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Horse Care Courses 2010/2011

 

 

Home  Training And  Courses  Short Riding Courses  BHS Courses  Achievement Awards

 

Stable Management courses cover all aspects of horse knowledge and care and they take place in the Stable Yard or the Dog & Fox lounge.

The approach we take to these courses is very informal and the emphasis is on our clients learning in a relaxed and non pressurized environment. We find that the participants vary greatly in their experience and knowledge and that some feel very nervous about putting themselves in a learning environment, especially if it has been a long time since they were in education! But have no fear –  the groups are small and everyone is made to feel very welcome and involved – very often a cup of coffee or glass of wine plays a part.  All equipment will be provided, but we do ask that you bring pen/pencil and notebook and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the practical sessions.

 
Stable Management Instruction at Wimbledon Village Stables
Evening Horse Care Courses

Numbers on all Courses are strictly limited so do book early to avoid disappointment.  You do not need to be a member to participate, although Members will receive priority when booking. Bookings for Non-Members will only be confirmed on receipt of a completed Booking Form accompanied by a £50.00 deposit. (Booking forms available via e-mail or from the office.)

For those who would like more personalised and intensive instruction we are able to provide private Horse Care and Stable Management lessons from Tuesday through to Sunday (including evenings) and the charge is £30 an hour for Members (£40 for non-members).

Courses offered at WVS include:

Horse Owners Certificate - British Horse Society Level 1
Horse Owners Certificate - British Horse Society Level 2
Horse Owners Certificate - British Horse Society Level 3
Horse Owners Certificate - British  Horse Society Level 4
British Horse Society Stage 1 - Horse Knowledge and Care
British Horse Society Stage 2 - Horse Knowledge and Care

 

Intensive Horse Care Courses in London

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Horse Owners Certificate - British Horse Society Level 1

The Horse Owner’s Certificates are offered at four levels of knowledge with regard to the care and management of the horse and are specifically aimed at the first time horse owner, parent of horse owners or potential owners. At the end of the course you have to option to be assessed in the form of a written paper. 

Syllabus includes: Knowledge of horse types, uses, colours and markings. Elementary stable management. Knowledge of care and maintenance required to keep a horse healthy and comfortable in a stable. Stable routine and safety in the stable. Safe handling of both the horse and equipment necessary for his well-being. A knowledge of substances in common use which require particular care and/or storage.  Identification of items of tack in common use and naming of the parts. Basic care of tack. Ability to take to pieces, inspect for safety, clean and re-assemble. Reasons and principles of grooming. Knowledge of the items in a grooming kit and their use. Basic knowledge of shoeing and care of the foot. Recognition of signs of health and ill health and when to call a vet. Temperature, pulse, respiration and the signs of health. Preventative treatments - worming, flu-vac etc. A basic knowledge of the need to worm and vaccinate.  Elementary principles of watering and feeding. Rules of feeding and watering. A knowledge of buying a horse. Points to look for. The need for a vet to assess the horse before purchase. Elementary rules for preparing a horse for a ride; riding out on the roads; returning from a ride; riding dress.
Available Tuesday Start Dates 7/09/10
Session 7.00-8.30 p.m. Duration 6 weeks
Non-Member's Price £150 Member's Price £120

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Horse Owners Certificate - British Horse Society Level 2

The second of the Horse Owners Certificates further expands on the knowledge gained from Level 1

Syllabus includes: The reasons for shoeing and recognition of when shoeing or re-shoeing is required. A knowledge of the basic structure of the foot. Blacksmith's tools and use. How to remove a shoe safely in an emergency. Recognition of common injuries and basic first aid. Arresting bleeding and treatments for different types of wounds. Knowledge of watering and feeding of the stabled horse and the horse at grass. Feeding in all seasons. Feeding for light work. Care and maintenance of grassland. To include the maintenance of fences, gates, shelter, watering etc. Care and improvement of the grassland to include a knowledge of harmful weeds and their control. The care of saddlery, to include inspection for soundness of saddles. A knowledge of the fitting and use of more items of equipment i.e. martingales, breastplates, boots etc. The necessity of insurance to cover all aspects of the horse and its use. Stable Routine for two horses. To include all the extra jobs that need to be undertaken e.g. drains, guttering, paintwork, cleanliness of yard etc.  Bedding. A knowledge of the different types of bedding and their management. To include different systems e.g. deep litter. The Highway Code. The Country Code,
Available Wednesday Start Dates 2/11/10
Session 7.00-8.30 p.m. Duration 6 weeks
Non-Member's Price £150 Member's Price £120

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Horse Owners Certificate - British Horse Society Level 3

The third of the Horse Owners Certificates further expands on the knowledge gained from Levels 1 and 2

