BHS Stage 1 Riding

[Nimbus65]

What to expect? I'm working towards taking this later in the year and would love some guidance from those of you who have done it . . . I've got a workbook that outlines the elements of the test and I understand the riding part is nose-to-tail . . . how did you find the test. Is it hard? How did you handle nerves, etc.

Many thanks in advance.

N

[joey_olop]

I found the riding like a riding lesson. Firstly they asked to walk, trot, canter on both reins doing a bit of circle work. Then they ask you to walk & trot no stirrups doing a bit of circle work as well. We did a bit of pole work to demonstarte our jumping positions.

They also ask to see you mount from the ground & from a block(you ride 2 different horses) & you also have to lead the horse out in walk in trot.

As long as you treat it like a lesson you will be fine. Good luck & enjoy it :)

[Nimbus65]

Mount from the ground? You're having a larf!!! I'm not a small person so I ride the really big horses (over 16.2hh) . . . I'm also old and not particularly bendy so I'll NEVER get on them from the ground.

Perhaps I shouldn't bother . . . :(

N

[raingodz]

Yes you shuold bother :D

Mounting from the ground is only a supporting rather than compulsory element of stage 1.

The sylibus is here: http://www.bhs.org.uk/DocFrame/DocView.asp?id=1219

[Skib]

If because of age or physical limitatins you have a problem with any part of a BHS syllabus, you should send them an e-mail or let them know and they are likely to sort it - that is if it is basic exam where they want to be as inclusive as possible.

In the Riding and Road safety you haver to dismount both sides of the horse and I cant dismount the conventional way. The RI taking the course (not my usual RI) said I couldnt do the test. But the BHS say they want to know about problems like this.

[KateWooten]

What would be an example of a safe and efficient procedure for setting a bed fair ?

[Nimbus65]

Well no age or physical restrictions that losing weight and getting fitter wouldn't cure . . .

We never mount from the ground at my RS . . . not even if we come off on a hack . . . always been told it's bad for the horse's back. I'm surprised that the BHS requires it as one can always find a handy fence, bank, hill, etc.

This Exam is starting to sound harder and harder. The other challenge I've got is the Stable Management/Care stuff. I guess I could talk to the YO about letting me "help" a little on the weekends . . . do a bit of tacking up, grooming and "setting fair." I've done a little . . . on a friend's horse . . . but certainly not enough to look like I know what I'm doing.

Oy vey . . . what have I let myself in for?

N

[Glider]

Nimbus65, when I did my stage 1 everyone passed the riding (about 30 people took it at the same time). Even the girl that cried because she was scared to canter and another who got taken off with.

Stage 1 really isn't to big a deal, they're looking to pass you, not to fail you. If possible, have a few lessons at the centre where you're taking the exam, so you get to know the set-up and the horses.

[Nimbus65]

I've been riding at the Centre for 3 years and know the horses well . . . I guess I'm just really clueless about the format of the exam. Talking to the Chief Instructor, though, should help.

Thanks.

N

[raingodz]

Sent off my entry form for stage 1 today, will not be until May for the exam which will give me lots of time to learn all I need, and to see if I can mount from the ground with my bionic knee!

It did say on the entry form that you should inform the examiners of a problem before three weeks before the exam of any problems such as this.

So now I've entered, you have to as well ;)

[Lolo-b]

I passed my stage one in December @ Moulton College, I actually suprised myself and found it really exciting on the day and thoroughly enjoyed myself the whole time.

The examiners are of course keen on safety, mine ventured in to every nook and cranny when talking about haynets especially! They like to see that you have your own opinions, not just that you can regurgitate what you've read in a text book. They are also keen on feet and shoeing and anatomy in particular. For feeding & watering you must be able to give the all the rules.

The riding is straight-forward, you now have the choice to mount from ground or mounting block, and you are now not required to give or recieve a leg up!

Whenever I was at the yard before my exam I had a little book with short points of things I had to know, and got my friends to ask my questions, mock test me, I also talked myself through things when at the yard. Oh, an excellent tip is to do just that on your exam, even if you're just talking yourself through what your doing in your head. By doing that you will be ready to answer a question from the examiner if they question your method, or ask you why you are doing something in a certain way. My examiner asked everyone if they had a different way to lay a straw bed, however silly and picky that may sound, you need to be prepared.

Best advice is to enjoy it! Everyone in my group was really friendly, and we helped each other out when we weren't sure about something etc.

So enjoy!!!

[Crazyhorse]

To all those who have done the exam, how long does the riding section take and how many people roughly take it at once. Also, in the syllabus it says complusory and supporting. What effect does the supporting part have? Thanks!

