NVQ, RDAGI, now what...?

[alwaysfallingof]

When I'm not at uni then I teach with the RDA, and have been teaching for 2 and a half years now. I have my NVQ2.

Eventually, I would like to be an AI, and have my RDAI.

Is it possible to go from NVQ2 straight to BHS stage 3?

If I worked hard over next summer ( have a 3 month break) then is it likely that I'd be able to get my stage 3 horse care? (couldn't do the riding any time soon - can't jump!)
My other option would be to try and take my RDA teaching exam at the end of next summer, but that would depend on how many times I could get the regional instructor to come and see me to bulk up my logbook a bit.
I spent a year and a few months working full time with the RDA, as well as silly numbers of volunteering hours, so have more than covered the teaching hours required. I have experience with RDA dressage and physiotherapy as well as the "ordinary" teaching. Would this be a better plan that doing my stages?

I probably wouldn't be able to start my PTT until after I finish uni (don't spend any time at able-bodied riding schools) so is there any point in rushing my stage 3?

Sorry that turned out a bit long!:o

[eml]

If you can't jump then I assume you didn't do 'schooling horses' as an option as that involves jumping 2'6" courses. Unfortunately without that option as far as I know you get no exemption to Stage Exams. Remember also if you exercise the NVQ direct entry option if you fail once you have to reenter via the whole stage process .

I am afraid I am very cynical about the whole NVQ process and particularly the standards accepted being manipulated as funding runs out and no longer use it with my students but do BHS exams from Stage 1. I actually heard of a boy recently who did not ride being taken out on a hack at a walk and 'passed' the exercising horses option. I only hope it is untrue but I have seen similar 'go through the motions' applied to various topics.

[alwaysfallingof]

Thanks eml, I didn't realise that I had to have done the schooling horses bit. Inability to jump is one of the downfalls of having a very dressage-orientated person as a boss.:) In the 15 months I worked there, I think I had one jumping lesson, and in that we only did 1ft jumps!

I must admit that I was surprised at the ease with which I did my NVQ - it took maybe 5 months at the most, and I didn't work that hard for it!

So...is stage 1 doable in a summer? I'm in no rush really, have at least 3 more years at uni before I can go and do anything else.

Thanks for your help:)

[eml]

I usually can take a confident competent RS rider, ie able to WTC on all school horses without obvious positional issues to Stage 1 in six lessons. Stage 2 and 3 however are far less predictable!

If you really don't do jumping however it may be worth looking at the ABRS qualifications which although not as well known are regarded highly in the industry and you can opt to offer more advanced flat work instead of jumping.

[Mekare]

RDA, NVQ2, AI, RDAI, PTT, RS, WTC, ABRS

Er... Everyone... I'm sorry if a look stupid, but what does all this stand for? :confused:

[eml]

Sorry MeKare we often forget not everyone knows our short cuts!

Riding for the Disabled Asssociation
National Vocational Qualification (government sponsored)
British Horse Society Assistant Instructor
Riding for the Disabled Association Instructor
Walk, Trot and Canter
Association of British Riding Schools

[Mekare]

Thanx a lot!!! :)

[alwaysfallingof]

Er... Everyone... I'm sorry if a look stupid, but what does all this stand for? :confused:

Sorry Mekare:o

Hmmm, I don't know anything about ABRS qualifications, I will look into them, thanks.

A few jumping lessons probably would probably do me a lot of good though.

Thanks for your help:)