[Registered Qual & Unit Std Home page] [Search Qualifications] [Search Unit Standards]
SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian Practices 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58493  General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian Practices 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Equine Management and Equestrian Instruction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
AgriSETA - Agriculture SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
ABET Level 4  120  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian is the first step in providing formal learning to people working with and around horses.

This Qualification will provide learners with access to various employment opportunities within the Equine and Equestrian industry. This Qualification will contribute to increasing levels of efficiency and effectiveness and will develop a common integrated and co-ordinated approach to this industry. A person acquiring this Qualification will be able to obtain the necessary applied competence to work in the Equine Handling sector. Depending on the area of specialisation, a person acquiring this Qualification will have an understanding of the general and basic Equine and Equestrian skills and techniques. They will be able to work in a stable yard and in the horse racing industry by being able to provide an essential service at the entry level.

The Qualification aims at developing a competent and professional work force to provide a service to clients in a safe, secure and confident manner. The skills, knowledge, values and understanding demonstrated in this Qualification are essential for the safe handling and safe keeping of a horse in a stable.

The core component of the Qualification offers the learner the knowledge and skills required that form the foundation of any career within the Equine and Equestrian Industry that the learner may wish to follow. The Qualification through its elective component enables the learner to specialise in areas that will enhance their chosen career path. It goes without saying that this Qualification will provide the broad knowledge, skills and values needed in the industry and will facilitate access to, and mobility and progression within, education and training.

Qualifying learners could be employed as:
  • Racing yard Grooms
  • Horse Handlers
  • Head Grooms
  • Hotel stable employees
  • Junior Farrier Assistants
  • Junior Racing Assistants
  • Racing gate Marshals
  • Equine Veterinary employees

    Rationale:

    The General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian is designed to meet the needs of learners in the Equine and Equestrian industry. It is designed to provide learners with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes required in this highly specialised industry. This is the first qualification in the learning pathway in this sector which progresses through to qualifications at NQF level 5 and offers people involved in working with and around horses the opportunity to begin with a programme of life-long learning. The qualification will help them to become knowledgeable and skilled people with enhanced employment opportunities who are able to contribute to improved productivity and efficiency in the Equine and Equestrian Industry.

    This Qualification aims to develop learners and promote professionalism and a strong, positive work ethic within the Equine and Equestrian industry, while at the same time bringing it into line with international standards. It provides learners with a knowledge and skills platform from which they can develop additional competencies required for a range of occupations and job-roles in the sector. It will also enable learners to receive a formal Qualification in equine and equestrian handling and stable yard skills where previously no formal recognition of expertise and competence existed.

    This Qualification will ensure that the quality of education and training in the Equine and Equestrian industry is enhanced and is in line with the standards worldwide. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners accessing this qualification are competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at ABET Level 3 on the NQF or equivalent.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The structure of this Qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible through the assessment of individual Unit Standards. This Qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a Qualification.

    If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment as mentioned above.

    This recognition of prior learning may allow:
  • Gaining of credits for unit standards in the qualification.
  • Obtaining of this Qualification in part or in whole.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access to this Qualification is open. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification is made up of a combination of learning outcomes from Fundamental, Core and Elective components, totalling 120 minimum credits.

    Fundamental: 39 credits.
    Core: 51 credits.
    Elective (Minimum): 30 credits.
    Total: 120 credits.

    Fundamental Component:
  • All the Fundamental Unit Standards totalling 39 credits are compulsory.

    Core Component:
  • All the Core Unit Standards totalling 51 credits are compulsory.

    Elective Component:

    The qualification consists of a number of elective learning specialisations covering various aspects of the equine and equestrian sector. Learners must select one of the specialisations and complete all the unit standards allocated to it. Should the credits for a specialisation not total the minimum of 30 credits required to complete the qualification, learners must select unit standards from the other specialisations to total the minimum required. The specialisations are:

    Race Grooming:
  • The unit standards are:
    > Explain and apply race day routines.
    > Fit basic horse racing tack.
    > Operate a personal computer system.
    > Perform horse riding proficiency skills on a trained horse.
    > Repair racing tack.

    Riding Proficiency:
  • There is only one unit standard, namely:
    > Perform horse riding proficiency skills on a trained horse.

    Learners are to select other unit standards from any of the other specialisations to make up the required credits.

    Stable Yard Routines:
  • The unit standards are:
    > Demonstrate basic occupational health and knowledge pertaining to the principles of handling of materials in a workplace.
    > Contribute to the suppression of wildfires at basic fire-fighting level.
    > Select other Unit Standards from any of the other Elective Unit Standards to make up the required credits.

    More specialisations will be added as they become available. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Work with and handle horses.

