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British Horse Society Stage 3 Care Training and Assessment (Short courses and Adult Learning, Level 3)

  • Pibwrlwyd Campus
10 weeks

This course is designed to prepare and assess learners for the BHS ‘Groom Pathway’ Stage 3 Care examination. Ideal for anyone who is looking to progress as an independent Stage 3 Groom, or work towards Stage 3 coach.

The course will help you to improve knowledge and understanding of horse care and management, both within a stable yard and in a wider environment.

 It will develop your knowledge and skills in equine behaviour, physiology, measuring vital health signs, common conditions and nutritional requirements of the horse.

The course and assessment will be undertaken at the Coleg Sir Gar BHS Approved Training Centre. The practical sessions will be delivered on the yard and the course will also include theory modules as guided online learning.

Course details

Study modes:
  • Part time
Course length:
10 weeks

What you will learn

  • Guided online learning, access to resources and support 
  • Completion of your Skills Record
  • The course will last for 10 weeks with one 2 hour session per week at the college. The 10th week will include 2 days - last 2 hour training session followed by the BHS Stage 3 care assessment on the next day.
  • A supportive learning environment
  • Understand the roles, rights and responsibilities of a Groom
  • Be able to use equipment for flatwork and jumping
  • Be able to use studs
  • Understand the use of bits
  • Understand the nutritional requirements of a horse
  • Understand how to improve a horse’s fitness
  • Understand horse anatomy and physiology
  • Be able to manage the health of a horse
  • Understand undesirable horse behaviour
  • Understand how to manage a turnout area
  • .Be able to assess a horse’s conformation
  • Eligibility to progress to BHS Stage 4  Senior Yard Manager subject to successful achievement the BHS Stage 3 Care assessment
  • BHS Stage 3 forms part of the pathway to becoming a professional in the industry by following the BHS Professional Pathway
  • BHS Stage 3 groom will equip you with the skills to work in the industry, and demonstrates you are ready to take on an increased responsibility with an understanding of the business management of a yard.
  • There is an increasing demand for people with good practical skills to work in stable yards, stud work and racing, amongst other disciplines and areas

BHS stage 3 Care Assessment

Learners must be at least 16 years old and hold a current BHS Gold membership

A suitable and relevant equine background and experience working with and handling horses is necessary and a reference from a suitably qualified or experienced person may be asked for.

Learners must have successfully achieved the BHS Stage 2 Care assessment in order to take this course with the Stage 3 assessment at the end and applicants must be able to provide evidence of the Stage 2 certificate 

In some cases, a Recognition of Prior Certified Learning can mean that applicants may be eligible for direct entry to assessments of BHS Stage 2 level and above - see the British Horse Society website for further information or contact Coleg Sir Gar Admissions.

  • There is a course fee of £490 
  • Learners are required to provide their own equipment, including suitable yard boots, a hat to current industry standards and gloves for working around the horses and equipment.