Another BHS Stage 1 Question Barrage...... Sorry!!

[domane]

Right, so I had my own over 20 years ago, I have had a long child-rearing break and I have recently given up my share horse after only 5 weeks to save my money to buy my own again. (It was a happy, mutual decision with the owner as she doesn't need a sharer after all!)

In the meantime, I think I would quite like to start the BHS Exams. I mean, it will surely help when I start looking as any genuine owner seems more concerned about their beloved's new home. Right? And it will also serve as a good "revision" and update to modern practises.

So I have seen that you need to be a BHS Gold member and I have printed off the Stage 1 syllabus (thanks to reading some threads!!) but what do I do now? Do I phone my local stables to see if they run courses, or contact the BHS? Sorry to sound so daft, but I really don't have a clue.....

[ponylover88]

...

[eml]

If you are doing it for your own personal development rather than career it is probably better to do the BHS progressive tests. Level 6 is the equivalent and an exemption for Stage 1 and you don't need to become a member to do them. Try your local approved school. The Horse owners course is also worth considering

[shirley]

I did the horse ownership different levels and found it brilliant, sure gave me loads of info and knowledge which has been very beneficial over the past several years.

[Pondrider]

Hi domane,

I agree - probably the best course to brush up your horsecare skills would be the BHS Horse Owner's Certificates: these are usually offered at local level by individual registered instructors, or at stables, and can be an in-expensive way of improving knowledge with an optional exam at the end if desired.
Four levels too, and you can start at whichever level you choose.
The courses are theory based, but some instructors offer a 'practical skills' day as part of the course so you can refresh old skills and learn new ones.

If you have a local riding club, they may run a course already or be willing to organise one - the BHS website has a list of all the instructors in each county who offer these courses (not all do) - look for the H beside their name.

Hope this helps.

[domane]

Thanks peeps, think I will investigate the Horse Owner's tests then....

You are all very kind (and far more informed than me!!!)

[domane]

Just to let you know that I have had a good investigate on the internet and I have a good few options open to me, fairly locally either as evening classes of weekends, so I am really really grateful for you pointing me in the right direction. I can't wait to get enrolled and start now... :D

Thank you all again.