BHS Stages 1 and 2
Volunteer training for BHS Exams
We have recently received funding from PETPLAN to fund our volunteer training program. This means we are able to provide training for our volunteers towards BHS exams. In the majority of cases these volunteering opportunities are available for those who are age 16 years and older however we will make exceptions for those who are younger than this following an individual assessment. Volunteers at stage 1 and 2 would be supervised but we would expect them to be able to complete tasks individually or in a team with a minimum of supervision and have a suitable maturity level for the level of qualification they are training for. We do have slots available for volunteering on weekdays and on the weekends as well as riding at training in the week during the day and in the evenings. There is a small bursary available towards exam costs for our most committed volunteers who are struggling financially.
Volunteering hours could be completed in one whole day or in two slots of three hours. And an individual program will be worked out for each volunteer. We would expect a volunteer to be regular and reliable showing a good level of commitment to their studies. If a volunteer is wishing to train for two or more exams simultaneously this would be possible but it much be understood that this would be a considerable commitment and a suitable amount of time for self study must also be allocated. For ease of study some lessons may be over internet platforms such as Zoom to allow students to study in the evenings.
For most of the sections that require riding volunteers should note that we would expect that they would probably need to have additional riding lessons in order to prepare them for the exams, especially if they are not currently near the standard. This would be at the cost of £17 per week and would require for riders to be under our weight limit of £12 stone. Even if volunteers are unable to complete riding sections we would still support them to progress in the care sections.
Ride Safe training
In order to take the Ride Safe award you would need to competent in walk and trot and riding in the arena and out on the road. Training is undertaken at our stables but the exams booked through the BHS at a cost of £95 and will be taken at a BHS exam centre. This exam is available for those aged 11 years and older and requires a good knowledge of the High way code.
Full details for this exam can be found following this link https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/ride-safe-award/
For those already competent in walk and Trot the preparation for this exam could be as little as 10 hours with some hours of self study to revise the theory. For those who are less competent at riding or those who require extra support you would need to allow extra time to train for this exam.
Training you would need for this would include
Stage 1 Training
In order to take the Stage 1 care exam volunteers must be competent with all of the day to day tasks surrounding horse care. Volunteers should be able to complete these tasks individually and in a group with minimal supervision. A minimum of 13 years old is set for the exam however a good level of independent work and maturity would need to be shown in order to take the exam at this age. If a volunteer has prior knowledge then training for this exam could be done in as little as 20 hours as much of the volunteering time would include the practicing of these tasks once the elements have been taught. If there is no prior knowledge then more time would need to be allocated to the studying of these areas and more supervised practice must also be undertaken.
Training for the stage 1 care
Stage 1 ride
In order to undertake this exam riders must be competent riding a variety of horses on the flat and must be a minimum of 13 years old. For those starting from scratch you must allow for additional riding lessons in order to complete this as it will take a considerable amount of time to get to this level- at least a year riding once a week for a fit adult . For those who are already able to ride a timescale can be given after an individual assessment.
Stage 2 Training
Stage 2 exams are more substantial than stage 1 exams and require a higher level of practical competency and knowledge. In order to undertake stage 2 study you would need to have completed stage 1 in that area (where applicable) and also the Ride Safe exam for the ridden sections.
