member of BHS - worth it?

Shannon_Clover · #1 14th Jul 2006, 11:55 AM

Can anyone tell me more about the good points about being a member of the BHS?
Even tempted by the badge and car bumper sticker.
Must we do exams or can you b a casual member like for info newsletter, etc?
Im only interested in the Horse Care management course but Im in no hurry to do it.
Would like to know if any of ye do the BHS exams, why do it, is for equine career or knowledge?

What the cost to be member, average exam fees, etc.

Trewsers · #2 14th Jul 2006, 12:14 PM

I don't think you have to do exams! I looked on their website and there are various levels of membership, bronze, silver and gold. Depends on how much you have to spend!! I might join, (next time I have some "spare" money

).

edited to add, thought the newsletter might be rather interesting. Also they have a legal advice line etc should you need it.

nelle · #3 14th Jul 2006, 12:29 PM

Hiya, there are no exams to become a member. I've just joined as a gold member for £50 per year (direct debit) and the main reason I joined was because of the free rider insurance, but you also get a quarterly newsletter and various other bits and pieces.

greeneyes13 · #4 14th Jul 2006, 01:10 PM

Hiya! More Irish on here thats what I like to see.
I joined cos I want to do some of the exams but they arnt compulsory. The insurance is a persuasive factor but they also organise horsey activities though not as frequently or as widely occurring as in the UK.

ponylover88 · #5 14th Jul 2006, 02:19 PM

To do exams you have to be a gold member, so thats what i am.

You get discount at the BHS shops/bookshop etc.
Somewhere on the website it said about all types of membership.

joey_olop · #6 14th Jul 2006, 03:40 PM

I only joined to do my exams-you have to be a gold member to do exams. I was a junior at the time and I thought the price at the time was a bit steep-now its £50!!!!

I wont join unless I take my Stage 3 and PTT any time soon.

teapot · #7 16th Jul 2006, 02:23 PM

I'm a member for exams and the insurance.

Quartlery magazine which is ok, easy to read, discounts at the bookshop whether online or at a BHS stand, get sent details of clinics happening in your area etc

showjumperamie · #8 17th Jul 2006, 10:47 AM

Hello
I joined because i wanted to do my BHS exams and thats all. Even though it did cost a bit i still think it is worth it because at the end of the day you are getting professional qaulifications and the better the job you can get up the horsey ladder.

Sammii · #9 17th Jul 2006, 11:27 AM

I joined because of the rider insurance

I did look into doing the exams but feel normal exams are strenuous (sp?) enough without the added revision of horsey exams.

artemis · #10 18th Jul 2006, 09:32 AM

What does the insurance cover?

kryspyg · #11 19th Jul 2006, 01:54 PM

I am interested in joining the BHS to do my exams. I've been riding for 17 years and done level 1&2 of the horse knowledge and care already. Does anyone think I will need to attend any training to do the Stage 1?

I may need to brush up on a couple of things but other than that would imagine I can just go for it. Any advice?

Ta!

Krys

Siogfinsceal · #12 27th Jul 2006, 02:59 PM

become a member its so worth it even just for the public liabilty insurance - take this from someone whose horse once got loose and galloped down a dual carraigeway... if your horse is out hacking or hunting and damages someones property you want to be covered

Siogfinsceal · #13 27th Jul 2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kryspyg

I am interested in joining the BHS to do my exams. I've been riding for 17 years and done level 1&2 of the horse knowledge and care already. Does anyone think I will need to attend any training to do the Stage 1?

I may need to brush up on a couple of things but other than that would imagine I can just go for it. Any advice?

Ta!

Krys

you prob know enough to pass but you need to be aware of the exam structure and how the questions will be phrased etc. Best thing to do is get yourself the stage 1 dvd/video and a copy of an official bhs book to guage if you are happy that you know it. If you have any doubts why not book in for a pre-test with an examinor or a bhs lecturer? its worth paying for it as the exams are expensive so its not worth failing because you failed to look at the finer points

Herbie's mummy · #14 27th Jul 2006, 03:02 PM

do you have to be 16 to start taking all your exams?

teapot · #15 27th Jul 2006, 04:59 PM

Stage 1 - you can be 15, if not 14 now (under some circumstances)

Krysprg - Best advice for the riding would be to go and have an assessment lesson at an approved centre so that they can give you pointers about anything you may need to brush up on. If you've been riding 17yrs+, the stage one riding should be absolutely fine

kryspyg · #16 28th Jul 2006, 11:14 AM

Thanks that's really helpful.
Have ordered the stage 1 book and am keeping an eye out for the dvd/vid. Am hoping to get it 2nd hand tho!

My riding school is only ABRS approved and not BHS, dont know why tho as facilities and instruction are good..not a question i feel able to ask of course!
Can I just contact an instructor in my area from the BHS website and go from there?

ta
k

teapot · #17 30th Jul 2006, 04:43 PM

You may find that although it's only ABRS approved, the instructors may be BHS qualified

Or if you've got your own horse, you could contact someone of the Register of Instructors list