BHS Exams - mounting

[Smartie's mum]

Hi,

I'm hoping to take my BHS exams next spring, but one thing is worrying me. Due to an ankle injury, I find it very difficult to mount from the ground and I always use a mounting block. From reading the BHS syllabus, it seems I can get on from a mounting block and give and receive a leg-up, but reading the Hazel Reed book it seems I would have to get on from the ground.

Can anyone that has taken any BHS stage 1-3 exams advise me if I would be allowed to use a mounting block?

Thanks

[Jenni]

In the stage 1 i had to give a leg up and mount by myself from the ground.
But during my riding and road safety a few years later the instructor had us practising the mount and dismount from the ground but when the examiner arrived she said we were to use a mounting block.

I would contact the BHS and ask them as some examiners may vary the decision. If you have a medical reason they may allow you to mount from a block. Just ask. :)

[milly molly]

I took my stage 1 in June this year, you do not have to mount from the ground or from receiving a leg up. We were provided with a mounting block in the school. The books still state that you have to give and use a leg up but when you enter for your exam you receive an addendum which states the rules have changed. Go for it!

[Smartie's mum]

That's great news. I thought I had read on the BHS website before they revamped it that you could use a mounting block, but I couldn't find it since they did it up and then I got the book which said you had to mount from the ground which was worrying me.

Thanks

[jumpthemoon]

I had to mount from the ground in my stage one. I hate it im only 5ft2" and struggle climbing up from the ground. Especially as your not allowed to hold on to the Cantle of the saddle, its alot easier when you can pull yourself up as well. Im sure that if you got a doctors note you'd be allowed to use the mounting block. You only have to show mounting from the ground once anyway.

[Wally]

I told them I have a disability and that I was NOT going to mount from the ground and that they had to make reasonable measures to supply me with a mounting block. I know some places will not allow the horses to be mounted from the ground, tell them you do not beleive in mountling from the ground and that in this day and age it is not a prerwquisite to be able to ride.

:rolleyes:

They did supply me with a block.

[eml]

Most exam centres now insist you mount from a block to save their horses backs. Glad I did it a 'few '....well several.... years ago as I now require block and stirrup to be on same level!!!

[ponylover88]

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