Stage 3 tips or experices 13days till exam

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Hoofit

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i have my stage 3 exam on 24th aug and was looking for any tips or prev experinces to give me a little insight and maybe some handfy tips to get me through

I am starting to get the OMG its so close feeling and "THE FEAR" has set in

Thanks in advace any info will be much appreciated

xxx J
 
Would suggest if you can find the time to go down to your exam centre, maybe have a flat lesson and a jump one to get a feel for the type of horse you may get in the exam!
Practice lungeing often as well, make sure you have a clear plan of warm up, main exercise and cool down, how long each will take and have a different plan for a backward horse or forward horse because you don't know what horse you're going to get!
If you have a friend/family member who doesn't mind "testing" you from the book to go over theory
and most importantly, stay calm :) Arrive with plenty of time to chill out before the big day starts!
 
i failed my stage 3 the first time whilst at college and have only redone the riding part since. i did the exam at a yard where i spent 2 months prior having lessons every week so i could get to know the horses that were in the exam and give me a bit of an advantage. in the showjumping, i was slightly surprised at the height of the jumps as at college they down played it to 3'3 whereas my 2nd time round i was heading towards jumps of 3'6 and 3'9. luckily i had my dream horse, a long legged springy eventer and flew round that with little issues. just try to make everything tidy straight lines, consistency in the pace etc. i was always told their big bug bear was going round on the wrong leg in canter so just keep checking!

then xc i had my nightmare horse who i hated every time i had to ride him. he was slow, stubborn, dead to the leg and every smack of the whip he would give you a jolly good buck. on the first practice jump in the school i came flying off as he threw himself over the jump a couple of strides too early. my worst nightmare lying on the school floor with a bhs examiner running at me! you instantly panic but the examiner reassured me i hadnt failed and they take into consideration the type of horse he was. i did the xc course what felt like slow motion as this horse wouldnt move. no it wasnt the fastest course and didnt look the easiest of rides but just show your sensible on the approaches, considerate of the ground etc.

the flat assessment was a huge improvement for me. at college it was drummed into us 'THEY MUST BE IN AN OUTLINE' for stage 3, whereas i then got taught completely the opposite. i got put on a horse that was brought in for the exam, a very quiet mare who was only 5 and didnt have a huge amount of experience. as long as you can justify why you rode each horse the way you did and you were effective, your fine. my young mare allowed me to justify the quietness of my riding, keeping your hands still but consistent contact and lots changes of rein and practising keeping her straight AWAY from the wall. the horse doesnt have to be 'in an outline'. they have to be forward, straight and maintain their rhythm and you simply have to be using your initiative on what to do with the horse they give you to 'work' them. Good luck!
 
For the theory, follow the syllabus but work with what you have on the day, if you can give good rationale behind why you choose to do something, and it is safe, do that rather than worry about what you dont have, or difficulties you meet on the day telling the examiner when questioned, it shows you can work safely with what you have and can improvise if neccessary.
Always play it safe.
As for the ridden part, ride what you have underneath you on the day, rather than doing what you think theyre looking for. Ride as many different horses as you can before the exam, both on the flat and over a fence, discuss areas that let you down with your instructor, try not to worry about it but be aware of them.
 
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