NVQ Level 1

[Crazyhorse]

I have a new RI and she is trying to put together a group of riders and offer NVQ Level 1 training one evening a week. I said I would be very interested, and she said I would fly through the ridden work. Does anyone know what the stable management side and ridden work is comprised of? Also, is it rolling assessment as opposed to taking exams? Thanks.

[Mehitabel]

it's rolling assessment by your RI getting signed off on each element as you complete it and then a final assessment by someone you don't know at the end - they pick a couple of things in your 'portfolio' that you've done as you go laong, and ask you to do them - so you might have to put on a rug, or tack up, for the external examiner, and answer some questions.

i did mine a million years ago but went straight in at level 2, which was still fairly basic.

[eml]

We are just starting NVQ Outreach program for adults. I have offered NVQ1 to all my adult riders and NVQ2 to thiose who have some knowledge such as Horseowners Certificates.

It is all done as Mehitabel said on a rolling assessment basis and riding is actually an option at all levels. NVQ1 roughly equates to BHS Stage 1.

[Crazyhorse]

Thanks for the info. Is the riding element assessed by the external examiner too? Also, how much does it generally cost? I have seen a few yards that offer the training free if you are 16-25. Unfortunately, I've just turned 26:rolleyes:

[Mehitabel]

yes, you are signed off on it when the 'internal verifier' (your RI) thinks you are ready, and then yes, the external chap does watch you all ride.
afraid i did mine as a youth training thing during my gap year so no idea on costs.

[Bay Mare]

I can't remember exactly but mine cost about £950 (that included 2 hours tuition every Saturday) and we paid it in 'terms'.

L1 was pretty easy and you don't have to do the riding if you don't want but if you ride anyway it's worth doing because it's not too taxing :)

The 'hardest' thing that I found was finding the time to fill in the portfolio and get all the evidence of you doing stuff (mucking out etc etc etc).

We also had to do a minimum number of hours per week stable management. I didn't have a problem as I worked on the yard at the weekends anyway but I know that a couple of people gave up because they didn't want to put in the practical hours (I think that we had to do at least 4.5 hours per week).

[eml]

We are involved in a scheme called Rural Outreach, the training scheme is free for all ages, we just charge for riding lesson and do a flexible work for ride/training system. People only need to commit to 6 hours a week in total.

We do the Warwickshire Health and Safety with Horses, NVQ 1-3 and BHS Stages at the moment and have two candidates wanting to do HGV/Transport Certificates which the college are setting up for us.

[Shannonbid]

We are involved in a scheme called Rural Outreach, the training scheme is free for all ages, we just charge for riding lesson and do a flexible work for ride/training system. People only need to commit to 6 hours a week in total.

We do the Warwickshire Health and Safety with Horses, NVQ 1-3 and BHS Stages at the moment and have two candidates wanting to do HGV/Transport Certificates which the college are setting up for us.

Is the scheme available in other parts of the country or just your area?

[vimto92]

From a local college close to me;

NVQ Horse Care Level 1

Mandatory units are:

• Assisting with the care of horses

• Assisting with cleaning stables and yard

• Assisting with putting on, taking off and cleaning equipment

• Assisting with handling horses

• Maintaining health, safety and good working relationships

With an additional riding option

• Riding horses in an enclosed area

NVQ Horse Care Level 2

Mandatory units are:

• Prepare and clean stables

• Maintain the health and well-being of horses

• Prepare horses for use

• Prepare and maintain horses on grazing land

• Prepare and provide non-ridden exercise and aftercare

• Load and unload horses under supervision

• Maintain effective working relationships

Students must include at least one optional unit.
Optional units are:

• Assist with reproduction, parturition care and young stock

• Exercise horses under supervision

• Ride schooled horses under supervision

• Drive horses under supervision

• Assist with leading a trek

• Assist with the specialist care of performance horses

• Assist riders with special needs

NVQ Horse Care and Management Level 3

Mandatory units are:

• Planning and monitoring routine care

• Promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of the horse

• Prepare horses for work

• Maintain the health and well-being of horses during transportation

• Maintain activities to meet requirements

• Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety

Students must include at least one group of optional units. Examples of optional unit groups are:

• Schooling Option

Contribute to the design and implementation of a work programme for horses
Exercise schooled horses to maintain training
• Breaking Option

Contribute to the training of young horses
Contribute to the design and implementation of a work programme for horses
• Coaching Option

Work horses to improve fitness
Prepare for coaching sessions
Conduct coaching sessions
There are further groups of options to choose from.