Module 2 – Stable Yard Skills

Know the pieces that make up a double bridle.

Fit the double bridle on the horse.

Know the action of the curb chain.

Name the pieces of a double bridle.

Demonstrate fitting a double bridle or bridle with a pelham bit onto the horse in accordance with Internationally accepted procedure

Explain and demonstrate the action of the curb chain.  (Compulsory)

Demonstrate removing the bridle with an appropriate technique.

(Compulsory)

Know a range of different bits and their actions.

Know different types of material used in the mouth piece and why it may be necessary to use them.

Identify a range of bits and describe their actions including Pelham’s; gags and Kimblewicks.

Discuss why it may be necessary to use different materials for the mouthpiece of a bit. (Compulsory)

Recognise and test for a broken tree.

Recognise good / poor condition / quality of saddle.

Demonstrate how to test for a broken tree.

Describe the condition / quality of a given saddle.

Describe the consequences of using ill-fitting tack for both the horse and rider.

Describe how the horse’s body language may indicate discomfort with the choice of equipment.

Have a basic understanding of conformation and terminology used to describe it.

Assess the size of a horse.

Know the sequence of footfalls for the three basic paces.

Have a basic understanding of the identification of equine teeth.

Describe the horse using basic conformation terminology that is applicable to what is seen.

Name the height of the horse. (Compulsory)

Describe the sequence of footfall for the three basic paces.

Be able to name, give function and give the number of equine teeth.

Know the signs of ill health and how to take the TPR.

Know if the horse is not sound enough to be worked

Describe the signs of ill health and demonstrate how to take the TPR and record them.

Recognise and describe lameness in any given limb. (Compulsory)

Describe the indications of nervousness in the horse in a variety of situations.

 Describe how you are going to deal with them.

Know the legislation governing equine welfare.

Know the fundamental rights of all equines and the need to protect them

Know the standards of care for equines.

Know how to respond to an act of abuse for both horses and people.

Name the Acts that govern equine welfare in South Africa and explain the purpose of this legislation.

Describe the fundamental rights of all equines and the need to protect them.

Describe the standards of care for all equines. (Compulsory)

Describe how and to whom you would report an act of abuse towards a horse.

Know why it may be necessary to restrain an equine.

Know the range of legally permitted equipment and methods used for restraining an equine and the possible risks involved.

Describe the need to restrain a horse.

Demonstrate / simulate some of the methods used to restrain an equine and discuss the risk to both horse and handler.

(Compulsory)

The Learner should be able to:

Secure the horse prior to working with it in the stable.

Know why there is a need to improve a horse’s appearance.

Pull a mane and tail for plaiting, using safe and appropriate methods.

Know how to apply hoof products in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

The Learner has achieved this outcome because s/he can:

Demonstrate securing the horse prior to working with it in the stable.

Describe why it may be necessary to turn a horse out by improving its appearance.

Demonstrate preparing & plaiting the mane and / or the tail.

Demonstrate / simulate applying hoof dressing.

(Compulsory)

Know how and what type of clip to use in a given case.

Know how to clip a horse.

Know care and maintenance of the clippers.

Describe the various types of clip and the reasons for using them.

Simulate clipping a horse.

Describe the care and maintenance of the clippers.

(Compulsory)

Know how to bandage legs for support / protection.

Know different types of materials in common use used for bandages and their merits.

Know when to use an appropriate padding under the bandage.

Demonstrate how to select a bandage and apply it to the leg for support / protection.

Discuss the various materials used for bandages giving the pros and cons of each one.

Demonstrate how to use padding under a bandage and give explanations for doing so. (Compulsory)

Understand the preparation required for transporting horses; Equipment, documentation etc.

Know how to prepare the towing vehicle and horse-box every time it is used and annually.

Describe how to prepare a horse for transport both locally and to another region explaining the equipment & documentation needed.

(Compulsory)

Explain what checks should be done on the towing vehicle each time it is used as well as the annual check.

Know safe procedures for loading and un-loading horses, including protective clothing and equipment for control of the horse.

Know the protective wear for the handler/s.

Describe safe procedures for loading and un-loading horses. Explain what equipment may be needed for control of the horse.

Describe what protective clothing should be worn by handlers.

(Compulsory)

Understand different techniques used to handle difficult horses.

Risks to both horse and handler/s are understood.

Describe some techniques that may be used to handle a difficult horse in a given situation.

Risks to horse and handler/s are described with examples.

Care for the horse in transit.

Monitor the behaviour of the horse in order to minimise the stress and injury to both horse and human.

Understand the need to monitor the horse’s temperature before, during and after the trip.

Identify some of the horse’s needs while travelling.

Monitor the behaviour of the horse to minimise stress to horse and people.

Explain what Travel Sickness is.

(Compulsory)

Know how to secure the horse prior to working with it.

Know how to prepare a trained horse for exercise on the lunge.

Know what equipment is required to lunge the horse.

Demonstrate securing the horse using an appropriate technique.

Prepare a trained horse for exercise on the lunge.

Identify the equipment is required to lunge a horse.

(Compulsory)

Know how to lunge a trained horse for exercise.

Know the position of the handler during lungeing.

Know how to handle the lunge whip and rein safely and effectively.

Use voice appropriately as a means of control.

Know why lungeing may be used as a form of exercise for the horse.

Demonstrate an appropriate technique to exercise the horse and show an effective lungeing method.

Demonstrate an effective position of the handler during lungeing.

Demonstrate safe and effective use of the whip and rein.

Demonstrate use of voice as a means of control. (Compulsory).

Describe why and / or when lungeing may be used as a form of exercise for the horse. 

Identify different types of feed and its components.

Discuss the quality of what you have identified.

Know the Basic Rules of Feeding

Know the digestive tract of the horse.

Know the importance of a watering plan and its implementation.

Explain the Basic Rules of Feeding. (Compulsory)

Name the parts of the digestive tract from the diagram provided.

Describe how to implement a watering plan for the yard and how to report any deviations to this plan. (Compulsory)

Describe, in detail a fire drill for a stable yard and the immediate areas

(Compulsory)

Know how to apply body condition scoring according to Henneke Condition Scoring system.

Know how malnutrition and overfeeding can affect the equine.

Describe what body condition scoring is.

Describe what effects malnutrition and overfeeding may have on the equine.