SVQs or HND in Equine studies/horse management?

[melxvengeance]

I am qualified up to HND level in Equine, after doing my ANC and HNC. I know that the HNC/ND is a fairly new thing and everything still pretty much runs on BHS. Unfortunately I can't afford to take my BHS stages or else I would have done so by now.

I recently e-mailed a yard asking if they have any vacancies, only to be told that the qualifications relevant in the equine industry are either BHS stages or SVQs, and pretty much implying my HND is useless however I have worked on a few yards while at college and after I finished college (finished last year). This person also advised me to go take my BHS stages (which I can't do because I can't afford it) and my SVQS, but I didn't think this was possible to go down a level? So what is the difference? Would you prefer an employee on your yard that is SVQ, BHS, or HND?

Surely an HND is above an SVQ because it is more theory? In my HND I did business management, grassland and running of the yard to name but a few.

 

[Shilasdair]

I have academic qualifications in horses, including HND.
But the truth is that yards want proof of practical ability, which is best assessed by BHS exams.
So, if you can afford it, do your BHS exams, and perhaps consider benchmarking your HND to the Stages to help employers understand what you can do.
S

 

[melxvengeance]

Unfortunately, being unemployed, I just can't afford it. I was meant to do my stage 1 as part of my first course at college however they cocked it up and I wasn't able to do it. I have worked on a big SJ and dealing yard for 6 months while I was at college so I thought this would count for something but obviously not!

 

[cattysmith]

Keep trying! Not all yards are like this. I think some may pick BHS qualifications due to insurance and peace of mind knowing what is involved with the exams means the person qualified has got the experience of each stage, but many may not realise just what goes into it (full time course over 2 years!!) it's bloody hard work. HND (when I did mine) aims to have you at BHS stage 4 level. You may need to prove yourself to them.

Of course many yards don't give a stuff for any qualifications what so ever because in reality we all know there's nothing like experience!

Don't get disheartened. You'll definitely find something eventually. Good luck!