BHS Stage 3

[equirider]

Hello

I'm new here!

I wanted to find out about other people's experience of the Stage 3 riding exam. I recently failed mine even though I am at the standard I found that some of the mark downs I had were unfair and unjustified! I'm rather miffed about this as especially with the jumping section I got two good clear rounds without any real problems but the ones that passed fell off or had refusals. It's almost like the one's that had problems were regarded more highly than the straightforward rides. I'm finding the whole BHS exam system hit and miss and I'm sure with a different examiner I might have scrapped a pass as I know I didn't ride my best in the flatwork section (neither did the ones that passed!!!)

GRR!!!

What are your experiences of the Stage 3 exam? I'm looking at taking it again ASAP. Where did you do yours? Can anyone recommend a good centre to do the exam?

[intouch]

Trouble with BHS is it is subjective, even with more than one examiner, they can make decisions that appear illogical. I think they should have to justify their decisions, a piece of paper with Xs is not really constructive.
Both my daughters recently did their 3, one already had her riding, her Care result had just 2 Xs on it, and her reply to that was, "well, I don't see how I could have been wrong, they didn't ask any questions on that!"

I believe that only one in the group passed their riding, (not mine, although she was VERY disappointed, she felt she had done OK!)
It was a horrible wet day, the XC was miles away, they were late back and had to skimp on some of the other stuff - all in all it didn't seem very professional.
I have heard that very few people get their 3 first time - of course, it is a moneymaking prospect, although not as far as we are concerned - there are other ways to prove your ability.
Good luck for the next time!

[eml]

Yes to an extent all exams of practical work like riding or even driving a car are subjective but I think you will find that BHS sections are always decided by at least two examiners. In the dim and distant past when I did mine I too got failed with clear rounds but I deserved to fail as it was the generousity of the horses that got the clear. My daughter on the other had passed although she fell with the horse as she knew she had asked for an early take off at a spread that the horse she was riding proved not to have the scope for .

Don't despair the system is not without faults but like driving tests it is better that they are sure . Better luck next time

[intouch]

Don't worry - I'm not despairing! Just not prepared to waste any more time or money on a system that is not prepared to justify it's decisions.

[Laura+Phantom]

I too think that all candidates should recieve an explanation for their fails - even a scribbled note would be better than nothing. I got 2 crosses on my riding exam and was mystified for ages as to why i failed! (4 months later i've figured it out!) For the price of the exams, (which is ridiculous) we should at least get a decent feedback sheet. Someone should complain!

[lynz+ollie]

i had same problem with my NVQ 2. i had been told my jumping was at a good standard and also had been offfered to move up a group for it. i was the only one in the group that had competed over 2ft6 and done any xc or anything. Anyway i failed my NVQ twice! where as somebody who, most people dont like her way of riding, very sharpe, yanks and boots em everywhere. well she fell off and still passed! it really bugged me, ok fine if im not at the standard i can take that, but passing somebody that rides like that and fell off is out of order!