Bhs stage 1 questions?

[skewbaldmillie]

I'm taking my stage 1 soon and have a few questions for people, main one is, how are you supposed to carry a straw bale??? I really have no clue. Also do most wear jackets as don't want to look like an idiot in a show jacket whilst everyone else are in jumpers😂

Thanks for any help

 

[Count Oggy]

Hi. I did my stage 1 a few years ago now but I don't remember lifting a straw bale. If they ask it's probably general manual handling techniques they're looking for. Bend at the knees, straight back,wear gloves etc. As for attire, most wore tweed, which is strictly correct, and I think maybe one had a blue show jacket and another a jumper. I'd go as smart as possible but they won't penalise you unless you dress outside of their guidelines.

 

[Chloe..x]

I did mine about 8 years ago now and certainly don't remember having to lift a straw bale either. As what Count Oggy said, I think everyone bar one person was in a tweed but as long as your within guide lines its fine.

 

[EventingMum]

Back straight, bend your knees to lift the bale so you don't strain your back. Traditionally a tweed jacket but a navy jacket is also fine, as is a plain jumper for stage 1, shirt, tie, gloves, hair in a hairnet or neatly tied back. beige jods (white if you don't have beige) clean, polished boots. A jumper or jacket can be worn for the care sections.

 

[Count Oggy]

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?615841-BHS-Stage-1-Exam-My-Experience

This is a great post (or three) about one person's stage 1 experience. She did have to lift a bale but did it incorrectly. Please let us know if you find out how to do it the BHS way. I always use a wheelbarrow. Just to add, the stage one is usually a relaxed affair and the examiners are very friendly. I actually fell off in mine, my first fall in years. The horse spooked and shot sideways. I was mortified but it didn't count against me.

 

[Otherwise]

I did mine about a year ago, most had tweed though there was the odd jumper or navy jacket. We had to lift a 20kg bag of feed safely and water buckets out of stables, if you can't lift the bucket you can ask another candidate to help.

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

I did my test quite a few years ago. I don't have my own horse and couldn't justify the cost of a new jacket just for the one day so wore a plain blue sweatshirt over a shirt & tie. I simply couldn't afford a jacket. Everyone else was in tweed jackets.

I felt a bit under dressed and like everyone was staring at me but the instructors were great and it had no effect on my riding or knowledge.

I passed both elements of the test while many of the more appropriately dressed didn't. The important element is your knowledge and ability, worry about those as your priority.

If you can't afford a jacket see if you can borrow from a friend but you'll be fine in a smart jumper.

Best of luck for the exam.