Stage 2 Care
In order to undertake stage 2 care a volunteer would need t be competent in a range of areas and be able to work at a level where they are able to support and supervise other volunteers. Stage 2 volunteers would still be supervised but this would be minimal and a greater level of independence would be required. A minimum age of 14 is needed in order to take this exam but a considerable level of maturity is required so most candidates are 16 years and above. A skills booklet would need to be completed before the date of the exam to show that these areas have been covered to the standard required. The areas covered in order to be ready for the exam include:
Stage 2 Lunge
Lunging is a regular part of our practice at Summerfield Stables and we regularly offer opportunities to have lunging supervised. A skills record would also need to be completed before the lunging exams can be undertaken. In order to sit the lunging exam you would need to be able to:
The cost of this exam is £60 and must be booked with the BHS and to be undertaken at an approved centre . Further details are available on the BHS website: https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/career-pathways/coaching-pathway/foundation-coach-in-complete-horsemanship/unit-2-stage-2-lunge/
Stage 2 Ride
In order to take the stage 2 ride exam volunteers should have already have completed the stage 1 ride exam, be a minimum of 14 years old and a skills record would need to be completed to show you are are riding to the required standard. We would offer an individual assessment for volunteers and would give advice for a time scale. If a significant amount of training is needed please be aware that extra lessons may be required in order to complete this exam. In the exam you would need to ride a variety of horses and:
The cost of this exam is £165 and must be booked with the BHS and to be undertaken at an approved centre. Further details are available on the BHS website: https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/career-pathways/coaching-pathway/foundation-coach-in-complete-horsemanship/unit-3-stage-2-ride/
Stage 2 Teach
For those wishing to undertake the Stage 2 teach they would need to have first completed the Stage 2 ride , care and lunge and be 17 years old as a minimum. We have many opportunities for practicing for this exam and we would offer opportunities to watch and teach lessons. Lessons taught would be supervised but please note that a DBS check is a pre requisite for completing of the full qualification as is a first aid qualification and child protection training. In preparation for this exam much of the volunteering would include teaching riding and also helping to coach and supervise other volunteers training for stage 1.
Stage 2 Coaching will assess your knowledge and understanding in delivering a class lesson including both flatwork and jumping. Flatwork will show an understanding of working with small groups of riders in walk, trot and canter working on balance and riding position, which may include work both with and without stirrups. You will be able to progress flatwork to jumping, as an integrated lesson working over ground poles, a single fence, double or related distance.
You will also be assessed in delivering practical stable management sessions covering routine activities such as putting on a bridle, rug or grooming. You will have an understanding of coaching principles, how riders progress, how to introduce new subject matter and how to deal with problems.
Stage 3 Training
Stage three training is currently on a Tuesday night although care and lunge sections can be more flexible. A stage 5 coach will oversee the training and sign off the necessary sections. Volunteers would be expected to offer 3 hours volunteering for two hours training but after initial training there would be less supervision so a DBS check would be required. Stage three training would be made on an individual basis after an assessment.
The costs of the exams are as follows:
Unit 1: Stage 3 Care assessment (£150)
Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge assessment (£75)
Unit 3: Stage 3 Ride Dressage assessment (£105)
Unit 4: Stage 3 Ride Jump assessment (£105)
Unit 5: Stage 3 Coaching assessment (£225)
BHSQ Level 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship (Stage 3) career certificate
Further details can be found on the BHS website:
https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/career-pathways/coaching-pathway/coach/
If you are interested in studying for any of the exams please contact the stables using the contact form.
We have recently received funding from PETPLAN to fund our volunteer training program. This means we are able to provide training for our volunteers towards BHS exams. In the majority of cases these volunteering opportunities are available for those who are age 16 years and older however we will make exceptions for those who are younger than this following an individual assessment. Volunteers at stage 1 and 2 would be supervised but we would expect them to be able to complete tasks individually or in a team with a minimum of supervision and have a suitable maturity level for the level of qualification they are training for. We do have slots available for volunteering on weekdays and on the weekends as well as riding at training in the week during the day and in the evenings. There is a small bursary available towards exam costs for our most committed volunteers who are struggling financially.
Volunteering hours could be completed in one whole day or in two slots of three hours. And an individual program will be worked out for each volunteer. We would expect a volunteer to be regular and reliable showing a good level of commitment to their studies. If a volunteer is wishing to train for two or more exams simultaneously this would be possible but it much be understood that this would be a considerable commitment and a suitable amount of time for self study must also be allocated. For ease of study some lessons may be over internet platforms such as Zoom to allow students to study in the evenings.
For most of the sections that require riding volunteers should note that we would expect that they would probably need to have additional riding lessons in order to prepare them for the exams, especially if they are not currently near the standard. This would be at the cost of £17 per week and would require for riders to be under our weight limit of £12 stone. Even if volunteers are unable to complete riding sections we would still support them to progress in the care sections.
