Diploma in Equine Science

Purpose

The qualification is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills to work as competent equine technicians in a variety of equestrian environments including stud farms, competitive and/or instructional stable Yards, leisure organisations, equine health care facilities and therapeutic riding centres. Graduates are equipped with the necessary applied competencies and technologies for entering operational and managerial positions, to engage with the diversity of stakeholders and contributors within the equestrian industry and to function independently demonstrating social, ethical and environmental awareness. Management practice and entrepreneurial skills render qualified learners employable in small to medium businesses or allow them to start their own equestrian enterprise, in an industry which is by nature client based, in turn creating further employment opportunities. Graduates will be able to use progressive and innovative approaches aligned with modern equine management practices, to meet the demands of producing and managing horses for equestrian sports, ecotourism, recreation and armed services while still prioritising the welfare of the animals. The Diploma will articulate vertically to the Advanced Diploma in Animal Sciences with specialisation in Equine Science.

Rationale

The equine industry in South Africa is broad based with an estimated total horse population of approximately 350 000. The racing and Thoroughbred breeding industries together make a significant contribution to the South African economy and have a work force of an estimated 35 000 people. The Various equestrian disciplines are growing in popularity as sport and recreation activities. A large number of horses are registered to participate in events organised by the various provincial societies and national Associations. The increasing number of horse safaris and trekking centres make a meaningful contribution to ecotourism attracting both local and international tourists. Horses also fulfil important functions in the South African Defence Force and the South African Police Services, including mounted policing law enforcement, crowd management and rural operational duties. The use of horses for sport and recreational purposes and economic gain carries an innate moral and ethical obligation. For this reason, the training of technicians for work in the equine industry is highly specialised and requires an in-depth scientific approach, which is the focus of this qualification. Modern equine management practices must meet the demands of producing horses for sport, recreation and the armed services while still prioritising the welfare of the animals and safety of handlers and trainers. The qualification is aimed at individuals entering operational positions in the equine industry as junior managers or technicians. Such individuals will operate as a link between labourers and managers or business owners. For these individuals to be successful they will have to demonstrate an understanding of the structure of the enterprises and be able to apply the theoretical knowledge obtained. They will also have to communicate actions between different levels of management, and implement decisions in an organised way to achieve the best results. The nature of the equine industry is such that it is client based. This implies there are extensive opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop small to medium size businesses providing goods and services in a growing industry, in turn contributing to the creation of further educational and job opportunities. The qualified learner will have the choice of the following career paths: horse farm/Stud manager; commercial equestrian enterprise manager; equine consultant; equestrian sports management; equine welfare services; ecotourism; feed and tack merchant and entrepreneur. This qualification also makes provision for qualifying learners to further their development by providing an extensive foundation for specialising in related equine study fields such as, but not limited to, farriery, equine dentistry, equine alternative therapies and equine assisted physiotherapy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Institutional requirements and policies are followed with RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules 1, Level 5, 120 Credits

• Animal Anatomy and Physiology I, 24 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship I, 12 Credits.
• Animal Breeding and Genetics I, 12 Credits.
• Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.
• Information Literacy I, 2 Credits.
• Pasture Science I, 12 Credits.
• Science for Occupational Purpose I, 12 Credits.
• Mathematics and Statistics I, 12 Credits.
• Stable Management I, 12 Credits.
• Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
• Life Skills I, 2 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 6, 240 Credits

• Farriery II, 12 Credits.
• Equestrian Coaching and Instruction II, 12 Credits.
• Mare and Foal Management II, 12 Credits.
• Equine Nutrition II ,12 Credits.
• Equine Veterinary Care II, 24 Credits.
• Equine Exercise Physiology II, 12 Credits.
• Stallion Management II, 12 Credits.
• Equine Applied Zoo technology II, 24 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Equine Sciences. 120 Credits.

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and an understanding in the fields of equine stud management, commercial stable yard management including administrative, financial and personnel requirements pertaining to equestrian enterprises, as well as the ability to apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principals, rules and theories of the fields named above.
2. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate different sources of information in the field of equine science and to apply well-developed processes of analysis and synthesis. Graduates should also be able to interact with all stakeholders either in the industry, communicating information reliably, accurately and coherently, using conventions appropriate to the context, in writing, verbally or in practical demonstration.
3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures or techniques in processes of investigation or application within a defined context pertaining to equine healthcare.
4. Management, nutrition, stable routines, training, and handling practices.
5. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a supervisory role as well as in a team or group and to take responsibility for his or her decisions and actions, including accountability for implementing best practice management ethics, equine welfare and the use of resources where applicable.
6. Demonstrate detailed knowledge in the fields of equestrian sport, recreation, ecotourism, instruction and coaching. They should demonstrate an ability to apply entrepreneurial skills in the development of equestrian enterprises and be able to identify, analyse and solve problems in unfamiliar contexts within the equine industry, gathering evidence and applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to the field.
7. Demonstrate promotion of lifelong learning and sound welfare practices within the equine industry and provide support to the learning needs of others.
8. Demonstrate ethical and professional practice in Animal Sciences based on an awareness of the complexity of ethical dilemmas.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of the natural resources and the importance of veldt pastures.
• Use anatomical terminology effectively.
• Perform basic calculations that underpin animal production.
• Use appropriate economic terminology effectively.
• Determine farm animals' nutritional requirements.
• Describe the current South African poultry industry.
• Describe the current South African pig industry.
• Describe the current South African small stock industry.
• Describe the current South African beef industry.
• Describe the current South African dairy industry.
• Interpret, present and apply current research.
• Be aware of the legal aspects affecting human resource management.
• Apply a range of communication techniques in the context of managing an animal production unit.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment will be achieved by a variety of strategies. At key exit points on the programme, students are required to demonstrate their learning achievements through Integrated Assessment methods that draw on a range of knowledge and skills learnt from across the modules of the programme. These include written tests and examinations, group and individual projects and assignments and practical examinations. Continuously Integrated Assessment strategies enable students to achieve applied Competence in vocational oriented subject and modules.

Formative Assessment: learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is done so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes class tests and assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and a limited number of outcomes. Summative Assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes Integrated Assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, laboratory reports or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative Assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.