[StephandMagic]

i have my exam for riding on tuesday and im really nervous...any tips

[Roxy Sew]

I have my exam in March, I'm actually really nervous about it! lol I really need to get myself some leather boots, or some nice gaiters. I need to get them now really so I can break them in and be comfortable when it comes to my exam (anyone know of some cheap, but good makes?!). I'm hoping everything will go ok!:o Good luck to you, I think it is good to have a recognised piece of paper to prove you hard work!:)

[eml]

You generally ride in groups of 6 and riding takes about 40 minutes. The compulsory parts are like major errors in a driving test, fail the and you fail the exam. Supporting are like minors and can be failed but only a certain number, its all detailed in The Examinations Handbook which your instructor will probably have.

You do have to be up to standard to pass, I have known exams where less than half the candidates passed but generally as long as you have prepared correctly Stage 1 is not difficult. A friend of mine is a Chief Examiner and apparently it is not unknown for people to enter who are barely able to do a rising trot let alone canter and have to be asked to withdraw part way through the riding

Nimbus I assume you ride at an exam centre, if that is the case they are unlikely to encourage you to enter if they do not think you are ready.

[lizzy]

We never mount from the ground at my RS . . . not even if we come off on a hack . . . always been told it's bad for the horse's back. I'm surprised that the BHS requires it as one can always find a handy fence, bank, hill, etc.

This Exam is starting to sound harder and harder. The other challenge I've got is the Stable Management/Care stuff. I guess I could talk to the YO about letting me "help" a little on the weekends . . . do a bit of tacking up, grooming and "setting fair." I've done a little . . . on a friend's horse . . . but certainly not enough to look like I know what I'm doing.

Oy vey . . . what have I let myself in for?

N


I think that I have sussed out where you are ;)

They do very helpful, if expensive, Stage 1 Training Days where you can practise the SM side of things and it would be handy if you did the exam at your own yard because you would know the horses and also how they do things e.g. picking out the feet into the skip buckets etc, which we don't do at our yard. Your Chief Instructor would be able to advise you more, she was very helpful to me when I came on a training day there.

BTW did you buy Stan?

[DeirdreBarlow]

Nimbus65, when I did my stage 1 everyone passed the riding (about 30 people took it at the same time). Even the girl that cried because she was scared to canter and another who got taken off with.

Stage 1 really isn't to big a deal, they're looking to pass you, not to fail you. If possible, have a few lessons at the centre where you're taking the exam, so you get to know the set-up and the horses.

You're kidding :eek: ?
Where on earth was that?

[Nimbus65]

lizzy . . . you have indeed sussed out where I am (expensive in general). No, I have not bought Stan b/c his owner has decided she wants to hold on to him for now, but I've registered my (strong) interest with both her and the yard.

I'll look into doing a training day . . . it's a good idea. I can also go hover (or help) at the livery yard next to my house (Horn's Farm if anyone knows it) . . . my instructor works there and would let me groom Joey and help muck out on the odd afternoon.

Thanks everyone for all your encouragement . . . Raingodz, I was thinking about the same timeframe as you (although I might shoot for June), so it might be good to chart our progress together. Good luck to all those folks on here who are taking theirs in the next little while . . . would love to hear how you're getting on!

Incidentally, my instructors didn't put me forward for this, it was my idea, but then they didn't guffaw with derision when I mentioned it either ;)

N

[Glider]

You're kidding :eek: ?
Where on earth was that?

Wellington Riding. It was about 5 years ago, I was VERY suprised!

[laurenefb]

I'm taking my Stage 1 in August. I'm more worried about the Stable Management than the Riding section.

[raingodz]

I'm taking my Stage 1 in August. I'm more worried about the Stable Management than the Riding section.
I can't make my ming up which part I'm dreading most :o

I am sure I can do all the riding things on the horses I know, but what if I get some spooking nutter :o What if I confuse left and right :o What if I forget to look in my mirror... or was that my driving test :o

[ponylover88]

...

[Jenni]

stage 1 riding is fine so long as you relax and treat it like a lesson not as a judged dressage test ;)

They are looking for you to walk, trot, canter and maintain a correct balanced position. we had to do no stirrup work as well, so lots of lunge lessons to practice!!

we had to mount from the ground and you ride 2 or 3 horses. i rode 2 horses. one a ploddy type and the other a little rocket.

But dont go with the impression that any kind of sloppy riding will do as it wont, they will fail you if you are not up to standard. My friend failed, but her was mostly down to nerves as her position collapsed really.

The theory is actually the most relaxing part. One pointer is to really work on remembering the less obvious answers. Everyone will say the easiest most obvious answer and you are then left thinking, darn i was going to say that so have to rack your brains trying to remember.

The examiners are good in that they understand you are nervous and your brain can freeze on you, and if you are in the right area they will help you.

a girl in my set pointed to the fetlock and said the forelock. So the examiner said, okay, so we have the cannon bone, the forelock and the pastern, just in a very relaxed manner, not making it obvious that she realised it was a mistake. the girl then said 'oh no i meant the fetlock!!!'

