Qualifications and courses

[StephK]

Hi,

I'm thinking of taking up some kind of course to get some qualications in horse riding/management.

Iv been told about an NVQ horse management and the BHS Exams?
I'm not sure what either of these involve, can anybody recommend anything I could do??

Any advice would be grateful!
Thanks.

 

[LMuirEDT]

NVQ's are usually ran through colleges as work based training so you do one day a week at college. They are the equivalent on BHS stages (eg NVQ 1 is same as BHS stage 1, NVQ 2 is same as BHS stage 2, and so on).

BHS stages are usually self organised or some employers offer their own training towards them.

 

[Oscar162]

If you do your NVQ please make sure that the BHS are the issuing body.
Most people start with the NVQ level 2. This is usually done with workplace assessment taking place and then once a unit, or a couple of units are complete an external verifier then comes in and tests you on topics you have covered. Level two riding is about the same standard as stage two, as in being able to walk trot canter in a secure position in a manor that is not detrimental to the horses way of going, you also jump a course of around eight jumps, on two horses of around 2ft6. However you do this on horses you know.
Level three is along the same standards as stage three, so you should have a quick look at the BHS syllabus. NVQ only does to level three.
BHS qualifications still hold more clout than the NVQ, I feel this is due to there being more than one issuing body, ideally the BHS would be the only one.
I have done both.
The BHS exams are expensive....and it is easy to fail if you have a bad day, or **** luck with the horses you get. NVQ's are try and try till you reach the standard, but if you are older than 18 it is hard to get a place to train.
Good luck with whichever one you choose

 

[StephK]

Thanks for your replys great information. I am 18 years old but 19 in June.

I have been told BHS exams probably would be more benefical but I also work so I would have to be doing any course on a part time basis so then I could also work part time, would this be possible? I'm currently doing office work but this isn't for me, I would like to get back into horses an find a job I would enjoy. As I moving to Derbyshire very soon this is the perfect opportunity to start fresh!

Anymore advice would be great.
Thank you