What courses would you recommend?

[Purple Hugs]

For a new rider? I am looking at maybe doing some courses over the next couple of years and wondered what you would recommend.

Just things to help in my 'experience' so that when I'm ready for a share I have extra experience that may appeal to an owner or loaner :D.

Thanks for your help as always! ;)

[Jenni]

Courses as in in horse managent type things?

Some local riding schools run basic horse care courses that would be good.

[Purple Hugs]

i'm doing a horse care course tomorrow at my RS :D but just wanted to do something further along the lines.
There are BHS Horse Ownership (level 1 and 2) courses - sadly I've missed the intake though so have to wait till next September. Also there are horse care and riding BHS courses but will have to wait till I am a more experienced rider...

Just wondered what courses people have done and what they would recommend?

Also if it's worth doing the horse ownership or to just aim for the other one with riding also?

[Jenni]

i see

The horse owners certificate is good and at least it gives you a specific level of knwoledge ,to pass to get the certificate.

The BHS stage exams are quite pricey to take as they progress through the stages You can choose to the riding and stable management or just the stable management with the BHS stages but again you have to be a member and that is about £50 a year. Plus pay for each exam. I think the Stage one is abotu £100 odd , then it increases as you go up.

[Bay Mare]

I'd third the HOC courses. I am doing mine through Lingfield Correspondence (here's the link, the link thingy isn't working :( http://www.horse-care.co.uk ). There's a students' forum so that you can get help if you need it, no term times, you can start when you want and you can choose to do it by mail or email (quicker). The person that runs the course, Paula, is brilliant and extremely helpful :D

If you're looking for practical courses then perhaps the NVQ or even thinking about working towards the BHS stages.

[milly molly]

I have done Horse Owners 1, 2 and 3 and Stage 1 and Riding and Road Safety, Im due to do Horse Owners 4 later this year and will be taking my Stage 2 early next year.

The Horse Owners exams are great for increasing your knowledge, and a lot of horse owners could probably benefit from them themselves!

However, if you want to appeal to an owner of a potential share or loan then ideally you should have practical experience, and therefore theory courses are probably not the best option

Having said that they are much better than nothing and really demonstrate that you want to learn and appreciate that stable management is as, if not more, important than riding. They do bridge the huge gap between riding school lessons and owning your own horse ultimately.

Good luck in whatever you chose, and enjoy it, im really hooked on learning now.

[Cherokee]

The rider tests , and the progressive tests are meant to be quite good aswell.i don't know much about them but I know they cover basic management and care.

[bexj]

I've just started an NVQ Level 1 in Horsecare at my yard - but I think these are usually more for people who actually work in the industry - it just happens my yard is running them for part-timers.

From what I've read, I'd recommend the HOC too.

[Purple Hugs]

Thanks for the tips! :D
I am hoping to be able to help out at my RS - although it's v.small - after I've done the course with teh RI tomorrow. So fingers x'd will have some practicle experience building up whilst I learn to ride :)
Time without children in tow is limited though so will have a look at the distance learning link - thanks!

Thanks all for your comments.. maybe one day I'll be able to share knowledge rather than question all the time! ;)

[Cherokee]

I started helping out at my riding school about nine months ago , when I first started riding.It is soo fun and I have learnt so much.Now i can do all sorts of things from tacking up to mucking out.i have also gained a lot more confidence around horses and made a few friends too.

I really recomend it - good luck

[Purple Hugs]

Thanks, I'm really looking forward to it! just hope my RI doesn't mind someone nearly old enough to be her mum knocking around! hehe :p

[flowergirl]

Hi

I dont know what sort of courses you are interested in but I offer courses for the owner / rider either on a one to one basis or for groups of people that want a fun day learning something new or building on existing skills.

Courses cover lots of different things, clicker training, natural management, groundwork, bodywork and i can tailor the day to suit those attending.

You will find more information on my website www.holisticequine.co.uk and dont hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Best wishes
Nicola

[Purple Hugs]

Thanks, will have a good think about things over the next few months. :)