BHS Stages - Are they worth it and how much?

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vivhewe

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As in the title, I'm thinking of doing my BHS Stage 1, not because I want to work with horses so much but I think it will be something useful to have. Are they worth it and how much do they cost?
 
Depends what u want to do with it?
Stages are great if you wnat to teach or work in BHS centres other than that its not that great tbh. Its very basic. You have to be a member and also pay for the exam fee. Check out BHS website for prices
 
According to the BHS the care part is £68. Uni of Cumbria is doing the course and charging £200
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which I thought was a bit steep
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I think they can jog on!
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The £68 is just to sit the exam.

You will need training for which I pay £30 a week for a 2hr session. That is 1hr practical/theory and 1hr ride. For my stage 1 I didnt need that many as its all basic stuff, but I needed to be shown the 'BHS Way' of doing things.

For my Stage 2 I have had quite a few lessons so far and not feeling ready to sit it yet. Its a bit more complex as you need to know all the bones, muscles, how to shoe etc etc.

So yes it will end up costing a lot and I think £200 is quite cheap for a full Stage 1 course.
 
I did mine years ago before I bought my first horse, just to give me a piece of paper to go with my existing knowledge. Never hurts to get a broad view of something.

They were quite biased towards the BHS correct way of doing things, health and safety view as well as sensible approaches.

In terms of career they are I believe still the recognised career development exam.
 
Can anyone suggest where is East/West Sussex or Surrey that the BHS Stage 1 courses are taking place as although I have looked on the web I have not had much success in finding any suitable venue??!!!
PM me if necessary
Ta very much!
 
I've got my stage 1 on Friday at Longfield - eek, should have my head in the books!!! I didn't think I would learn much from doing it, but actually I did! I've really enjoyed doing it and would recommend it. I don't want to work with horses, but I do want to learn what I can. Although people moan about the BHS way it probably is safer (boring I know!).
 
I took my stage 3 recently for the same reason and am a big fan. I have no issue with the BHS 'way' - which to my mind is just the safe and correct way, in fact I think we would have less threads from self professed 'experienced' horse people who are clueless about basic stable management if people took more notice of the BHS 'way' of doing things......
 
I've done the odd BHS stage myself...and taught a few students (used to work for a college) towards them.
They are the only recognised vocational qualification in the industry, and they're a useful measure of someone's ability.
They are a bit obsessed with safety and doing things 'the BHS way', but it gives you a thorough grounding in skills, to build on with practical experience.
And £200 is very cheap!
S
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