BHS Stage 1 exam

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Homerina

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Just wondering if anyone had taken this exam and had any advice?
Taking it in November . Just started back riding in January after an almost ten year gap (had ridden for over ten years and had ponies and competed, Pony Club etc). Wanted to give myself a goal to work towards as I dont have my own horse and am just taking weekly lessons and wanted a bit of a challenge.
Any advice appreciated:)
 
Hi i took this exam a good few years ago, if you can walk, trot and canter in a balanced manner, and discuss the horse and its way of going, You should manage the ridden side.
I think there has been changes to the theory/ practical side of it, but if you follow the syllabus and can discuss and demonstrate basic practical horse care and ensure you have some hands on knowledge, you should be ok.
Read the Bhs books covering the practical stuff as they like you to do things their way :D
 
I did this in March 2009, I made sure I got the BHS books and read them thoroughly. I was at equine college at the time so had free access to stable management lessons from my tutor though which was a bonus. I also made sure to have some lunge lessons before the riding section. I was a bit spoilt as I took the exam at my old riding school so knew both the horses I had to ride!

As long as you know relatively basic horse care, grooming, tack, rugs and management [feeding is where I lost a couple points] the stable management part should be okay. The BHS have a specific way of doing things which might seem silly or long winded to the way you'd normally do something but you must do it their way, the 'safe' way, to pass.

The riding I found very easy, walk, trot, canter, foward position over poles.

Make sure your whip is the right length! I got told off for having a too long whip.

I hope it goes well for you!
 
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