Anyone taken their BHS Stage 2 @ Talland?

B

Becca2403

Active Member
Joined
7 August 2016
Messages
46
Visit site
I'm taking my stage 2 there on the 8th March and was just hoping I could get some idea of what the horses were like and the general feel for the place. I'm going to try and book a lesson a few days before if my work let me have time off!
 
I didn't take my exams there but rode there quite a bit a few years ago. Horses are well drilled (in a BHS way - not surprising really) and know their job, indoor school is very busy. I had lessons with Hilary Hughes there is no hiding place with her - she unpicked my riding and dug out all my sloppy habits!
 
Becca2403 said:
I'm taking my stage 2 there on the 8th March and was just hoping I could get some idea of what the horses were like and the general feel for the place. I'm going to try and book a lesson a few days before if my work let me have time off!
Click to expand...

I did my PTT exam there and the staff were all really helpful and the horses used in the lessons that I taught were very well behaved, well mannered and well schooled. I felt it was a great place to do the exam. Good luck.
 
Thank goodness. The plan is to take my PTT exam there also, but only if I get on with the horses in a couple of weeks!
What did they expect of you in the PTT exam, I've heard several different stories 🙈
 
I've ridden at Talland a few times on a variety of horses, and also watched some of the lessons there.

In general I'd say the horses know the drill, for RS horses they would be some of the better ones. Haven't seen anything being particularly naughty.

I think overall I'd just say the ones I ride were a bit stiff and switched off in general. But if you pressed the right buttons the responses were there.
 
Focus on getting through your Stage 2 now, and don't worry about the PTT at the moment. As I understand it, the exam (but not the syllabus) for the PTT is changing from July, so our experiences may not help you.
 
View said:
Focus on getting through your Stage 2 now, and don't worry about the PTT at the moment. As I understand it, the exam (but not the syllabus) for the PTT is changing from July, so our experiences may not help you.
Click to expand...

I better hurry up and take it then 😂😂😂 oh the stress is really getting to me! I hear it's still currently a portfolio instead of 500 hours, can I start that before as soon as I've passed my 2 or do I have to take my PTT exam first?
 
Becca2403 said:
I better hurry up and take it then ������ oh the stress is really getting to me! I hear it's still currently a portfolio instead of 500 hours, can I start that before as soon as I've passed my 2 or do I have to take my PTT exam first?
Click to expand...

Once you have your PTT, as the portfolio is sent to you when you book it. You'll need your full Stage 3 too to be awarded the AI.

From July the exams system may well be changing, Pammy Hutton alluded to it in a H&H column.
 
Last edited:
Becca2403 said:
I better hurry up and take it then ������ oh the stress is really getting to me! I hear it's still currently a portfolio instead of 500 hours, can I start that before as soon as I've passed my 2 or do I have to take my PTT exam first?
Click to expand...

No, the 500 hour requirement went a while ago. It's now a portfolio of evidence that you have 6 months to complete from passing your PTT. Don't rush into sitting your PTT - the exams are expensive, so far better to take them when you are confident that even when stressed and nervous you will pass rather than going in with a wing and prayer. You need to have enough practical experience under your belt that you can flex your lesson plan without it being obvious to your riders and convince the examiners that you are safe.
 
View said:
No, the 500 hour requirement went a while ago. It's now a portfolio of evidence that you have 6 months to complete from passing your PTT. Don't rush into sitting your PTT - the exams are expensive, so far better to take them when you are confident that even when stressed and nervous you will pass rather than going in with a wing and prayer. You need to have enough practical experience under your belt that you can flex your lesson plan without it being obvious to your riders and convince the examiners that you are safe.
Click to expand...

I've been teaching for the last year in a bhs riding school, and teach every day I work, so I'm quite comfortable with my teaching. I give a variety of lessons from lunge lessons, lead reins and groups.
 
Becca2403 said:
I've been teaching for the last year in a bhs riding school, and teach every day I work, so I'm quite comfortable with my teaching. I give a variety of lessons from lunge lessons, lead reins and groups.
Click to expand...

View makes a good point re not rushing into it.

I was riding in a PTT practice session last week and gave the candidate (unintentionally) something to really think about when it came to adjusting their lesson plan. So much so that the senior instructor stepped in and advised on what to do next. Are you teaching proper PTT style 25min sessions at the standard of riders who'll be your ride? Or you are teaching regulars where you know everything about them? The two are very different.
 
Last edited:
teapot said:
View makes a good point re not rushing into it.

I was riding in a PTT practice session last week and gave the candidate something to really think about when it came to adjusting their lesson plan. So much so that the senior instructor stepped in and advised on what to do next. Are you teaching proper PTT style 25min sessions at the standard of riders who'll be your ride? Or you are teaching regulars where you know everything about them? The two are very different.
Click to expand...

Trust me, having an examiner scrutinising everything you say and do for 25 minutes, and then asking you to justify what you have done is very different from teaching in your home riding school. And the nerve wracking wait for the feedback from your riders ...

Please don't get me wrong - I'm not saying you aren't good enough, I'm just saying there is no need to rush just because the exam (not the syllabus, as far as I know) is changing slightly.

It sounds as though where you work is a BHS Approved riding school rather than. where to Train Centre (forgive me if I have got that wrong, but you did mention the previous 500 hour log book). Why not attend one of the PTT information days, which would give you a chance to find out what to expect face to face?

But first of all, good luck with your Stage 2. Exams are always nerve wracking.
 
View said:
Trust me, having an examiner scrutinising everything you say and do for 25 minutes, and then asking you to justify what you have done is very different from teaching in your home riding school. And the nerve wracking wait for the feedback from your riders ...

Please don't get me wrong - I'm not saying you aren't good enough, I'm just saying there is no need to rush just because the exam (not the syllabus, as far as I know) is changing slightly.

It sounds as though where you work is a BHS Approved riding school rather than. where to Train Centre (forgive me if I have got that wrong, but you did mention the previous 500 hour log book). Why not attend one of the PTT information days, which would give you a chance to find out what to expect face to face?

But first of all, good luck with your Stage 2. Exams are always nerve wracking.
Click to expand...

Concentrate on the Stage 2 first, but meanwhile if your clients are receptive to it, start practising the PTT type lessons that you will be required to teach in the exam. It's incredibly difficult to teach what you want (and adapt if necessary) in the time allotted :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top