BHS stage 2 - Wally ?

[LCA]

I have not even done stage 1 yet but I was looking at the syllabus for stage 2 and it involves cantering with no stirrups ! I have done this before - though not on purpose ! - but do they make you do it all the way around the arena or just on the long sides ? Going round corners in trot with no stirrups can be a bit scary if you get unbalanced but I think maybe it is slightly easier in canter ? Wally thought you might know since you have BHS qualifications though would be glad to hear anyone elses experience of this.

Thanks
LCA

[floppy]

i dont know about the BHs stages but in the course i did last year you had to canter the whole arena without stirrups
but you are right riding without stirrups in canter is alot easier than trot..especially around those corners :)

[Mehitabel]

you do have to canter without stirrups for your stage 2. but to do your 1, you have to walk and trot without stirrups, so if you're ahvig lessons and training for your stage 1, then they will be able to help, and by the time you're ready to take the exam you will be fine. you will have to go all the way round.

[Wally]

Swines made me do 20M circle without stirrups. But I cannot remember what I did for which stage it was a long time ago.

I remember all the examiners looking like they'd all swallowed a potty, I know things are to be taken seriously, but to go round looking like a cat's bottom. They could lighten the day a bit by smiling!! The instructor is supposed to.

[Lgd]

Yes they will ask for 20 metre circles and one of the exercises that sometimes use in the exam involves a lot of trot- canter- trot transitions so you need to be pretty secure without your stirrups.