PTT exam

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Nikki939

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I know this is really for education thread however I figured I may get more replies on here.
Basically I'm not sure about doing my PTT. I have my bhs stage 3 exam through the fast track system by going straight in at this level. I know it would make sense to do my PTT now but....I basically have 0 confidence in my knowledge, I know I have the "feel" when I'm on a horse to correct it and when watching people will quite often comment in my head however when saying it out loud, especially with people I know I completely freeze!! I'm 21, will I gain confidence in age? Haha, I know there are younger instructors out there!
Just looking for a bit of advice or if anyone in a similar situation? Thank you :)
 
Hi Nikki, 'fraid I can't really offer much advice really. I'm 28 and at a similar stage, i.e would like to do my PTT (need S2 first) but not very confident. I think you'd have to be very confident in your own ability and knowledge in order to pass that feel onto someone else. I'm not sure what to suggest really, but let me know how you get on, will watch with interest.
 
Confidence comes with experience and while that sounds like a catch 22 I'd recommend that you have a lesson with a BHS examiner where they monitor you teaching a lesson and they watch you and comment. I sat all of my stages in a 6 week period while working full time in a non horsey job and did this as while I had lots of experience coaching for competitions I had little taking a more basic group lesson. It is definitely achievable so worth investigating. Good luck!
 
Hi i am currently starting mine, just finished stage 2 and will be doing a weekly course. I printed offthe syllabus and bought the dvd which was very helpful and i also volunteered to ride on a ptt exam which i found helpful x good luck and pm if you want someone to share experiences with en route!
 
Hi,

I did my PTT the year I left school, not taught before, and went on a crash course with Charlotte Wilson at Snainton.

Charlotte offered an assessment lesson, and I did my Stage 3 and PTT direct entry in a 6 week course (summer holiday!). At this time it was the Horsemasters Cert and Teaching Test that made up the full AI.

Before anyone says "its all different now" many years later I was told that "my" AI was not as good as a "modern AI" so I did not know what to do, as I could hardly retake it. So, I contacted Charlotte again, and did the II instead. Although I had done some teaching, it was not a lot as I was like you, very confident riding but had not got much practice in actually standing in the middle wearing the silly hat. Charlotte is FAB, I did a full week of teaching under her guidance, and did the exam successfully.

She initially thought I would want to ride as well, but when I said no, she just had me teaching in her training centre 9am - 5pm. All types of lesson. I was residential in their student's house, which was rather basic, but the course was not that expensive.

I think you are right, if you do it now while you are on a roll it will be fantastic!
 
Thank you everyone for all your advice :)
I'm very lucky that my job consists of training, which was given to me for my stage 3. I just get very worried doing it infront of my boss as she is very good!
I think I will buy the books, DVDs and get stuck in and bite the bullett! :)
 
Practise, practise, practise.

Contact a local riding school and see if you can take some beginner classes. Plan carefully what you want them to do, what you expect them to achieve and how you can help them progress.

The exam has changed dramatically over the years, I took mine before the Intermediate was in existence, You did the Horsemasters with a written veterinary paper and the teaching - I had to give four riders a 20 minute lesson on 'Transitions up and down to canter' - you got the subject shortly before you gave the lesson.

Personally I'd not be liking taking the exam now as they have added so many sections to it. In my day you just got on and taught.

I now examine for NZ Pony Club and one thing I tell all the kids - "We can teach you but only you can learn it" Know your subject, learn over a period of time and don't try to cram just before an exam.

I get coaches to plan their lesson carefully. and have a list of questions that you want to ask when you prove the lesson

Subject, Equipment, introduction, demonstrate, practise, prove.
 
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Get in touch with your local Pony Club. When I first started practising for my PTT they let me loose with the Mini's.

Initially assisting another instructor while they checked I could actually do it, but then actually taking lessons at rallies.

If you aren't expecting to be paid (much) they will probably snap you up.
 
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