Horse Care Courses

“The left side is the right side, and the right side is the wrong side!” Anonymous

For those simply happy to learn the basics, such as putting on a bridle, or those who would like to learn enough to take their BHS exams, we offer a Course to suit. Throughout the year we hold Horse Care Workshops that are of particular interest to recreational riders as they cover topics that every horse rider needs to know about such as grooming, tacking up etc.

If you require more personalised or intensive instruction, or if you just prefer to learn on a one-to-one basis, we can offer Private Horse Care and Stable Management Lessons from Tuesday through to Sunday (including evenings). These are £30 an hour for Members (£40 for Non-members).

We also hold two different term time evening courses in horse knowledge and care. Firstly the Horse Owners Certificates Levels 1-4 which are excellent because they cover all the basics and essentials that you will need to know if you are thinking of owning your own horse one day. There is an optional Exam that can be taken at the end of each Level, and certificates are awarded to those successfully completing each Level.

Secondly there are the industry standard, BHS Stage I and II Horse Knowledge and Care Courses which provide a complete and correct grounding in stable management. They are more in-depth than the Horse Owners Levels 1-4 but, again, the Exam is optional, and you don’t need to be a BHS Member to participate. For further information on the BHS Stages and a full syllabus please refer to the BHS website.

We have found that a more informal approach is conducive to productive learning, and our clients appreciate the relaxed and non-pressurised environment of either the Stables or the Dog & Fox; the groups are small and everyone is made to feel welcome and involved in proceedings. All equipment is provided, but we do ask that you bring a notebook and pen, tablet or ipad; whatever you feel more comfortable with, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for practical sessions.

BHS Horse Owner's Certificates View courses

Horse Owners Certificate - British Horse Society Level 1

Syllabus includes: Knowledge of horse types, uses, colours and markings. Elementary stable management. Stable routine and safety in the stable. Safe handling of both the horse and equipment necessary for his well-being. Identification of items of tack in common use and naming of the parts. Basic care of tack. Reasons and principles of grooming. Basic knowledge of shoeing and care of the foot. Recognition of signs of health and ill health. Preventative treatments. Elementary principles of watering and feeding. A knowledge of how to buy a horse. Elementary rules for preparing a horse for a ride.
Start Dates: 17th April, 2013

 

Available: Wednesday
Non-Member's Price: £150, Member's Price £132
Session: 7.00 - 8.30 p.m.
Duration: 6 weeks

Horse Owners Certificate - British Horse Society Level 2

Syllabus includes: The reasons for shoeing and recognition of when shoeing required. A knowledge of the basic structure of the foot. How to remove a shoe safely in an emergency. Recognition of common injuries and basic first aid. Treatments for different types of wounds. Knowledge of watering and feeding of the stabled horse and the horse at grass. Care and maintenance of grassland. The care of saddlery, A knowledge of the fitting and use of more items of equipment. Stable Routine for two horses. A knowledge of the different types of bedding and their management. The Highway Code. The Country Code.
Start Dates: 29th May, 2013

 

Available: Wednesday
Non-Member's Price: £150, Member's Price £132
Session: 7.00 - 8.30 p.m.
Duration: 6 weeks

Horse Owners Certificate - British Horse Society Level 3

Syllabus includes: 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 grass and roughing off. Clipping, trimming and plaiting. Care and maintenance of horse transport. A knowledge of the law regarding the transit of horses. Preparation of the horse for travel. 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. Knowledge of horse clothing and bandaging. Recognition of good and bad forage. Knowledge of different grasses. Storage of forage. Have a working knowledge of the costs involved in keeping a horse.
Start Dates: Wednesday 10th July, 2013

 

Available: Wednesday
Non-Member's Price: £150, Member's Price £132
Session: 7.00 - 8.30 p.m.
Duration: 6 weeks

Horse Owners Certificate - British Horse Society Level 4

Syllabus includes: Knowledge of the main systems in the horse. Grassland management. Haymaking. Vitamins/Minerals. Weights and types of feed available. Knowledge of structure of the tooth and ageing characteristics. Name and structure of different types of remedial shoes. List the basic principles of sick nursing. Outline the basic principles of fitting various saddles and bridles. Describe the uses of specific bits and gadgets and the way in which they work. List common stable vices and their possible causes. 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.
Start Dates: Wednesday 21st August, 2013

 

