BHS Stages

[Foxford]

I joined the BHS to get insurance cover for riding (seemed the cheapest option). So I thought while I'm a member I might have a bash at the exams! And hopefully learn a few things in the process. The decision was also prompted by the fact I live just over a mile away from a RS which runs evening classes in preparation for the exams. Anyway, I'm not going to be living there forever, so I thought I'd do it now.

I don't want to work with horses - I'm already on another career path I'm perfectly happy with and will hopefully pay for a horse or two in the next few years. But the BHS states they are aimed at "career students". So wondered if there was anyone out there who has done what I'm thinking of doing? And any advice?!!

 

[jumpthemoon]

I've got my stage one and R&RS and Im going to do my two and three this year. I dont want to work with horses, but I think its nice to have something on paper and it gives you a goal. I'd like to do my PTT as well as I sometimes teach friends.

You don't need to be a career student - I think the reason they say that is that the exams are a very similar format to what you would study if you were to choose that type of career and if you want to teach you need to take them. There is nothing wrong with having a bash at them for your own reasons and I know people who do this as well as me. Good luck

 

[Silgram]

I took my BHS stages 1,2 and 3 just to improve my riding and knowledge. I had no intention of working with horses. It what a great experience and improved my riding. Go for it.

 

[Shilasdair]

Hi
I've done some BHS exams, but you'd really struggle to get the proper Stages after just evening classes, need to ride a lot and get practical practice too.
If you go onto the BHS website you can download the syllabus for Stage 1 so you can see what you have to do, and it also lists exam dates.
S

 

[Foxford]

Thanks!

I have had horses and am currently riding other peoples hence the need for insurance!!!! I've had a quick look at the stage 1 syllabus, and apart from the feed section I think I could answer most of the questions. I know they are quite picky about passing you so I will try and get plenty of practice in! Especially putting rugs on "the proper" way!!!

 

[cyearsley]

Did my BHS stages as a "mature" student a couple of years ago. The Stage 1 and 2 exams are relatively straight forward and a friend of mine passed both of hers at evening classes but you do need the formal training as the BHS like things to be done in the correct way etc and you need te opportunity to be able to ride lots of different horses so maybe top up your course with additional riding lessons if needed. The Stage 3 exam is a bit more detailed and really designed for those working with horses, the care section is very hands on and for the riding you will need to be schooling horses to improve them, not exercising them and again you need to ride a variety of horses as much as you can. My advice would be that you can do them on a part-time or evening basis but you may need to put in some addtional work too esp for stage 2 and edfo for stage 3 but also depends at what level you are at now - good luck!

 

[teapot]

They're not cheap to do is probably the best thing I can tell you.

And although they say they're aimed at career students, think they are a good way of furthering your knowledge or just wanting some qualifications. Be prepared to do stuff the BHS way though

 

[loopylucifer]

have just finished teaching a st1 course not all people on course intended to take exam and the course was run with that in mind. BHS are a bit picky about way things should be done its not rocket science but most people can learn something form the exams. as said st 1 most people could take with a bit of prep st 2 there is more volume of info st3 you do have to do some work and be very practical. hope that helps gd luck!