Glen Jakes Stable Management Courses Syllabus (incorporating pony club requirements)

This syllabus is a very basic guideline; much more will be taught throughout each level. Stable management booklets are provided to each student, practical and theory exercises are incorporated in our fun, educational day/week courses. Each day includes a ½ hr horse ride.

Students are placed into appropriate groups based on age and experience, Glen Jakes stable management certificates already obtained (if applicable), the length of time since their last stable management, as a refresher day/week course maybe required. And for students who are members of the pony club, we take into account which badges and awards you have already obtained, continuing to progress working towards subjects and awards that you intend to achieve. Pony Club membership forms/information is available from Glen Jakes Riding School reception.

Stable management courses are available in all school holidays, in-service days etc. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, daily or as a week course (4 x days) from 9am - 3pm (extension can be arranged separately if required). Please see brochure or website for costing and appropriate riding attire.

Glen Jakes Riding School certificates are awarded on merit for each level obtained, from 5 years upwards (no age limit) from beginner to advanced level.

Intense individual stable management sessions are available on an hourly rate (see brochure or website for prices), semi - private and small groups also taken. These are ideal for adults and children that want to recap before exams, to further knowledge in the horse industry or if you are thinking of purchasing a horse and require help and advice (this is modified to your own requirements).

Theory work will be introduced in the format of a booklet where worksheets will be incorporated and completed throughout each level. A short test will be taken before progressing to proceeding levels.

LEVEL 1: (Incorporates work towards pony club bronze 3 award)

• Includes correct handling of the horses, safety awareness, gaining confidence around the horses and the yard environment
• Basic horse management, involving correctly fitting a head collar, tying up (safety knot), catching a horse from the field, grooming, tack-up / un-tack correctly, tack cleaning, mucking out, tie up hay nets and much more!

(Full syllabus in Stable Management booklet)

LEVEL 2: (Incorporates work towards pony club bronze 2 and 1 awards)

• Recap and improve all skills involved in level 1 in greater depth, mainly unaided
• Worksheets and practical tests will be introduced in each level obtained, enabling staff to recognise strong and weak subjects (recapping as and when required). Identifying the full grooming kit, what to check for when grooming, i.e. girth galls, bridle rubs and how to prevent and control these.
• Tack-up / un-tack (unassisted). Assemble a bridle, learn the parts of the saddle and bridle, fit boots and bandages, points of the horse, breeds, feeds, signs of illness, field management, bathing (weather permitting), measuring a horses' height and weight, teeth inspection and developing awareness in all areas of horse management.
• The stable management booklet provides lots more information in a step-by-step guide in both theory and practical exercises to help learning and to recap on subjects when needed. (Full syllabus in stable management booklet)

LEVEL 3: (Incorporates work towards pony club silver and gold awards, also progressive training towards BHS stage 1)

• There will be a practical test to confirm knowledge from previous levels (as recapping may be required). This level requires more in depth training to a higher standard, enabling required goals to be met, making a confident, more knowledgeable student so they can work independently when completing most tasks such as grooming, correct procedure for tacking up/untacking with various bits, nosebands and martingales. Taking bridle/saddle apart, cleaning and putting back together correctly(unaided). Correct safety procedure for catching horses in the field. Importance of field inspection and what is involved.
• Students must be able to complete all of the above unaided and with confidence before progressing to more in depth subjects i.e. feeding, watering, veterinary care, fitting tack correctly and safety checks required, how to fit boots, bandages, rugs, learning about teeth, shoeing, annual vaccinations, worming, identifying various injuries and illnesses. Learn the correct temperature, pulse and respiration for a horse at rest. The importance of exercise programs and schooling. Lunging equipment and the benefits that can be developed from various techniques, encouraging positive results for outline and performance.
• Once level 3 certificate has been obtained, you may now participate in our 'own your own pony' course, where you will be responsible for the upkeep and well being of the horse chosen. Also, you will take care of their tack, rugs, feeds and any specific requirements your horse / pony may need during the day. These days will include ½ hr ride where you can put into practice all your riding skills, ride plans can be collected from office if required. Additional ½ hr riding may be obtained, please check in office for availability.
• Progressing onto level 4 where training, practice and assessments will continue. And for those candidates who wish to join our team by becoming a student helper (see reception for specific requirements) the opportunity to sit out helpers exam will be available for candidates who wish to participate. The exam is not just answering questions, merit, attitude and the general love of horses will be taken into account. Once you have passed the helpers exam, you are not required to complete level 4 unless desired. Own your own horse days/weeks are an alternative to stable management, once you have passed level 3, if you do not want to continue through your levels.

LEVEL 4: (Incorporates work towards more pony club exams and BHS stage 1)

Includes complete revision of all previous knowledge you will have gained

• Learn about design of stables, strapping, make a whisp, pull and lay manes and tails, sew in plaits. Anatomy, conformation and shapes of horses feet will be learnt. Different types of shoes, studs and nails in use, more poisonous plants. Herbs, preventative medicines, veterinary bandaging, and records that should be kept. Lunging for fitness, roughing off and bringing up and interval training.
• A higher standard of workmanship is paramount before the student helpers exam is taken. Reliability, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn new skills are necessary. Required skills such as yard duties, safety around the yard, correctly assisting instructor in the paddock and out on hacks will be learnt. Once you have passed the student helpers exam and comply with all the requirements (specified in student helpers exam) you may become a student helper.

LEVEL 5: (This is now leading up to owning your own horse/pony or going onto equine college)

• You will bring in, groom and assess weight, conformation and temperament of the horse you have chosen for the day. Design a feed program for this horse and make a work plan for them.
• Learn about and how to do long reining, recognise signs of parasitic infestations and skin disorders, grass management and pasture rotation. The daily care of a hunter before and after exercise. You will now be ready to undertake training for BHS stage 1, 2 and 3 (please see separate syllabus).

Please remember this is just a basic version of the Stable Management syllabus, much more will be taught in each level.