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:

National Certificate: Equine Studies

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
71491	National Certificate: Equine Studies
ORIGINATOR
SGB Equine Management and Equestrian Instruction
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CATHSSETA - Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Education and Training Authority			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
Undefined	120	Level 2	NQF Level 02	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:

This qualification is aimed at persons who work or intend to work in the Equine and Equestrian industry as a horse master or related occupational fields, and who seek recognition for essential skills in the equine and equestrian field.

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.

Learners qualified with this qualification may progress to accessing various careers in the equine and equestrian field. These careers include but not limited to: Stable Groom, Jockey, Farrier, Stable Foreman, Trackwork Rider, Equine Veterinary Assistant, Stud Groom Harness Driver, Equine Feed Specialist, Stud Foreman, Trainer (Harness or Thoroughbred), Stud Manager, Racecourse Assistant, Bloodstock Agent, Sport Horse Groom, Racecourse Manager, and Equestrian Coach.

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 and at grass.

Rationale:

This qualification has been formulated such that it reflects the workplace-based needs of the Equine and Equestrian industry. The input has been used to ensure that the qualification provides the learner with accessibility to be employed within this Industry. The qualification may be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace, through learnerships and by Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

This qualification is intended to build on from the General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian Practices at NQF Level 1. It aims to enhance readiness for further study in Equine Studies and related fields at the Higher Education level, as well as providing for initial employment in the equine industry.

The qualification is the second within the learning pathway in this sector which progresses through to qualifications at NQF level 5 and beyond. The Qualification is involved in working with and around horses the opportunity to acquire recognizable qualifications.

The 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 best practice. It will therefore have economic and social benefits.

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 NQF Level 1 on the NQF or equivalent.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

This qualification may be achieved through the recognition of prior learning.

Any learner wishing to be assessed to achieve credits in respect of any or all of the unit standards specified in this qualification may arrange to do so without having to attend further education or training.

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. It is advisable that candidates should already have addressed the areas reflected under "learning assumed to be in place" before embarking on learning towards this qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The Qualification is made up of Unit Standards classified as Fundamental, Core and Elective, totalling 120 minimum credits.

Fundamental: 36 credits.
Core: 30 credits.
Elective: (Min) 54 credits.
Total: 120 credits.

Fundamental Component:

All the Fundamental Unit Standards totalling 36 credits are compulsory.

Core Component:

All the Core Unit Standards totalling 30 credits are compulsory.

Elective Component:

The qualification consists of a number of elective learning areas covering a combination of equine related specializations and life skills.

Should learners wish to specialize in riding or grooming, they must select either "develop riding proficiency" or "clip a horse", respectively. Learners wishing to specialise as Jockeys must select the following unit standards:

Exercise race horses at various paces on a sand track.

Explain and apply procedures pertaining to restricted areas.

Ride a horse in a Jockey seat on a sand track.

Should the credits for a specialisation not total the minimum of 48 credits required to complete the qualification, learners must select unit standards from the rest of the electives to total the minimum required.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Restrain equines in a humane manner when required.

2. Groom and prepare equines for a specific occasion.

3. Organise and monitor equine nutrition.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:

The equine is restrained for a specific purpose in a safe and humane manner.

Assistance is provided in the event of an injury in a stable yard in accordance with legislative regulations and guidelines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:

The hygiene of the equine is cared for to ensure its well being, health and appearance.

Grooming and grooming aids are applied that are not harmful to the Equine.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:

Feeding instructions are allocated according to workplace procedures.

Signs of good or bad health due to dietary allowance and diet are identified and rectified in accordance with acceptable practices.

The equine feeding plan is monitored in terms of applicability to the specific animals being fed.

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. Best practice is found in The International Group for Equestrian Qualifications (IGEQ) consisting of 34 member countries that harmonise bets practice equestrian qualifications on an international scale for its member countries through its qualifications body called, The International Group for Equestrian Qualifications which aligns to best practice internationally.

IGEQ comprises the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Training within these countries comprises IGEQ recommendations of the following competencies:

Introduction to OH&S procedures in the equine industry.

Horse handling and behaviour.

Horse care.

Horse nutritional requirements.

Principles of basic anatomy and physiology.

Monitor horse health.

Apply the various legislative requirements in Horse handling, care, breeding etc.

