours, markings, and basic physiology of the horse. Points of the horse.

Module 2 – Principles of Equine Behaviour
The nature, instincts and behaviour of horses in the wild and in captivity, in the field, stable and when ridden.

Module 3 – The Stabled Horse
Yard routine, mucking-out, skipping-out, bedding and setting the stable fair. Building and maintaining a muck heap. Grooming. Selecting and fitting rugs.

Module 4 – The Grass Kept Horse
The paddock - fencing, watering, poisonous plants and shelter. Turning out and catching the horse. Care of the grass kept horse. Pasture management.

Module 5 – Saddlery
Care and fitting of items of tack including saddle, bridle and martingales. Parts of the saddle and bridle. Tacking up and untacking. Effects of worn, ill-fitting or dirty tack.

Module 6 – The Foot, Shoeing and Lameness
Structure of the foot. Day to day care of the foot, including recognising the need for shoeing.

Module 7 – Watering and Feeding
Rules of feeding and watering. Types and quality of fodder and hay. Feeding stabled and grass-kept horses and ponies in light work.

Module 8 – Horse Health
Signs of good and ill health.

Module 9 – General Knowledge
Safety rules and fire precautions. Accident procedure. Riding or leading on the road. Aims of the British Horse Society.

Optional Study Week
Practical application of the knowledge gained through studying the course modules and completing the work assignments will be demonstrated and assessed. A mock BHS Stage 1 Horse Knowledge and Care examination will be taken on the final day.

Click here to find out more about residential study weeks.