    2. Work in a stable yard.

    3. Understand and effect stable routines. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Touch and prepare a horse for riding in a safe manner for themselves and the animal.
  • Take care of the well-being of the horse to ensure its health and fitness.

    2.
  • Conduct repairs to property and boundaries in a stable yard in accordance with safety standards and procedures.
  • Perform cleaning and maintenance procedures in a stable yard environment to ensure the safekeeping and health of the horse and people in accordance with safety and environmental standards and procedures.

    3.
  • Prepare a horse for transportation in a safe manner in accordance with safety standards.
  • Work in a safe manner in a stable yard in accordance with health and safety standards and procedures.
  • Provide assistance in the event of an injury in a stable yard in accordance with legislative regulations and guidelines.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment should be carried out at regular intervals as well as at the end of the periods of study and should be offered in an integrated way. It is envisaged that learners will work at more than one unit standard at a time.

    Evidence is required that the candidate is able to achieve the purpose of the Qualification as a whole at the time of the award of the Qualification. Integration of skills will be demonstrated through the achievement of the core operational standards.

    Assessors should note that evidence of integration could well be presented by candidates when being assessed against the individual unit standards. Thus, there should not necessarily be separate assessments for each unit standard and then further assessment for integration. Well designed assessments should make it possible to gain evidence against each unit standard while at the same time gaining evidence of integration. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Qualification and set of Unit Standards utilizes international and locally recognised best practice and standards. There is no leading country in this field but there is an international body, The International Group for Equestrian Qualifications (IGEQ) consisting of 32 member countries that regulates equestrian qualifications on an international scale for its member countries through its qualifications body called, The International Group for Equestrian Qualifications. This body has as its objective and function to ensure a high standard of equestrian training in member countries and to issue international equestrian trainer's passports for use by people seeking employment in other countries. The following learning programmes offered by international institutions and organisations were looked at to inform the generation process in terms of specific components of the General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian:
  • Stable Management and Riding Proficiency offered by The Pony Club.
  • Mounted Policing offered by the Metro Police UK and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
  • Stud Management/Breeding offered by Massey, Kellogg's.
  • Disabled Persons Riding offered by the Federation of Riding for the Disabled International.
  • Farriers offered by Farriers USA.
  • Welfare offered by the RSPCA.
  • Complimentary Health Care offered by Equiworks USA.
  • Tourism Trail Riding offered by the International Tourism Federation, Ireland.

    The contents of those programmes were incorporated, where applicable, into the draft qualification and unit standards.

    The completed qualification and unit standards were then compared with the following qualifications:

    United Kingdom:

    Frederick A. Cook Partnership: Equine Certificate.

    This qualification contains the following components:
  • Ground training, backing, schooling and jumping.
  • Re-schooling and corrective training.
  • Rehabilitation after racing.
  • Rehabilitation after injury.
  • Management advice.
  • Preparation of horses going into training.
  • Natural and traditional training methods.

    The General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian matches most of the components of the above programme, such as, ground training, backing, schooling and jumping, basic management and preparation of horses going into training. The missing components: Re-schooling, Rehabilitation after racing, Rehabilitation after injury and Natural and traditional training methods will be added as specialisations.

    British Equestrian Federation:

    Their Equine Ethnology Certificate contains the following components:
  • Horse behaviour theory.
  • Horse behaviour fundamentals primary grounded skills.
  • Horse behaviour fundamentals primary ridden skills.
  • Understanding horse behaviour ground skills online A (12ft).
  • Horse behaviour ridden patterns A.
  • Understanding horse behaviours grounded skills online B (22ft).
  • Horse behaviour ridden patterns B.
  • Horse behaviour fundamentals at liberty.
  • Horse behaviour intermediate riding skills freestyle.
  • Horse behaviours, advanced grounded skills online (45ft).
  • Understanding house behaviour to develop engagement advanced riding skills A.
  • Horse behaviour advanced ground skills at Liberty.
  • Understanding horse behaviour to develop engagement advanced riding skills B.
  • Understanding horse behaviour to develop engagement advanced riding skills C.
  • Understanding horse behaviour to develop engagement advanced riding skills D.

    As with the Frederick A. Cook Partnership training programme, the General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian does not contain all of the components of the above qualification. The missing elements will be included in elective specialisations, if applicable.

    Norway:

    Riding Instructor Level 1.

    It contains the following components:
  • Practical element:
    > Dressage riding.
    > Show jumping.
    > Cross-country riding.
    > Instruction.
    > Practical stable work.
    > Lunging.
    > Vaulting.
    > Coach driving.
    > Young horse training/riding.
  • Theoretical elements:
    > Riding theory.
    > Pedagogic.
    > Riding centre administration and management.
    > Riding centre economics.
    > Horse health/veterinary subject.
    > Stable management
    > Breeding/conformation.
    > Young horse theory.
    > Horse psychology.
    > Shoeing.
    > Riders anatomy.
  • Other subjects:
    > First aid.
    > Riding for the disabled.

