Equestrian Coach or Instructor Level 3

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Equestrian Coach or Instructor Level 3. A Level 3 Equestrian Coach or Instructor designs, develop and delivers Equine, Equestrian and the Equine and Equestrian combination, performance and skills at an international level. The learner will be able to achieve this Advanced Level and operate as an Independent Master Instructor. The learner conducts training, coaching and mentorship of Equestrian Coaches at Levels 1 and 2, manage an equestrian centre, design, develop and deliver programmes for all levels. Level 3 Equestrian Coaches or Instructors train equines, riders and, the combination thereof for specific performance purposes, including assistance, security, leisure, competition, welfare, tourism, racing and education, in accordance with international standards. These industries comprise of a variety of specialisations and contexts and are fit for a specific purpose and according to internationally accepted procedures. A competent learner shall display the following attributes: tenacity, interpersonal skills, punctuality, integrity, and analytical skills. A qualified learner will be able to: • Manage potential risks in the training centre and its environment for specific purpose. • Conduct risk management at an advanced level. • Train and mentor instructor for Equine, Equestrian and/or Equine and Equestrian combination for international level • Advise on management an equestrian training centre • Design, develop and deliver training programmes for Equines, Equestrian/nes and/or Equine and Equestrian combination for specific purpose. • Manage training programmes for Equine, Equestrian and/or Equine and Equestrian combination for purpose.

South Africa has offered qualifications for Equestrian Instructors/Coaches since 1976. In 1996 South Africa was invited to join the International Group for Equestrian Qualifications made up of 40 member countries. Membership of this body requires that the member countries have formal qualifications which subscribe to an agreed minimum International standard for the Coach/Instructor/Teacher/Trainer/Riding Master Levels 1; 2 and 3. In 2004 the then Equine Management and Equestrian Instruction Standards Generating Body (SGB) conducted research on the current status of the industry at that time, which found that the Equine and Equestrian Industry was fragmented. The continued mission was to provide for recognised South African qualifications, for all occupations in the Equine and Equestrian industry at NQF levels one to seven. These qualifications will ensure that all Equine and Equestrian stakeholders align themselves with basic to advanced unified minimum national standards which are measured against international best practices. The learning pathways in South Africa currently cater to the Equine and Equestrian Industry at NQF Levels 1 to 4. These levels represent the component horse care and management skills required for all Instructors/Coaches. The occupational qualifications as Equestrian Coach or Instructor complete the learning pathways from Levels 1 to 7 and will meet the competencies required at International level. The Equine and Equestrian Industry is high risk for both the Equine and Equestrian (human handler) and it is critical to equip learners with appropriate skills and knowledge to ensure the safety of Equine, Equestrian and the public. Legislation dictates that any individual or group of individuals offering a service such as qualified Equestrian Instruction, should be suitably certified to do so. The horse industry comprises of over 330 000 horses in South Africa and is represented across income brackets, from the lowest to highest earners, with an estimated 60 000 people employed in the industry. The qualification is designed for learners who can work unsupervised in an equine and equestrian establishment and for those who aspire to work at supervisory and management level. Learners may aspire to, or already work in a range of equine and equestrian environments including but not limited to: leisure organisations; competition yards; racing stables; riding schools; tourism establishments; State and private mounted service organisations and riding for the Disabled. Legislation dictates that any individual or group of individuals offering a service such as qualified Equestrian Instruction should be suitably certified to do so. This qualification will be accessed by learners that wish to progress in their career within the Equine and Equestrian Industry, continuing their learning within the industry for further job opportunities and to have past learning and industry experience formally recognised.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • Occupational Certificate: Equestrian Coach or Instructor Level 2, NQF Level 6.

• Manage potential risks at the training venue and its environment for specific purpose.
• Advise on operations management of an equestrian training centre.
• Design, develop and deliver (performance) training programmes for Equine, Equestrian and/or Equine and Equestrian combination at an international level three (3).
• Design and manage Equestrian Instructor mentorship programme at international level.
• Manage training programmes for Equine, Equestrian and/or Equine and Equestrian.