FÁS BHSAI Course: Experiences and Advice...

[CathalToomey]

Hi guys, this is my first post so I hope you all bear with me.

I'm finishing up in university after this year and I'm really interested in pursuing a career with horses in some fashion.
I've spent my summers working in equestrian centres around Ireland, and once in the U.S. on a J1, and I really loved the work. I'm trying to figure out what to do this time next year and I'm looking into doing the BHSAI training course through FÁS.

I was just wondering if anyone here has done it or knows somebody who has done it and would be willing to give me some advice about what the course is like, where is the best equestrian centre to do it in, etc.

Thanks very much in advance, guys
Cathal.

http://goo.gl/5ufl2p

 

[ruth83]

Hi Cathal,

I'm sorry but I'm not sure what FAS so I cannot offer any advice from that point of view.
It certainly sounds like you are not afraid to travel - why not have a look at some of the centres which offer student courses to work towards your BHSAI?

 

[Dowjones]

I did the course 6 years ago in Thornton Park EC up in Swords/Ashbourne. It was a great experience and the level of training was to a high standard as it should be. They have a big selection of horses to train on, so by the time you go to exams you are well prepared from riding different types of horses. Would highly recommend doing the course if the BHS exams are what you are after. I've also heard that Callaighstown (sp?) is good, and also Brennanstown in Wicklow. Feel free to ask any questions.

 

[CathalToomey]

Thanks for getting back to me, mate. Yeah, I'd like to have something formal behind me and the syllabus for the BHS exams looks good to me. I was just wondering about the day to days of the course. What would you spend a typical day doing? How much riding would you get to do? How many days a week are you in? Can you claim any kind of jobseeker's allowance while you're doing it? Any kind of information along that line would be great