THE BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY SOUTH WEST - EXAMINATIONS & QUALIFICATIONS

The BHS has one of the best examination systems in the world.  The BHS exams are an established, tried and tested method of exploring candidates’ equitation and stable management skills. There are a number of BHS examinations and qualifications you can work for depending upon whether you have professional or recreational aspirations.

For full information on BHS exams please CLICK HERE

Stage 1
(minimum age 14 years. It is envisaged that candidates under the age of 15 years may not have accrued the required skills/knowledge for this professional qualification.)
The candidate must understand the basic principles of horse care and, working under supervision, he/she must show some knowledge and practice of looking after a well-mannered horse in the stable and at grass. He/she must be capable of riding a quiet, experienced horse or pony in an enclosed space.

Stage 2 (minimum age 16 years)
Before entering the Riding section of this exam, the candidate must have passed the BHS Riding and Road Safety Test, see HERE for further details. Please note: Stage 2 exam candidates need to plan well ahead for their Riding & Road Safety Test, particularly during the winter months when not so many take place.
The candidate must understand the general management and requirements of horses for their health and well-being. Working under regular but not constant supervision, the candidate should be able to carry out the care of stabled and grass kept horses during all seasons of the year. He/she must have an understanding of how the horse adjusts his balance to carry a rider. The candidate must be capable of riding a quiet, experienced horse or pony in the countryside and on the public highway as well as in a manege, or indoor school.

Stage 3 (minimum age 17 years)
The candidate must show an ability to look after up to 4 horses in stables and at grass and to ride a variety of horses under a variety of circumstances. He/she should be tactful yet effective, understanding the reasons for their actions both in horse care and while riding.

Stage 4 (minimum age – Riding 18 years; Care 19 years)
The candidate must be capable of taking sole charge of a group of horses of various types in stables and at grass. He/she must be an educated rider capable of training and improving horses in their work on the flat, over fences and on the lunge.

General Advice on the Sections
Riding (Work on the flat)
Be practical, workmanlike and efficient. Do what you would do at home. You are bound to feel nervous but the examiners understand that and will allow for your initial tension or tightness. You will not fail a section on one aspect alone – nobody is perfect but you should give an overall sound, secure, confident impression. In Stage 4 you will be asked to ride in a double bridle – you must demonstrate that you are practised at riding with two reins. Depending on the level of the exam, you will be more or less effective. Do not be afraid to ask a little more form the horses – bullying and rough riding is unacceptable but to ‘question’ the horse’s capabilities can show a riders effectiveness.
Examiners become concerned about candidates who pull the ‘front end’ and ignore the hind legs. Tact, feel and awareness are important qualities in a rider. Your position is important. Candidates will not fail on one position fault alone but if the fault affects the horse’s way of going then the examiners will be concerned. At Stage 3 and 4 you will be asked to comment upon the way of going of your horses – be open and honest and try not to tell the examiner what you think they want to hear. Be concise and to the point.

Riding (Jumping)
You should be able to demonstrate balance, security, stability and feel between and over fences or poles (if applicable). Similar to the work on the flat, you will not fail on one aspect of the jumping but you must demonstrate awareness, feel for a stride, pace, rhythm, balance and security. If you are required to ride across country, i.e. Stage 3 and 4, the examiners look for a rider who can sensibly work at a stronger speed compared to showjumping. Your approaches to and departures from the fences should be executed smoothly and ably. Your horse should not be interfered with over the fences. If you fall off or your horse refuses, do not panic, you will not be instantly failed – what the examiners are looking for is how you deal with the problem. Your position is important as it can affect your horse’s performance dramatically. In Stage 4 when the jumping is complete, you must be prepared to talk to the examiners about what you have felt on the horses you have ridden.

Practical Stable Management
Examiners want to see you being efficient, practical, safe and quick whilst working with and around the horses. When fitting equipment and tack, you should be aware of the horses but become totally involved in your tasks. If asked to groom a horse for example, you must put as much effort in to the task during the exam as you would at home. You will be asked questions about your work so your underpinning knowledge should be sound.

Practical Oral
Similar to the Practical Stable Management but you will be expected to demonstrate your theoretical as well as your practical knowledge. Become involved in the tasks, look keen and enthusiastic and do not hang back. Do read the relevant syllabus so you know whether you are going to be asked about anatomy or physiology for example.

Theory
Examiners like you to be forthcoming in your answers. Be the first to respond and if you are not directly asked a question but would like to contribute, try and catch the examiners eye so that they will realise you are anxious to answer. If you disagree with a fellow candidate, do not be rude but politely say that you would do something in a different way.

Lungeing
Be practical. Check your equipment. Motivate the horse – if he is lazy do not be afraid to use your lunge whip on the horse to sharpen him up. If your lunge line is in a tangle when you receive it, you are permitted to safely throw it on the floor to disentangle it. If your horse will not stop when you request it to, try moving towards the horse whilst saying ‘Whoa!’ If the horse is lazy and you want to motivate him, do move - you are not expected to become rooted to the spot!

Safety is paramount in all the BHS examinations – dress safely, act safely and think safely.

Results
All exam results will be sent by post. Please take a SAE to your exam and hand it to the Chief Examiner at the briefing, first thing in the morning, in order that your results can be posted directly to you following the examination.

Remember that the examiners do not try to fail you – you fail yourself. If you are well-prepared and trained you will be successful.

Horse Society have worked very closely together for the last few years to develop qualifications for those working in the equestrian tourism industry, particularly those taking out treks/trail rides/hacks. The first examinations were held in 1997 and already many centres are recognising the benefit of getting their staff trained and qualified. One centre, which arranged for all its staff to become BET qualified, has received a reduction in its insurance premium of approximately £800 per year.

These qualifications were especially developed to provide industry relevant, recognised standards at three levels for those working in equestrian tourism - Assistant Ride Leader, Ride Leader and Riding Holiday Centre Manager.

An optional residential refresher course is available to all candidates immediately prior to the examination. If candidates do not wish to attend the refresher course, they must arrive the night before the exam to attend the briefing. However, it is important that you indicate on the exam application form if you intend to participate. It is strongly recommended that candidates attend the refresher course. Normally the training course will cover the whole syllabus and include riding out on all, or most days. In order to be briefed on the stable routine, the examination training and other relevant matters, candidates must arrive at the examination centre by 6 pm on the evening before the examination. A charge for evening meal, and bed and breakfast may be made, which is not included in the examination fee.

BET Exams home page

Assistant Ride Leader

Ride Leader

Riding Holiday Centre Manager

Return to BHS South West Home Page


Return to www.equinetourism.co.uk Home Page

The BHS South West Region is created and managed by www.equinetourism.co.uk

www.equinetourism.co.uk is owned by Happy Horses Ltd
Telephone: Advertising and editorial: 01643 862785
Happy Horses Ltd, Holt Ball, Luccombe, Minehead, Exmoor, Somerset TA24 8SZ
Full copyright:©2004Happy Horses Ltd 2004. Please read our Disclaimer