Practice talking out loud becasue your speach takes on a mind of its own and you forget how to talk.
also remember all the little things like, putting your gloves on to lead, mention you would remove the water before you groom (they usually tell you to just leave it in)
and when you groom , groom like you mean it. ;)

it will be over as quick as you think and you will think, damn i learnt all that stuff and only had to speak a few times. :)

[Jenni]

jsut to add - we had some horses that misbehaved in our riding, they couldnt change them as they had no other horses, but the examiners took it into account when judging your performance ;)

[eml]

A really out of standard horse will be withdrawn, especially if it raises safety issues and centres have to produce not only enough horses for the exam but plenty of spares for these issues.

That is not to say all horses will be perfect schoolmasters, you will meet some more onward bound and some sluggish and also the inevitable corner cutter, or needs real collecting into canter etc. not dangerous but the examiner will watch to see how you and other candidates deal with the issues.

[ponylover88]

...

[Jenni]

eml- we had 2 that spent the first 5 minutes rearing and bucking :eek: My friend was on one and that just threw her confidence right off, so after that she had no chance.

They didnt change them over for our section, when we changed onot our second horses they put someone who they thought was more capable on him (one of the students who was used to him i think) but they did take them away for the next lot.
This was at Oatridge college. It was a disgrace really. but that was 7 years ago. Im sure things have changed since.

[eml]

That is a disgrace Jenni ..I try never to send my candidates to colleges as they usually allocate the best horses to their students.

My daughter who passed Stages 1-3 and PTT in 8 weeks ( yes you can do it but its risky!) had to do Stage 1 at a college.

She actually advised the examner who asked her if she felt safe with a kicking biting horse for stable management that although she felt safe the horse was not suitable for the other (young and inexperienced ) candidates and it was withdrawn, She had a cob with minimal schooling as her first ride and an newly purchased ex racehorse as her second. Both were allocated to the external candidates. Yes she rode them and passed but told me they were her worst rides of all her exams

[KateWooten]

putting your gloves on to lead .... remove the water before you groom

Does anyone know the BHS reasons for these 2 rules ? Oh, and I still really do want to know, since it's on the exam, can ANYONE give me an example of a safe and efficient procedure for setting a bed fair ?

[bexj]

Kate, putting gloves on is so you don't get rope burns if your horse pulls away from you. Removing water is to prevent it getting full of hair and dust.

I have no idea about setting fair - I think its just tidying the bed up.

Whilst I can see that some of the BHS exam procedures are there for a good reason, I do think that many are a bit impractical in the real world!

[Lolo-b]

I see setting fair as the procedure of tidying up the stable and yard area before leaving for lunch or going home etc. Including skipping out perhaps and a quick sweep and tidy of yard clutter.

Hope that helps, lolo-b.

[Mogwei]

Kate, putting gloves on is so you don't get rope burns if your horse pulls away from you. Removing water is to prevent it getting full of hair and dust.

I have no idea about setting fair - I think its just tidying the bed up.

Whilst I can see that some of the BHS exam procedures are there for a good reason, I do think that many are a bit impractical in the real world!

Like wearing a collar and tie when you are only doing the care part of the exam!!!!!:rolleyes:

[Roxy Sew]

Just a thought, are you supposed to change clothes between the care section and the riding? I know you have to dress smartly for the riding, but does this mean you have to wear your shirt, tie and jacket whilst grooming for example!? I know I'm going to be so nervous when I take this exam:o

[lizzy]

I did the care only, and I wore a horseware corrib jacet. You can wear a sweatshirt I think, but you still have to wear your shirt and tie - I had to go out and buy both - ridiculous!!!

At least two other people in our group kept their hacking jackets on to do the care bit

[Jenni]

we had to keep our jackets on.
when you go you get split into groups. one group does the riding, the other the care, then they swap over.
I think in stage 1 you can wear a jumper if you dont have a jacket, or if its a hot day you can take your jacket off.

[lizzy]

We were split into three groups, riding and then a few questions about health and safety - including what would you do if someone got a pitch fork stuck through their foot - I don't think any of us had thought about it.

Then the next group was points of the horse, colours, feet, feed, and other theory questions. The man in the group said that horse was a piebald, it was a bay and she just carried on as if he had said the correct colour. Although your exam might be different, I think as long as you recognised the food sample, she just moved on, and we had spent ages learning everything about everything.

The last group was the tacking and rugging etc. Don't forget to pick the feet out into a skip like I did - I hope they didn't notice.

The only thing I don't like is that you dont give in a SAE now, and so you can wait up to 10 working days for your results and they won't take any queries at the office until then either so it's a long waiting game.

[Roxy Sew]

I thought you probably had to keep your jackets on. Personally I don't see the logic in that though, I mean its not really very practical is it! lol :p

[eml]

I personally only ever wore my jacket and long leather boots for the riding /lunging sections of exams and changed into yard boots and jumper/jacket for everything else. When you get to higher levels you are not expected to wear riding wear at all for care only exams just normal smart yard wear.