horse owners cert.

[tolka]

I am considering doing my horse owners cert. via distance learning i've found 2 so far. Lingfield and equine studies. But there is a big difference in prices. has anyone done thier horse owners cert. with either of these, any views/opinions?

[milly molly]

Sorry cant help with distance learning, Ive done my Horse Owners Certificates at my local agricultural college. To be honest you can learn what you need to pass the exam using the BHS Books (Stable Management, Stage 1, 2 and 3). What I found really useful was attending classes as I could ask questions, it was also fun meeting the different people in the classes. I know that some colleges or equestrian centres do courses in the evenings over say 10 weeks, mine does the courses on a saturday (3 days for HO1 and HO2, 4 days for HO3 and 5 days for HO4) and all cheaper than ive seen advertised for distance learning. Whatever you decide to do good luck and enjoy!

[decibelle]

Hey Tolka,

I've doing my HOC level 1 with the Equine Studies Open College, and it's been great so far. The course work you recieve comes in a big binder, with loads of questions throughout the text to get you thinking, and the assignments are really good at getting your brain into gear, regarding putting the knowledge into practise. The assignment I'm just finishing off at the moment (number 3) covers buying a horse suitable for a novice owner, and I've had to go into a lot of detail about conformation, temperament, vices etc. And do loads of diagrams!

The main difference I've seen with the Lingfield course is that the cost of the end examination is covered in the overall initial cost with the Equine College. With Lingfield, you have to pay to do the exam (£45), plus pay the invigilator to come to your house (£10 - 12) and pay any travelling expenses on their part too. So it ends up almost the same. Obviously people who have done the course will be able to tell you more, Bay Mare springs to mind.

Personally, I went with the Equine College as it seemed more professional. Silly, I know. :o Good luck with your decision. Hope I helped. :)

[tolka]

anyone else any experiances? Baymare?

[Nikki Lou]

Equi-study is a very good distance learning college if you decide to opt for that route www.equistudy.co.uk.

I however did my horse owners certificates through a local college (not a agricultural one) they just did it within their "hobby" evening classes. It cost me £28 per level plus £14 for each of the BHS certificates (one for each level).

Not only was this cheaper but I made some really good "horsey" friends during the course and we had some great discussions on different subjects, I would definately recommend doing it as a class if you can. :)

[Bay Mare]

Hiya

I'm doing mine through Lingfield. The course materials are very good and Paula (who runs it) is very helpful.

Apart from the HOC they are also doing other short courses, the first one (available now) is on Equine Psychology and isn't focussed on just one NH method (which is what I was worried about). They also work in conjunction with Baileys to do a Feed Certificate, you do the Baileys questionnaire and then an essay for Lingfield.

[Travis's Mum]

Hi Tolka,

Im also doing my Horse Owners Cert with Lingfield College and totally agree with Bay Mare, Paula is very helpful and you can do the course through e-mail and they are very quick when you request another pack from them. They also have a very useful Forum which you can chat to other Students and even get a study partner to help motivate you if you need it.

Bay Mare are you going to do the new short course? Im very interested in doing it. :o

[Bay Mare]

Yes I am :) It looks fascinating and just what I want because it isn't focussed on a specific NH method.

Unfortunately money's a bit tight at the moment because I've got my livery fees to pay this weekend, I'd pre-ordered a PSP and am starting my pole dancing lessons on Tuesday which had to be paid for in advance AND I had to buy a pair of shoes to wear for the class (another £50).

I'm hoping to sign up next weekend (or as soon as the triple rollover lottery cheque comes through ;) ).

Did you do the feed certificate? I found it really interesting and helpful, I learned a lot that I didn't know!

[Travis's Mum]

Hi Bay Mare

No I didn't do the Feeding Cert think it had already been done when I enrolled. But if they're doing it again Im think Ill do it. Iknow what you mean about the money! I think you can pay the short course over two months but thats still £40 and Ive got my lessons to pay for also but am seriously considering it I may drop a few hints to hubby for me birthday!!!

[devon lass]

Equi-study is a very good distance learning college if you decide to opt for that route www.equistudy.co.uk.

I however did my horse owners certificates through a local college (not a agricultural one) they just did it within their "hobby" evening classes. It cost me £28 per level plus £14 for each of the BHS certificates (one for each level).

Not only was this cheaper but I made some really good "horsey" friends during the course and we had some great discussions on different subjects, I would definately recommend doing it as a class if you can. :)


hi nikki-lou just wondering which (non agi) collage you went to to do your bhs horse owners cert

[Nikki Lou]

St.Austell college, but Bodmin and I think Launceston do it as well :)