BHS Riding and Road Safely Test

Have you ever solved a horses box movement fear?

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Eaglestone

Eaglestone

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I took my BHS Riding and Road Safety Test many years ago now
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I took it because my 'discipline' is the love for Hacking/Pleasure Riding and enjoying the quiet one to one with my horse .... and I have enjoyed hours and hours with my old boy going absolutely everywhere
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....

Most of the candidates on my course were taking it as it was a requirement to progress them further with their Stages. However little old me was taking it for the experience and the feeling that 'I should do it'

Out of about 13 or so of us, approximately 9 of use failed 1st time. Which just goes to show you how tough it was
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I 'failed' due to a 'dangerous manoeuvre' on the Road Route. But am pleased to say that I passed on the 2nd attempt and so did the others
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I am a staunch advocate that anyone riding on the roads should be prepared to take the test!

Are you?
Please see this link if you would like to know more about the test ....
BHS Web Page

Please fell free to answer my Poll
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I did it because I had to for BHS exams, didnt have a horse of my own at the time. However knowing I had it when I did get a horse filled me with confidence on the roads (not sure why though! lol). We did a 3 day solid course, one in the class room, one in the 'practice route' and on on 'the road' and Im pleased to say I passed first time without any problems
 
I too took mine many years ago when it first came out. Yes, it's valuable. But sadly the majority of those who need to take it - especially teenagers - probably don't. I'm talking about the no hat/no high viz/speaking on mobile phone brigade.

I sometimes wonder if there is less of a need for competent riders who have also been driving for a while. Being a driver and rider certainly helps - you see the problems from both sides. But still there is a need to know what to do on a horse when on the road.

Sadly you can be a competent rider, passed the test have all the hi-viz stuff on and it still won't stop the car going too fast round the corner going into you. These days we need better segregation where possible more off road riding.

The question is with all the training are the numbers of accidents going down?
 
Mr_Ed I see your point and agree with you mostly ... however I ride out with Competent adult car driving riders and I somethimes cringe with their unawareness of other roads users. I am not sure who has or hasn't taken the Test, however I am sure if they had they would be more aware
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Some of them get annoyed with the speed of drivers (even though they are within the speed limit ... but of course that's another story!) but forget that they do exactly the same thing when they are behind the wheel
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The main thing that I notice is that when they go to carry out a manoeuvre (turning right in particular) they do not look behind them
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. Now that is a basic action when being a car driver ... I could go on .......

The main training that has stayed with me from my test, was the need to look behind you every time .... you want to trot; you want to go back to walk; if you see a hazard coming; you want to turn left; you want to turn right etc etc ..... basically you spent more time looking behind you than in front
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I did mine 23yrs ago..


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Oh that is brilliant, I bet you are so proud making it to the paper, what a lovely keepsake to keep with your Certificate and Badge
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I would love to take it but trying to find some info on it is proving difficult. I spoke to the BHS who said I had to speak to the individual centres who said I had to speak to the BHS *sigh* As my horse is not road proof at all I'd have to hire one from the centre meaning the whole thing will cost me upwards of £100 - more than my driving test cost (tho that was a while ago...
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Thanks Eaglestone. You've made me think further. Whilst being a driver, it may be more that I was a racing cyclist during my teenage years that makes me be more aware of what is going on around me when on horseback on the roads, particularly looking over my shoulder and being aware of positioning. When on two wheels you can at times be more vulnerable than on four legs. In slow moving traffic a drunk driver demolished the rear of my bike after driving into me. Latterly in life dog walking on country lanes also makes you more aware of traffic.

These additional experinces no doubt feed into my equestrian roadcraft skills alongside my BHS R&R safety qualification.
 
I see you are from Tewkesbury. Log onto the BHS West Midlands website - Worcestershire BHS does Riding and Road Safety Tests quite regularly. Sometimes they are arranged for the Pony Club, but adults do them too.
 
