Training

[Enelya]

Hey, I'm new here so hi people! I was wondering if anybody new if, to train for bhs levels, you actually have to be taught by a qualified instructor or can you to some degree teach yourself? Any info would be appreciated!:)

[shirley]

Look at the BHS website for what each stage requires and how the training process builds up to different levels of instructors.
Colleges / universities do different courses and within them work towards different BHS levels.
You cannot be a registered BHS instructor without the necessary BHS stages etc. As for being taught, again look at BHS site and they can inform you of various places where you can do different stages of the training and also where you can do the exams. Some of of the bigger establishments also run training weeks as well as weekly courses.
Some places also do working pupil training and these may be use ful to look at as well.
Next there are National Vocational Qualifications, but look at colleges etc about these and they could perhaps place you in touch with local instructors / riding centres that offer these.
Last but not least the BHS also do a course of Levels for non horsey people as well. These are worth considering if you are either loaning and want to do more knowledge or just thinking about owning a horse.
Good luck - also just read as much as you can as well, even just articles /magazines for pleasure, you will pick a lot of information as well.

[bexj]

Hi

You don't have to be trained by a BHS instructor, and the website (www.bhs.org.uk) has full details of the syllabus for each level. You can also buy books which cover each level too. However, I would reccommend that you have at least a few lessons with a BHS instructor, preferably at the place you will be taking your exams, as they are very strict in what they look for. For example, you are expected to skip out if there is poo in the stable when you go in. If you don't, then you can fail. Its stuff like that that you need to watch out for, and probably only a BHS place will tell you!

[DebO]

Hi there

It's a bit like taking your driving test, you have to do it by the book! In other words they have their standards, rules etc and expect you to do it right.

As said previously the BHS sell books relating to the various stages, these are informative, I think you can also get pamphlets which tell you what the exam consists off.

Check out your local stables they may run courses. It is preferable to have someone teach you who has done the stages themselves as they will know what is expected.

You can also buy videos which give you a glimpse of what is involved on the day, but doesn't cover the nitty gritty.

DebO

[Enelya]

Ok thanks guys! I will definately look into it :)

[ponylover88]

ive done my stage 1, and am going to do my stage 2. i did a course at the college where i was taking the exam. :D