Ride Safe training
In order to take the Ride Safe award you would need to competent in walk and trot and riding in the arena and out on the road. Training is undertaken at our stables but the exams booked through the BHS at a cost of £95 and will be taken at a BHS exam centre. This exam is available for those aged 11 years and older and requires a good knowledge of the High way code.
Full details for this exam can be found following this link https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/ride-safe-award/
For those already competent in walk and Trot the preparation for this exam could be as little as 10 hours with some hours of self study to revise the theory. For those who are less competent at riding or those who require extra support you would need to allow extra time to train for this exam.
Training you would need for this would include
- Familiarity with tacking up and checking tack
- Leading horses in the arena and on the road
- Riding in the arena, on a simulated ride route and on the road
- Learning the Highway code and the relevant theory for the exam
Stage 1 Training
In order to take the Stage 1 care exam volunteers must be competent with all of the day to day tasks surrounding horse care. Volunteers should be able to complete these tasks individually and in a group with minimal supervision. A minimum of 13 years old is set for the exam however a good level of independent work and maturity would need to be shown in order to take the exam at this age. If a volunteer has prior knowledge then training for this exam could be done in as little as 20 hours as much of the volunteering time would include the practicing of these tasks once the elements have been taught. If there is no prior knowledge then more time would need to be allocated to the studying of these areas and more supervised practice must also be undertaken.
Training for the stage 1 care
- Mucking out stables
- Feeding horses
- Be able to put on and adjust saddles, bridles and boots
- Being able to clean tack
- Know how to lead a horse safely in a variety of environments
- Identify regular field checks
- Have an awareness for the after work care of a horse
- Knowing the different rugs horses may need and how to fit them
- Understanding horse behaviour and health and being able to recognise any abnormalities
Stage 1 ride
In order to undertake this exam riders must be competent riding a variety of horses on the flat and must be a minimum of 13 years old. For those starting from scratch you must allow for additional riding lessons in order to complete this as it will take a considerable amount of time to get to this level- at least a year riding once a week for a fit adult . For those who are already able to ride a timescale can be given after an individual assessment.
- Be able to mount from a block and adjust girth and stirrups for comfort
- Be able to walk, trot and canter and ride on both reins, showing changes of direction, turns and circles
- Show an understanding for riding position both with and without stirrups, and when working in a forward seat over poles and in canter
- Be able to ride in a group and show some individual work with awareness and respect for other riders
- Be assessed on your ability to recognise diagonals in rising trot and canter leads applying aids to move around the arena and between paces
- Be aware of the horse’s needs and comfort when dismounting and returning to the stable
Stage 2 Training
Stage 2 exams are more substantial than stage 1 exams and require a higher level of practical competency and knowledge. In order to undertake stage 2 study you would need to have completed stage 1 in that area (where applicable) and also the Ride Safe exam for the ridden sections.
Stage 2 Care
In order to undertake stage 2 care a volunteer would need t be competent in a range of areas and be able to work at a level where they are able to support and supervise other volunteers. Stage 2 volunteers would still be supervised but this would be minimal and a greater level of independence would be required. A minimum age of 14 is needed in order to take this exam but a considerable level of maturity is required so most candidates are 16 years and above. A skills booklet would need to be completed before the date of the exam to show that these areas have been covered to the standard required. The areas covered in order to be ready for the exam include:
- Know about the roles, rights and responsibilities of an assistant groom
- Have an understanding of routine practices on a stable yard, your role, responsibilities and reporting lines
- Know how to care for horses on a day-to-day basis, recognising and assessing normal and abnormal behaviour and understanding when veterinary intervention may be required
- Be able to maintain a horse’s health
- Understand how to care for a horses’ feet
- Understand the environment for keeping horses
- Be able to fit standard tack and travel equipment
- Be able to fit boots and bandages on a horse
- Be able to prepare a horse to travel
- Be able to prepare horses for presentation
- Have a knowledge of feeding and an understanding of fitness, including the factors that will affect the amount of feed a horse will receive
- Have an understanding of basic anatomy, location of key organs and the function of the digestive system
- Know about horse behaviour
Stage 2 Lunge
Lunging is a regular part of our practice at Summerfield Stables and we regularly offer opportunities to have lunging supervised. A skills record would also need to be completed before the lunging exams can be undertaken. In order to sit the lunging exam you would need to be able to:
- Understand and be able to prepare a horse to lunge using tack which includes a bridle, cavesson, saddle, side reins and brushing boots
- Be able to demonstrate safe lungeing
- Be able to work the horse in its basic paces, showing consideration for the size of the circle
The cost of this exam is £60 and must be booked with the BHS and to be undertaken at an approved centre . Further details are available on the BHS website: https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/career-pathways/coaching-pathway/foundation-coach-in-complete-horsemanship/unit-2-stage-2-lunge/
Stage 2 Ride
In order to take the stage 2 ride exam volunteers should have already have completed the stage 1 ride exam, be a minimum of 14 years old and a skills record would need to be completed to show you are are riding to the required standard. We would offer an individual assessment for volunteers and would give advice for a time scale. If a significant amount of training is needed please be aware that extra lessons may be required in order to complete this exam. In the exam you would need to ride a variety of horses and:
- Have an understanding of respecting other users while applying aids to work the horse
- Be able to ride outside in an open space, jump single fences and a small course of 75 centimetres
- Start to evaluate your own riding and the way the horse goes both in flatwork and jumping
The cost of this exam is £165 and must be booked with the BHS and to be undertaken at an approved centre. Further details are available on the BHS website: https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/career-pathways/coaching-pathway/foundation-coach-in-complete-horsemanship/unit-3-stage-2-ride/
Stage 2 Teach
For those wishing to undertake the Stage 2 teach they would need to have first completed the Stage 2 ride , care and lunge and be 17 years old as a minimum. We have many opportunities for practicing for this exam and we would offer opportunities to watch and teach lessons. Lessons taught would be supervised but please note that a DBS check is a pre requisite for completing of the full qualification as is a first aid qualification and child protection training. In preparation for this exam much of the volunteering would include teaching riding and also helping to coach and supervise other volunteers training for stage 1.
Stage 2 Coaching will assess your knowledge and understanding in delivering a class lesson including both flatwork and jumping. Flatwork will show an understanding of working with small groups of riders in walk, trot and canter working on balance and riding position, which may include work both with and without stirrups. You will be able to progress flatwork to jumping, as an integrated lesson working over ground poles, a single fence, double or related distance.
You will also be assessed in delivering practical stable management sessions covering routine activities such as putting on a bridle, rug or grooming. You will have an understanding of coaching principles, how riders progress, how to introduce new subject matter and how to deal with problems.
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a coach
- Understand rider needs
- Be able to coach safely
- Be able to demonstrate lesson management skills
- Be able to coach a lead rein lesson (20 min teaching +5 min discussion with assessor)
- Be able to coach a lunge lesson (30 min teaching + 5 min discussion with assessor)
- Be able to coach an integrated flatwork and jumping group lesson (45 min teaching+ 5 min discussion with assessor)
- Be able to coach a practical stable management lesson (15 min to deliver practical session + 5 min discussion with assessor)
- Be able to plan for professional development
Stage 3 Training
Stage three training is currently on a Tuesday night although care and lunge sections can be more flexible. A stage 5 coach will oversee the training and sign off the necessary sections. Volunteers would be expected to offer 3 hours volunteering for two hours training but after initial training there would be less supervision so a DBS check would be required. Stage three training would be made on an individual basis after an assessment.
The costs of the exams are as follows:
Unit 1: Stage 3 Care assessment (£150)
Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge assessment (£75)
Unit 3: Stage 3 Ride Dressage assessment (£105)
Unit 4: Stage 3 Ride Jump assessment (£105)
Unit 5: Stage 3 Coaching assessment (£225)
BHSQ Level 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship (Stage 3) career certificate
Further details can be found on the BHS website:
https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/career-pathways/coaching-pathway/coach/
If you are interested in studying for any of the exams please contact the stables using the contact form.
