RFINN
New User
I am looking to see how many people have had trouble understanding/gaining sufficient qualifications for working in our much sought after industry.
I gained a NVQ level 3 qualification in horse management, including riding. Upon completion I learned that this qualification is not recognised by our BHS society. It is only useful to gain access to their Stage 3 exam. I was under the impression by the NVQ that it was the equivalent, not an entry standard.
As i wished to gain my AI qualification I used the NVQ level 3 to access the Stage 3 and seeked help from a local FBHS to help with my training. We both agreed I was of the standard so spent what I believe a considerable amount of money entering the exam. I passed my stable management and lungeing but not the riding. I accepted on this occasion I was not up to standard, I didn't feel the ride went well either. Second attempt, again after spending alot of time and money travelling to various BHS approved centres, all of which deemed me to be of the standard, failed again. This time I found the way they told the candidates to be humiliating. All lined up, one by one we were told our fate. Upon failure having to remove our numbers, hand over our horses and exit the school.
Third time lucky. I travelled a long way to a highly reputable centre. The horses were very well turned out, I felt I rode to a high standard, the horses went well and I gave a full debrief of both my mounts. The exam ended and me and fellow candidates were left to hear our fate. After no indication, I asked the examiner should I now proceed to the jumping. She told me I could and the time I should be there. As the other candidates were now to do a stable management section, I waited in my car pleased the time and money had come to something at last. The chief examiner found me here, and told me infact, I had not made it to the jumping, despite what I had been told. Humiliated once again by the BHS I returned home. I was told the reason would be sent to me in the post, and they could reveal no more on the day.
Now, I understand and accept if I am not of the standard on the day. However, I do think the way those who don't make the grade are dealt with. A letter arrives in the post a week later, with a fairly ambiguous statement of ones riding, which we are left to interpret.
With many employers not willing to take on college students for their lack of experience on the job, NVQ's apparently not recognised, and my time with the BHS a less than encouraging experience, how are young, passionate, enthusiastic riders to get a break? I am one of the lucky ones who does have a job with horses but I do wonder how many others have had experience similar to mine who must be on the edge of despair?!
I gained a NVQ level 3 qualification in horse management, including riding. Upon completion I learned that this qualification is not recognised by our BHS society. It is only useful to gain access to their Stage 3 exam. I was under the impression by the NVQ that it was the equivalent, not an entry standard.
As i wished to gain my AI qualification I used the NVQ level 3 to access the Stage 3 and seeked help from a local FBHS to help with my training. We both agreed I was of the standard so spent what I believe a considerable amount of money entering the exam. I passed my stable management and lungeing but not the riding. I accepted on this occasion I was not up to standard, I didn't feel the ride went well either. Second attempt, again after spending alot of time and money travelling to various BHS approved centres, all of which deemed me to be of the standard, failed again. This time I found the way they told the candidates to be humiliating. All lined up, one by one we were told our fate. Upon failure having to remove our numbers, hand over our horses and exit the school.
Third time lucky. I travelled a long way to a highly reputable centre. The horses were very well turned out, I felt I rode to a high standard, the horses went well and I gave a full debrief of both my mounts. The exam ended and me and fellow candidates were left to hear our fate. After no indication, I asked the examiner should I now proceed to the jumping. She told me I could and the time I should be there. As the other candidates were now to do a stable management section, I waited in my car pleased the time and money had come to something at last. The chief examiner found me here, and told me infact, I had not made it to the jumping, despite what I had been told. Humiliated once again by the BHS I returned home. I was told the reason would be sent to me in the post, and they could reveal no more on the day.
Now, I understand and accept if I am not of the standard on the day. However, I do think the way those who don't make the grade are dealt with. A letter arrives in the post a week later, with a fairly ambiguous statement of ones riding, which we are left to interpret.
With many employers not willing to take on college students for their lack of experience on the job, NVQ's apparently not recognised, and my time with the BHS a less than encouraging experience, how are young, passionate, enthusiastic riders to get a break? I am one of the lucky ones who does have a job with horses but I do wonder how many others have had experience similar to mine who must be on the edge of despair?!
