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Foundation Groom

BHSQ Level 2 Foundation Groom (Stage 2) is for anyone looking to begin a career as an assistant groom and those wanting to progress their journey along the BHS Groom Pathway.

  • Last reviewed: 27th March 2023
Stage 2 Foundation Groom Stage 2 Foundation Groom

BHSQ Level 2 Foundation Groom (Stage 2)

This career certificate ensures you have the foundation skills to work in the industry as an assistant groom, competently caring for horses with limited supervision. 

Employers will be confident that anyone holding BHSQ Level 2 Foundation Groom (Stage 2) has a knowledge and understanding of all aspects of horse care and management, both within a stable yard and in a wider environment. 

Who is this qualification for?

  • Anyone who is looking to become an assistant groom
  • Anyone looking to be a BHS Foundation Groom and aspiring to become a BHS Stage 3 Groom
  • Anyone aspiring to gain BHSQ Level 2 Foundation Coach in Complete Horsemanship

Entry requirements

Units

BHSQ Level 2 Foundation Groom (Stage 2) is awarded upon achievement of two compulsory units:

Qualification Guidelines

Unit 1: Stage 2 Care

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the routine practices on a stable yard, your role, responsibilities and reporting lines 
  • Know how to care for horses on a day-to-day basis, recognising and assessing normal and abnormal behaviour and understanding when veterinary intervention may be required 
  • Be able to fit standard tack and travel equipment  
  • Be able to prepare horses for presentation 
  • Have a knowledge of feeding and an understanding of fitness, including the factors that will affect the amount of feed a horse will receive 
  • Understand basic anatomy, location of key organs and the function of the digestive system  

Read more about Unit 1: Stage 2 Care here.

Unit 2: Stage 2 Lunge

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Prepare a horse to lunge using tack which includes a bridle, cavesson, saddle, side reins and brushing boots 
  • Demonstrate safe lungeing 
  • Work the horse in its basic paces, showing consideration for the size of the circle   

Read more about Unit 2: Stage 2 Lunge here.

Training for this qualification

All applicants are encouraged to undertake practical training at a BHS Approved Centre or with a BHS Accredited Professional Coach to ensure you are ready for your assessment.

Booking your assessment

To book your assessment, please find an upcoming assessment date near you and then contact the BHS Education team to book your place.

You can find out more information about booking your assessment here.

Re-sitting your assessment

If you have been unsuccessful on your first assessment, we encourage you to call us to book a re-sit.

Of course, we will also answer any questions you may have and provide you with feedback at this stage. You may have been successful against some, but not all of the assessment criteria, in which case we can just assess you on the sections on which you were not so strong.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly. Alternatively you can call us on 02476 840508.

Career pathway:

Groom pathway

1
  • Stage 1

Care

Stage 1 Care is your first step in pursuing a career with horses. Ensuring a level of competence in the care and management of horses within your responsibility, it provides a solid foundation on which you can build your skills to become a groom in the industry.

2
  • Stage 2

Foundation groom

BHSQ Level 2 Foundation Groom (Stage 2) is for anyone looking to begin a career as an assistant groom and those wanting to progress their journey along the BHS Groom Pathway.

3
  • Stage 3

Groom

BHSQ Level 3 Groom (Stage 3) is for those working as an independent groom, providing you with the skills to care for a number of horses to the highest industry standards.

4
  • Stage 4

Senior Yard Manager

BHSQ Level 4 Senior Yard Manager (Stage 4) is for those looking to move into a management position in the equestrian industry. You may aspire to run a riding centre or become a senior groom within the sport.