BHS Stage 1 worth it??

[Irishdiamond]

Hey everyone looking for some horsey opinions please

I'm an adult returner rider, I would LOVE to work in a yard one day but feel I have to do the BHS Stages to get taken seriously. Even though I spent years at ponyclub, because my riding isn't that great(after a 5 year break) I feel no-one will take me seriously unless I complete these exams.

I would love to work part time at a riding school but everyone there seems to be up to BHS Level 1 atleast.

I've only been back riding 7/8 weeks and my instructor said I wouldn't be ready for the riding part yet (as the exam is 2 months away) She said I would fail on silly things like rein contact and I can't manage to stand in light seat for more than a few strides ... yet!! They're running a BHS Stage one course next month. She suggested I do it but only do the care exam then sit the riding exam in spring.
They're running another course in spring, would it be smarter to just continue with my normal lessons then in spring do the course and then the full exam? or do the course now and just not sit the riding part.

The BHS course is expensive plus I wont be riding at the exam centre from oct-march, I'll be riding at a local school instead so I'm not sure if it would be best to do just wait and do the full thing.
What does everyone think?

 

[iaej]

I would personally wait and do it altogether as it does cost less to take the exam as a whole. That does mean more to think (worry) about on exam day though if you are anything like me

 

[EBHouse]

It depends what you want to achieve by working on a yard. I know many places that aren't so bothered about qualifications, they would be delighted to have you provided you can muck out a box quickly

However the stage 1 would be a good goal for you to set yourself as you get back into riding.

Are you happy with the syllabus? The training course would be a good option at this stage to find out exactly what is expected of you for the exam, and then you have all winter to practice doing things "the BHS way" so to speak (adjusting stirrups with feet in them comes to mind!), and revising for whatever knowledge you may not be as strong on. BUT if your instructor has a good understanding of what you should be doing to pass then she should hopefully be preparing you for this anyway.

I definitely recommend doing the training course at some point though, so you become familiar with the exam venue and their equipment.

With regards to splitting the exam in two, it depends on what your priorities are; is the cost an important factor? If so I would be inclined to do them all in a oner. However if you think you are likely to be super stressed on the day, it is a nice idea to not have to panic about both parts. BHS exams are modular now as well so if you did the care first and failed anything then you could redo them when you do your riding in the spring, which would take the pressure off you a little.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Doing my BHS exams was the best decision I ever made, I have traveled the world off the back of them and even now not working with horses anymore I use the knowledge and skills I learnt everyday with my own horses, and still teach freelance occasionally, simply because I enjoy it.