The following learning programmes offered by international institutions and organisations were looked at to inform the generation process:

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.

Complimentary Health Care offered by Equiworks USA.

Tourism Trail Riding offered by the International Tourism Federation, FITE.

The following qualifications from IGEQ member countries were also looked at:

New Zealand:

National Certificate in Equine (Introductory Skills) (Level 2), NQF Ref: 0216.

Australia:

The Certificate II in Equine Industry, offered by TAFE and in line with the Australian Qualifications Authority has the following competencies:

Introduction to OH&S procedures in the equine industry.

Handle horses safely in the equine industry.

Care for horses in the equine industry.

Determine nutritional requirements for standardbreds and thoroughbreds.

Apply principles of basic anatomy and physiology to horses.

Monitor horse health.

United Kingdom:

The British Equestrian Federation has the following Equine Ethnology Certificate qualification that has competencies that compare favourably to this qualification.
These competencies are: (a) Horse behaviour theory, (b) Horse behaviour intermediate riding skills freestyle, (c) Understanding house behaviour to develop engagement advanced riding skills A, B,C,D.

There are also a number of training institutions that offer vocational qualifications to prepare students for direct entry into employment or for progression to higher education. These programmes are within the qualification framework.

NVQs:

National Occupational Standards Title, NVQ/SVQ Qualification Structure Titles:

Animal Care, Animal Care Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Animal Care, Animal Care (Boarding) Levels 2 and 3.

Animal Care, Animal Care (Animal Welfare) Levels 2 and 3.

Equine, Horse Care Level 1 and 2.

Equine, Horse Care and Management Level 2.

Norway:

Norway: Riding Instructor Level 2.

It contains the following components:

Riding theory.

Horse health/veterinary subject.

Stable management.

Horse psychology.

Shoeing.

First aid.

Conclusion:

This qualification aligns well to international best practice because the South African National Equestrian Federation (SANEF), the body that controls training and certification in South Africa, is affiliated to the F�d�ration Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body of equestrian sports. It offers SANEF National Instructors' Examinations. Through its membership of the International Group for Equestrian Qualifications, holders of the SANEF Instructor's Certificate (Levels 1, 2 or 3) qualify for International Equestrian Passports.

This qualification aligns to FEI training requirements.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal articulation is possible with the following Qualifications:

ID 48976: National Certificate: Animal Production, NQF Level 2.

ID 20288: National Certificate: Farming, NQF Level 2.

Vertical articulation is possible with the following Qualifications:

ID 49048: National Certificate: Animal Production, NQF Level 3.

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 5 or higher.

Registration as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

Assessors must be registered as assessors with a relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding 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	335730	Demonstrate an understanding of Equine welfare	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	335743	Organise and monitor the feeding and watering of Equines	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Core	335718	Prepare an Equine for show	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Core	120496	Provide risk-based primary emergency care/first aid in the workplace	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Core	335745	Restrain an Equine	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	335754	Tack up an Equine	Level 2	NQF Level 02	6
Core	335727	Recognise and manage stable and un-mounted vices in Equines	Level 3	NQF Level 03	3
Fundamental	119463	Access and use information from texts	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	9009	Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Fundamental	7480	Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Fundamental	9008	Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Fundamental	119454	Maintain and adapt oral/signed communication	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	8967	Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	7469	Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Fundamental	9007	Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	119456	Write/present for a defined context	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Elective	335714	Clip an Equine	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Elective	14344	Demonstrate an understanding of a selected business environment	Level 2	NQF Level 02	10
Elective	8494	Demonstrate an understanding of HIV/AIDS and its implications	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Elective	335723	Develop riding proficiency	Level 2	NQF Level 02	8
Elective	335734	Exercise race horses at various paces on a sand track	Level 2	NQF Level 02	6
Elective	335739	Explain and apply procedures pertaining to restricted areas at a race course on race day	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Elective	120313	Investigate work opportunities in order to make a personal employment or work decision	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Elective	9268	Manage basic personal finance	Level 2	NQF Level 02	6
Elective	8420	Operate in a team	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Elective	335740	Ride a horse in a jockey seat on a sand track	Level 2	NQF Level 02	10
Elective	259604	Verify compliance to safety, health and environmental requirements in the workplace	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4

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