Riding at BHS Stage 1

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iaej

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Just a quick question regarding what standard your riding should be at to pass the BHS Stage 1 exam:

I would like to book a place on my local course beginning next April with the view to taking my exam as soon after completion of the course as is possible. I am confident in canter and have done some jumping; I am currently learning about strides in relation to jumping. Could anyone who has passed it give me some points on what they look for and what is examined please? I would need to pay now so want to make sure I will be able to ride to the standard that is required by next April.

Thanks :)
 
I trained for mine 2 years ago and in the exam you will be expected to ride with AND without stirrups in walk, trot and canter. You will be asked to do school movements such as 20m circles, 10 or 15m circles (cant quite remember which), figures of 8, and accurate changes of rein. Theres no jumping involved in stage 1, only trotting poles. You will also swap horses half way through the exam. Dismounting and mounting will also be examined so make sure you know the BHS way. They will also ask you to check the tack for safety before you mount. After the ride you will be asked to trot your horse up and down (as you would for a show or vet). I think you also need to give someone a leg up correctly but i may be getting confused with stage 2. Your course will give you lots of information and guidance too. Also have a look on the BHS website, theres a syllabus for the exams which will tell you what to expect.
 
I also did my Stage 1 about 3 years ago now and the riders varied from complete newbies to people who had ridden for years.

We did w, t and c, I can't remember having to canter with out stirrups but definitely walk and trot. Went over a couple of poles and one by one cantered around the school in a forward seat. We had to ride 2 different horses. Figures around the school included circles, shallow loops and riding down the centre and 3/4 line. I struggled the most with working 'as a ride' after riding solo for so long, making yourself aware of the horse in front and behind and keeping good distances. Good luck :-) You sound as though you'll be completely fine.
 
Thank you :), this has reassured me that I should be fine. I have weekly private lessons so will inform my instructor about my plans and we can focus more on these areas leading up to the exam. I'm quite excited as it's one step closer to being ready for my own horse!!
 
I'm sure you'll pass with flying colours :-) Just to add that the BHS Examiners like the candidates to dress smartly and be polite. Your RI would be able to confirm the appropriate clothing and footwear.
 
Hi all,

It now looks like I may be taking my exam sooner than I originally thought; I spoke to my instructor last week and she said she is planning to run a six week course from the beginning of September as several others at the RS were looking to do it (originally I was looking at another RS for the course).

Quick question regarding suitable footwear for the exam... I noticed they allow leather gaiters and matching boots but I am a bit confused as to whether I have gaiters or chaps. I have Ariat Heritage III Zip boots and the Concord chaps in black. These do not look like chaps as such and can pass for long boots from a distance, will I be ok wearing them for the exam??

I would also like to buy a nice jacket, preferably tweed, do you have any recommendations for jackets that have a good fit up to £150?? I know this is not a requirement for the exam as you can wear just a shirt but figure since I plan to compete in future I may as well invest in one now.

Thanks
 
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