Available: Wednesday
Non-Member's Price: £150, Member's Price £132
Session: 7.00 - 8.30 p.m
Duration: 6 weeks

BHS Horse Knowledge & Care View courses

British Horse Society: Stage I - Horse Knowledge and Care

This qualification will provide the holder with the competencies to apply basic principles of horse care. Working under supervision, the holder will have basic knowledge and practice of looking after a well-mannered horse in the stable and at grass. 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 Start Dates: 4th September, 2013

 

Available: Thursday
Non-Member's Price: £300 Member's Price £264
Session: 7.00 - 8.30pm
Duration: 12 weeks split into 2 x 6 week terms

British Horse Society: Stage II - Horse Knowledge and Care

This qualification will provide the holder with the competencies to apply basic principles of horse care. Working under supervision, the holder will have basic knowledge and practice of looking after a well-mannered horse in the stable and at grass. An additional four sessions to cover lungeing is available for those wishing to take the exam and 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. Start Dates: 5th September, 2013

 

Available: Thursdays
Non-Member's Price:
Session: 7.00 - 8.30pm
Duration: 12 weeks split into 2 x 6 week terms

All You Need to Know Workshops View courses

All you need to know about: Getting Your Horse Ready To Ride Workshop

This essential session will teach you everything you need to know in order to get your horse ready for the off. From the easiest way to carry tack, to the best way to approach a stabled horse. From how to safely remove rugs, to the correct way to put on both saddle and bridle and, ultimately, lead your horse to the mounting block. We will also show you exactly what to do after riding in order to leave your horse comfortable in the stable. Following practical demonstrations you will have the opportunity to practice techniques individually. Literature summarising techniques and practices will be available to take home and use as reference.
Dates: See What’s On Page

 

Available: See What's On Page
Non-Member's Price: £20, Member's Price £10
Session: 1 ½ hours
Duration:

All you need to know about: Grooming and Basic Health Indicators Workshop

Grooming time is the perfect time to take note of a horse’s basic health and how he is feeling, so this session covers everything you need to know in order give your horse a relaxing and invigorating grooming session, and recognise any signs that your horse may not be feeling 100%. Become familiar with the many different brushes and tools available, learn how to pick out feet and wash a tail, and generally discover how to keep your horse looking immaculate. Practical demonstrations will be followed by the opportunity for clients to try everything for themselves. Literature summarising techniques and practices will be available to take home and use as reference.

 

Available: See What's On Page
Non-Member's Price: £20, Member's Price £10
Session: 1 ½ hours
Duration:

All you need to know about: Feeding and Basic Stable Management Workshop

Discover the fundamental principles of feeding; learn the basics of analysing type, weight and energy requirements in order to discover how much and how often to feed both concentrates (hard feed such as mixes and nuts) and fibre (hay, haylage and grass). We will also cover essential stable management such as the type of bedding to choose, how to care for the chosen bed and how to keep the horses’ environment clean and healthy. Literature summarising techniques and practices will be available to take home and use as reference.

 

Available: See What's On Page
Non-Member's Price: £20, Member's Price £10
Session: 1 ½ hours
Duration:

All you need to know about: A Day in the Life of a WVS Horse Workshop

This enjoyable and worthwhile session will enlighten you as to all that’s involved in the day-to-day care of one of our wonderful horses. From early morning feeding, mucking out, grooming, exercising, daily health checks and maintenance of tack and equipment through to essential late night housekeeping, this session will also illustrate the importance for the horse’s health and wellbeing of a regular routine and settled environment. Literature summarising techniques and practices will be available to take home and use as reference.

 

Available: See What's On Page
Non-Member's Price: £20, Member's Price £10
Session: 1 ½ hours
Duration:

All you need to know about: Horse Ownership Workshop

Have you ever thought about buying a horse but would like to know more about what’s involved in horse ownership? This incredibly informative course has been created for all those who have thought about buying a horse but would really like to know more about what’s practically involved before making a decision. This session will, through talks and practical demonstrations, impart all the basics of horse ownership along with the implications and responsibilities of becoming a horse owner. . Meet at 9.30 am for a coffee before we start in Carluccio’s Restaurant in Wimbledon Village (next to the Stables).Literature summarising techniques and practices will be available to take home and use as reference.

 

Available: See What's On Page
Non-Member's Price: £20, Member's Price £25
Session: 2 ½ hours
Duration: