BHS Stage one.. Help.?

Hi, I did my stage one several years ago and found that I was nervous as although I had prepared etc. it (for me) was the fear of the unknown.

Have you done any reading towards it? I found the BHS stage books by Maxine Cave (not 100% on her surname, but there is only one Maxine that writes BHS Books) were really useful, also, there is a stage workbook too which gives you typical exam questions to answer.

The other thing I found helpful for both my stage 1 and 2 was to ride at the exam centre itself. I booked in for lessons on a weekly basis for 2 months prior to the exam and told the exam centre that I was booked into take my stages with them. I found that helped calm me down as I was aware of most of their exam horses and they were really helpful by giving me exam horses.

On the riding side, do lots of group school work, including changes of reins, shallow loops, serpentines etc. Do lots of work without stirrups at walk, trot and canter. Whilst I believe that at present you only have to walk and trot without stirrups it's never a bad thing to be over prepared.

The other key thing that I found useful is to study to the next level, eg. for stage one ride and be knowledgeble to stage 2, for stage 2, ride and be knowledgeable to stage 3 and so on. This helps a lot also as you are not so phased by the questions or requests to do something.

I know it's easy for me to say, but try and relax and enjoy your day. The examiners are human and are really nice and approachable, if they ask you something and you don't understand, ask again. At stage 1 they want to pass you - you would need to do something really drastic to fail this one! Stage 1 is pretty basic and is common sense.

It may be worth your while getting a friend or instructor to do a mock session with you, get them to ask you questions relating to the sylabus (which if you haven't got it, can be downloaded from the BHS site). Answer the questions thrououghly. Also, don't be afraid to put your hand up and volunteer the answers to the examiners!

To keep your nerves under control, you could try something like rescue remedy, calms etc. I'm sure though that you will find that when you get there and start that you will relax and enjoy your day.

Try to remember that there are others there that are in the same boat as you and are as nervous as you, it's just that some don't show it!

Good luck!

BHS Stage 1 is very basic with just a bit of riding, tacking up and basic stable management. I have known people as young as 17 doing it so it should not be too much of a problem. However to get more of an idea - it is a long while since I did mine, I would look up BHS Education for more details. Good luck.

I passed it. It is very basic, a bit like Pony Club Test C was.

Examiners worth their salt will know that some candidates are likely to be a bit nervous. As long as you are safe you should be alright. If you do have some physical dilemma you need to ask your doctor to provide evidence as to why you cannot do certain things. For example I failed my Stage II first time round due to the fact that I could not sit straight on the horse. The examiner suggested getting my back x-rayed. Turned out I had a curvature of the spine and other problems and armed with these x-rays and a doctors letter I passed with flying colours. I was safe, but will not make it on the Olympic Dressage Team!

Try not to be nervous. Make sure that you are well presented, and just be yourself. The judges are not ogres, they just need to know that you are up to the standard. Remember that they are not looking to fail you. Stage 1 is pretty basic really, so I am sure you will have nothing to worry about. Try to enjoy your day out and remember to smile. Good luck.

Red Ladybird pretty much sums it up! All they want to know is that you're safe and competent. The examiners understand that you'll be a bit nervous, so take a deep breath and remind yourself that you do know it!

...And don't forget your hat. If it's not up to standard, you'll not be allowed to ride.