The Open College of Equine Studies

BHS Horse Knowledge and Care Stage 3

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 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 – Anatomy and Physiology
The muscular structure of the horse. The circulatory and respiratory systems. Structure of the lower leg and foot. Conformation. The gaits, good and faulty action.

Module 2 – Horse Health
Prevention, causes, signs and treatments of minor injuries, sickness and minor ailments, lameness. Temperature, pulse and respiration. When to call the vet – providing the right information. Administering medicines. Worming.

Module 3 – Management and General Handling
Yard routines. Handling young, highly-strung and problem horses. Stable vices. Travelling. Lungeing.

Module 4 – Feeding and Nutrition
Nutrients. Feed values. Rationing for size, type and work level.

Module 5 – Fittening and Competition
Preparing and looking after fit horses. Preparation for showing and competitions – schooling for mental, muscular and gymnastic development. Care at and after a competition. Competition types and rules.

Module 6 – Saddlery
The tack room. Care of tack. Fitting and use of saddlery and bits for young horses, problem horses and competition horses. The double bridle. Exercise bandages. Horse clothing.

Module 7 – Shoeing
The well shod foot. Faulty shoeing. Remedial shoeing, pads and studs.

Module 8 – Yard Design and Grazing Management
Planning a yard. Advantages and disadvantages of types of stabling and stable fittings. Maintaining grazing for daily, year-round use.

Module 9 – General Knowledge
Yard safety rules and fire precautions. Road safety. Accident procedure. The BHS – aims and objectives, benefits of membership, the BHS departments.

Optional Study Week
The course will cover all of the practical skills required for the Stage 3 Horse Knowledge and Care examination and will include revision sessions of the theoretical knowledge required. A mock BHS Horse Knowledge and Care Stage 3 examination will be taken on the final day.

Click here to find out more about residential study weeks.