How long to complete BHS stages 1-3, PTT and BHSAI?

sandi_84

sandi_84

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I am seriously considering going through the BHS stages, I would eventually like to become an instructor and I was just looking for some information from anyone who has already completed the above courses.

Would you reccomend any of the other courses? I would like to do the stage 4 and above eventually too.
How long does it take (assuming you were to work straight through them) and how much time away from home/work does it entail?

Thanking you in advance for any help/advice you can offer! :D
 
sandi_84 said:
I am seriously considering going through the BHS stages, I would eventually like to become an instructor and I was just looking for some information from anyone who has already completed the above courses.

Would you reccomend any of the other courses? I would like to do the stage 4 and above eventually too.
How long does it take (assuming you were to work straight through them) and how much time away from home/work does it entail?

Thanking you in advance for any help/advice you can offer! :D
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I think it depends on whether youre working in the business or freelancing.
What type of horses you ride at present and your level of riding, best bet, talk about it to an instructor and have them assess your riding and knowledge.
Good luck
 
In theory it should be possible to take the exams in a year however it depends on a number of factors:

-What level you are at currently/how quickly you become ready for each exam
- Whether you pass each exam first time or have to retake
-Whether exams are available in your area (some get booked up a few months in advance). FYI The Riding and Road Safety test which you have to take before Stage 2 Riding exam is held less frequently and at less venues than the other exams. You also have to attend a Safeguarding Children workshop and a First Aid course before you can get your BHSAI.

I aimed to get my BHSAI in a year but it took much longer (more like two years and that included 16 months as a working pupil). I did a lot of my own study at home (roughly an hour every day, but only in the couple of months before each theory exam). Whilst I was training for the riding exams I was riding every day for at least an hour.

Because of the time and cost of getting my BHSAI, I have been put off doing any other exams such as Stage 4. I respect those who continue their training though.
 
I suppose it depends what level you're already at & how much you'd have to learn for each exam. If you are already at that level & just need the official qualifications it could be done as quickly as exam dates are available. If there's still a lot to learn, it comes down to ability, how good the training is, how quickly you learn etc.
 
Okey kokey :D

I'd say I was a novice rider really, I can walk, trot, canter, gallop, jump do really basic manouvers (cirlcles, serpentines, changes of rein, half halts etc) in the school and understand the principles of moves like leg yeild, half pass, turn on the forehand and have achieved a few steps of rein back (on purpose! ;)), I can sit sideways spooks (lots of experience with spooky ponies!) but I'm not so good at sitting bucks and I'm not overly phazed by small rears although I've never had the misfortune of riding any horse that goes verticle.
I would say I am pretty competent with basic horsecare/stable management and field management.

I learn quickly when I'm doing practical hands on stuff, I'm a little slower at theory but overall I think I pick things up pretty quickly.

My horse is currently on working livery at a non-BHS riding stables so my BHS approved stable access is fairly limited as the nearest is a bit of a distance away. I don't drive so getting out to one on a daily basis would prove quite troublesome but I would quite happily go out somewhere to stay for a few weeks if needed.

Sorry about my awful spelling! :eek:

What do you think?
 
I would find your nearest BHS exam centre and book a lesson with one of their higher level instructor, asking them to assess you regarding how long you would need to do the exams. Asking on here is like asking how long is a piece of string really, its impossible to say unless someone knows you...
 
I think you can do BHS 1 then R&Rsafety then 2 and 3 in a year but i think for your ptt you need to do something like 500hrs of teaching and produce a portfolio etc then obv your BHSAI would be after this
 
It's really hard to say without seeing you. Certainly at stage one & two, imo they are more concerned with you being correct, than improving the horses way of going. Book an assessment at the bhs place, then take it from there. Hardest things I found about the exams is doing stuff the bhs way, such as wearing a hat permanently, tying horses up etc, so however much you know its good to get someone to assess you are doing it all the bhs way.
 
Honey08 said:
I would find your nearest BHS exam centre and book a lesson with one of their higher level instructor, asking them to assess you regarding how long you would need to do the exams. Asking on here is like asking how long is a piece of string really, its impossible to say unless someone knows you...
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Very true! :D

Thanks everyone, looks like I'll have to book me a lesson :D
 
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