Stage 1 - Tips please!

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ss_welly

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Hi all,

I start training for BHS stage 1 on Friday and I honestly can't wait. It's something I've been itching to do for years and I'm now finally in a position where I can do it. I'm hoping this is the start of a good learning journey.

Any hints and tips from anyone who is doing or has completed the exams?

Thanks!
 
I would say get the work books they are fantastic! Make sure you print of the syllabus and tick it off as your go so you know when your ready, stage 1 is pretty straight forward so try and enjoy x
 
Make sure you are above the standard. Not stage 2 standard but working towards it as far as the riding is concerned. That way, if you find the horse difficult (which it shouldn't be) or you get an attack of the nerves you can ride through it. As Farma says, print off a copy of the syllabus and cross each point off when you're completely happy you know it. I did my stage 1 at Bedgebury when it still did such things and found all the examiners very friendly and encouraging. They want you to pass the stage 1 and get on the exam ladder so are understanding of nerves and will give you time to answer. If you can attend a mock exam day do and having a lesson at the exam center can help settle on the day nerves as you've met some of the horses and know your way round a bit. Good luck.
 
best thing I've found is to have a lesson where you'll be taking the exam. you'll then have a rough idea of the horses you'll get given!
 
I personally didn't find the workbook of much use since it differs so much from what is printed in the textbook. I learnt the theory by making notes over and over again and asking family to test me but it is down to personal preference and how you learn.

Chances are you will be nervous no matter how much you have prepared, try not to rush answers in the exam, the examiner will know how nervous you are and make allowances if you need a second to think. I made some stupid mistakes during mine that I had never made before. Because I knew that I had made a mistake and could tell the examiner why and the correct method, I passed anyway.

Best of luck :)
 
Even when not officially training, do things as they will be expected e.g. Pick out feet into a skip, if ducking under a tied up horse in a stable - don't, unclip the lead rope and walk past. Make working safely and neatly a habit now, so that you don't forget in the stress of the exam.

If your training course does not include the ridden unit, make sure that you have an assessment session with someone who is really familiar with the exams, preferably at the centre where you will take the exam.

Lastly, enjoy yourself. An examiner told us to forget that it was an exam, we were just having a chat about horses. Made that theory unit much less nerve wracking.

Good luck.
 
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