Stage 1 Care Advice

[equestrian7474]

I’d originally booked just the Stage 1 Ride but some friends convinced me to go for the Stage 1 Care as well! Similarly to the post I made about the ride assessment, does anyone have any advice for the care exam, anything unexpected, etc? I’ve had a look at the DVD but I think it’s slightly outdated, as I was told that questions are no longer asked in a “classroom” setting.

What did you all wear to your assessment? Was there anything you had to bring (obviously helmet, gloves etc but anything else?)

 

[Skib]

I dont have an up to date book. But when I took the Stage 1 course about 20 years ago two things I remember.
First putting on rugs, Does one do up the buckles at the front or the long straps first? In those days either was acceptable but one had to be able to explain ones choice. Those little twisty fastenings one gets on rugs still sometimes baffle me and it is always worth putting in some practice with a rug (not on a horse)
The other thing I remember is trotting up. As a new, elderly rider and not too fast on my feet I was scared the horse might tread on me or run me over. They dont. Many years later at another RS I was asked to trot up a horse and my heart sank. But if you have practised leading a horse, it is easy as ABC. So practise leading, just trotting a few steps and back to walk.
For years I rode out escorted by young women staff taking BHS exams and I would always tell them to practise, practise, practise.
And if you fail, (which I hope you wont) dont worry. Practise some more and take the exam again.

I dont know the dress code for your exam, but I always did yard work in sturdy boots with a hard toe. Not in my riding boots.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

They still don't dictate the order you do up straps. But you do need to tie the straps up before you put it on the horse's back so the metal clips don't bang. And fold in half, place on back fold back. Not just fling on.

The only other non obvious things that I can recall are:

- skip out every time you go into stable. Poo is considered a slip hazard
- tie the horse up
- when going round the front of the horse don;t duck under, unclip, go past, re-clip
- don't get trapped next to a wall

Also it includes things like muck heap management, feeds and things. Idenitfying different straights in a jar type thing. And disucssing how many kgs forage per day for a certain weight horse.So you may need to brish up on stuff. Definitely worth getting the up to date syllabus.