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  • Career Pathways

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.

  • Last reviewed: 24th February 2023
Horse Care Horse Care

BHSQ Level 3 Groom (Stage 3)

Whether you are looking at a career as a groom in a specific discipline, or to move up the ladder within an equestrian business, this career certificate demonstrates you are a professional with the required knowledge and practical skills. 

It also demonstrates you are ready to take on an increased responsibility with an understanding of the business management of a yard. 

Who is this qualification for?

  • Anyone looking to progress as an independent groom
  • Anyone looking to be a groom and aspiring to become a BHS Stage 4 Senior Groom
  • Anyone aspiring to become a BHSQ Level 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship

Entry requirements

Units

BHSQ Level 3 Groom (Stage 3) is awarded upon achievement of two compulsory units:

 

Qualification Guidelines

Unit 1: Stage 3 Care

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Be assessed on your knowledge to manage day-to-day activity, care and welfare of horses under your responsibility, with an established awareness of current legislation for working within a stable yard environment
  • Show competence in understanding equine behaviour, physiology and measuring vital health signs 
  • Be assessed on recognising and treating common conditions and nutritional requirements of the horse, including assessment of condition and measurement of nutrition alongside fittening of the horse 
  • Be practically assessed on how to fit tack for both flatwork and jumping, in addition to the use of studs

Read more about Unit 1: Stage 3 Care here.

Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Be assessed on handling tack and equipment, which will include a bridle, saddle, side reins, cavesson, lunge line and whip 
  • Be able to assess the horse and discuss its way of going, suggesting and demonstrating exercises to help the horse reach its potential 
  • Apply aids that are suitable to the horse’s status and reactivity

Read more about Unit 2: Stage 3 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.

UCAS Tariff points

This qualification has been allocated a Tariff point value of 8.
Find out more about UCAS Tariff points here.

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.