    The comparison is the same as for the previous two qualifications.

    Malaysia:

    Majlis Ekuin Malaysia.

    This qualifications consists of the following:
  • Core Skills (Modules):
    > General Horsemanship A.
    > General Horsemanship B.
    > Saddlery.
    > Rugs, Boots and Bandages.
    > Grooming.
    > Foot care.
    > Feeding.
    > Horse death.
    > Fitness and conditioning.
    > Travelling.
  • Elective Courses:
    > Riding on the Flat.
    > Riding over fences.
    > Horse management lecture.
    > Basic lunging techniques for exercise.
    > Basic coaching principles.
    > Basic coaching on the flat.
    > Basic coaching over fences.
    > Towing a horse float.
    > Introduction to the shoeing process.
    > Trail riding supervisor.
    > Horse handling and general husbandry.
    > Saddlery and equipment.
    > Grooming and presentation.
    > Clipping.
    > Foot care and shoeing.
    > Common foot problems.
    > Feeding.
    > Horse health.
    > Common skin problems.
    > Common leg problems.
    > Common ailments and disorders.
    > Common diseases.
    > Special health considerations.
    > Fitness and conditioning.
    > Travelling.
    > Lunging.

    Not all components are included in the General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian.

    Conclusion:

    Despite the fact that there is no one-for-one match of the learning in the General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian with all that is contained in the above-mentioned qualifications, it is felt that the General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian is comparable with best practice internationally as the core learning found in the international qualifications are also in the General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian. This conclusion is also based on the fact that the learning in other world renowned training programmes was used to inform the design of the General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian and its standards. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation is possible with the following Qualifications:
  • ID 48970: General Education and Training Certificate: Animal Production, NQF Level 1.
  • ID 20287: General Education and Training Certificate: Farming, NQF Level 1.
  • ID 48971: General Education and Training Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems, NQF Level 1.

    Vertical articulation is possible with the following Qualifications:
  • ID 48976: National Certificate: Animal Production, NQF Level 2.
  • ID 20288: National Certificate: Farming, NQF Level 2.
  • ID 48977: National Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems, NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQA's (including professional bodies), and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards, exit level outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Criteria for the registration of assessors:
  • Relevant Qualification at NQF level 2 or higher.
  • Minimum of 2 years' experience of equine and equestrian disciplines.
  • Registration as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  116999  Apply accurate information about HIV & AIDS to everyday life  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Core  116511  Carry out basic first aid treatment in the workplace  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Core  244041  Explain basic horse behaviour and body structure  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Core  244037  Groom a horse  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Core  244039  Lunge a trained horse for exercise  Level 1  NQF Level 01  10 
    Core  244251  Perform basic handyman tasks in a stable yard  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Core  244252  Perform basic stable yard operations  Level 1  NQF Level 01  8 
    Core  15091  Plan to manage one`s time  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Core  244034  Use basic horse tack, blankets and boots  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
    Core  244033  Load and unload horses for and from transport  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Fundamental  119373  Describe and represent objects in terms of shape, space and measurement  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
    Fundamental  119368  Describe, interpret and represent mathematical patterns, functions and algebra in different contexts  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Fundamental  119635  Engage in a range of speaking/signing and listening interactions for a variety of purposes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Fundamental  119364  Evaluate and solve data handling and probability problems within given contexts  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
    Fundamental  119631  Explore and use a variety of strategies to learn  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
    Fundamental  119640  Read/view and respond to a range of text types  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Fundamental  119636  Write/Sign for a variety of different purposes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Elective  116160  Apply basic human resource management principles and practices applicable in an agricultural environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Elective  244035  Apply race day routines  Level 1  NQF Level 01  8 
    Elective  119304  Compile a portfolio of evidence for assessment  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  117082  Contribute to the suppression of wildfires at basic fire-fighting level  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Elective  119568  Demonstrate basic occupational health and knowledge pertaining to the principles of handling of materials in a workplace  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Elective  244038  Fit basic horse racing tack  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Elective  119303  Handle and dispose of waste  Level 1  NQF Level 01  12 
    Elective  116932  Operate a personal computer system  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  244036  Perform horse riding proficiency skills on a trained horse  Level 1  NQF Level 01  7 
    Elective  243193  Practice good health and grooming habits  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Elective  116174  Recognise basic breeding behaviour of farm animals  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Elective  119306  Recognise, group, use and care for materials which can impact on health and the environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01  10 
    Elective  13172  Understand the employer/employee relationship  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  244040  Repair racing tack  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.