I passed 2nd time when I was 11 or so - first time I had to turn right onto a main road, and positioned myself on the right, rather than the left (obviously thought I was a car
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Doh! Will never make that mistake again, I was gutted. First time I'd failed anything! It taught me a lot, most of which I have since forgotten...Could probably do with a refresher...
 
Hi Zalacca ... I can sympathise with you regarding the costs, if you need to hire the horse as well .... not sure how much my preparation classes and final test (x 2
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) cost now as it was such a long time ago
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I, like you, had my own horse (still have the same one
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) but as he does not load, (and would have exploding in that situation
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) it was not an option.

I suppose if you could find a local yard that was prepared to take it then that may be another option. But maybe no use to you
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I hope you can find a way round this as it is very thought provoking and challenging
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PS I forgot to say ... but the R&R Safety Test was so much harder than taking my Driving Test
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, which I passed 1st time.

Mind you I expect the new Driving Test, Practical and Theory is sooooo hard now and I would fail
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They did it at my yard, I observed some of the practice sessions, my pony was used for the test, I was a helper on the day and I have read the book, so don't feel the need to do it especially as the course and test cost £100.
 
I was going to take it next month, until I found out that I had to do 8 (I think) hours of training during the week before. I don't have that much spare time! So, by making the requirements so stringent, the BHS has put me off from doing it at all. Counterproductive?
 
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I was going to take it next month, until I found out that I had to do 8 (I think) hours of training during the week before. I don't have that much spare time! So, by making the requirements so stringent, the BHS has put me off from doing it at all. Counterproductive?

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I did my theory training over a course of about 8 weeks in the classroom, during the evening, but I cannot remember if I had to go for pratical training prior to the test or not now
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Basically they taught you the way the BHS expected you to carry out the test on the day, a bit like the Driving Test .... you know not crossing you hands etc to get you through the test .... but then we go home and do it our own way
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I hope you get chance to do it one day, as I am sure you will find it well worth it
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I have read a BHS manual to cover the theory side, yet they still expect me to pay for lessons on the same. It feels like a means to extract money from me.

I can take any stage exam "off the streets" (only requirement being to have passed the previous exams). I can event, SJ etc. without having paid for training, yet the BHS requires me to do this before they will even let me take the exam. The whole point of an exam is that you either pass or you don't.

I was going to take my Stage 2 (which I have done a training course for) and then go on to the PTT, but frankly this hassle over the R&RST is putting me off from proceeding. I will just carry on hacking on roads though whether I pass the test or not!
 
I intend on doing it again, I failed in the indoor riding element as I was on a mahoosive ancient/dead to all aids ugly cart horse and I was used to my then SH who was smaller and much more resonsive

Is there a time frame for the 8 hour training?
 
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I have read a BHS manual to cover the theory side, yet they still expect me to pay for lessons on the same. It feels like a means to extract money from me.

I can take any stage exam "off the streets" (only requirement being to have passed the previous exams). I can event, SJ etc. without having paid for training, yet the BHS requires me to do this before they will even let me take the exam. The whole point of an exam is that you either pass or you don't.

I was going to take my Stage 2 (which I have done a training course for) and then go on to the PTT, but frankly this hassle over the R&RST is putting me off from proceeding. I will just carry on hacking on roads though whether I pass the test or not!



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Oh how frustrating I can see where you are coming from
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... and I would have carried on hacking out even if I had failed the 2nd time as well
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I intend on doing it again, I failed in the indoor riding element as I was on a mahoosive ancient/dead to all aids ugly cart horse and I was used to my then SH who was smaller and much more resonsive

Is there a time frame for the 8 hour training?

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Sorry I do not know the answer to this one, but as DRJames said the BHS make things a bit complicated by the sounds of it, so all I can suggest is that you contact them
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we are running a rrst exam on april 1st and as far as I am aware you don't need any prior training to attend?

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That sounds handy for anyone in your area reading this
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thankyou
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