Syllabus includes:  The recognition, treatment and care of common injuries and ailments, further to Level Two. Changes from management in the stable to management at grass and vice-versa. The procedures for getting a horse up from a period out at grass e.g., teeth, worming etc. and the procedures for roughing-off a horse.  Clipping, trimming and plaiting. Care and maintenance of horse transport; to include both horse boxes and trailers. A knowledge of the law regarding the transit of horses. Weight ratios for trailers and legal requirement with regard to towing. Preparation of the horse for travel. A knowledge of  equipment needed with regard to the length of journey and the climatic conditions.  The care of the horse trekking and in competitive events. Understand fitness and condition, and the maintenance of both. Knowledge of good and bad stable construction. Different types of stabling. Basic requirements of planning regulations.  Layout of stable yard to include handling and disposal of the muck heap. Knowledge of horse clothing and bandaging. Care and maintenance of both. Recognition of good and bad forage. Knowledge of different grasses found in hay  samples and ability to identify weeds and poor grasses. Storage of forage. Have a working knowledge of the costs involved in keeping a horse.
Available Wednesday Start Dates 08/09/10
Session 7.00-8.30 p.m. Duration 6 weeks
Non-Member's Price £150 Member's Price £120

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Horse Owners Certificate - British Horse Society Level 4

The final Horse Owners Certificate

Syllabus includes: Knowledge of the main systems in the horse (Respiration, Reproduction, Digestive, Immune, etc.), their function and common problems associated with these systems,(COPD, Colic etc.) Knowledge of various grasses, conditions for growth and beneficial properties. Procedures for improving pasture i.e. drainage, cross grazing, re-seeding, fertilisers etc. Calendar of management for grassland. Haymaking - types and methods. Vitamins/Minerals - difference between them and why they may be deficient in the diet. Name main vitamins/minerals and their uses. Weights and types of feed available for: Riding School horses, Hunters, Competition Horses, etc. Knowledge of structure of the tooth and ageing characteristics. Description of structure of the mouth and common problems that may result from poor conformation of this. Name and structure of different types of remedial shoes. Give description of the condition under which these shoes may be used and the way in which they affect improvement/relief. List the basic principles of sick nursing and the reasons/conditions for implementing these. Describe the way in which these principles may help to reduce severity of a condition/injury and any problems that may arise as a result.  Outline the basic principles of fitting various saddles (dressage, jumping, crosscountry,  general purpose) and bridles (snaffle, double bridle). Describe the uses of specific .bits. and gadgets, (draw reins, balancing reins, Market Harborough, De Gouge, etc.) and the way in which they work. List common stable vices and their possible causes. Also suggested ways to stop such vices and the preventative steps that can be taken to limit these. A general knowledge of the BHS and its Departments, Structure etc. Awareness of the BHS qualifications system and BHS Register of Instructors. Action to be taken in the event of an accident. A knowledge of RIDDOR and legal obligations of an Instructor
Available Tuesday Start Dates 3/11/10
Session 7.00-8.30 p.m. Duration 6 weeks
Non-Member's Price £150 Member's Price £120

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British Horse Society: Stage I – Horse Knowledge and Care

This course will help you prepare for the first of the professional qualifications, and we also recommend it for those owners and riders keen to gain a wealth of knowledge about the care and welfare of horses.  Although we do take great pride in seeing our pupils succeed under exam conditions and gain recognised qualifications, most of our clients choose not to take the exam at the end of the Course, they’re just happy with their new-found knowledge and keen to put it into practice.  Those wishing to take the exam at the end of the course must be current members of the B.H.S. and over 14 years of age.  Copies of the syllabus are available direct from the British Horse Society.

Available

Thursday

Start Dates

14/1/10, 28/4/10, 16/09/10

Session

7.00-8.30pm

Duration

10 weeks split into 2 x 5 week terms

Non-Member's Price

£180

Member's Price

£150 for 10 weeks

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British Horse Society: Stage II – Horse Knowledge and Care

This course will help you prepare for the second of the professional qualifications, and will provide pupils with a more comprehensive knowledge of Stable Management.   Again, some clients choose not to take the exam at the end of the course, but those wishing to take the exam must have an additional four sessions to cover lungeing; these will be charged separately.  Examinees must be current members of the B.H.S., over 16 years of age and have passed their Stage One and Riding & Road Safety Examinations.  Copies of the syllabus are available direct from the British Horse Society.

Available

Wednesdays

Start Dates

13/1/10, 27/4/10, 15/09/10

Session

7.00-8.30pm

Duration

10 weeks split into 2 x 5 week terms

Non-Member's Price

£220

Member's Price

£180 for 10 weeks

If you would like a copy of the syllabus for any of the above exams or if you would like to join the British Horse Society or find out more about the BHS then click on the symbol to the right.

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