BHS Stage 1 Complete Horsemanship - Basic Overview
The Stage 1 Complete Horsemanship is the first assessment on the British Horse Society pathways. This blog post aims to help potential Stage 1 candidates to find all the relevant information quickly and easily.
You can access an overview of the Stage 1 Complete Horsemanship Assessment here - BHS Stage 1 Complete Horsemanship
Key points to be aware of in relation to the Stage 1 Complete Horsemanship are:
This assessment comprises of 2 care units and one riding unit. It does not involve any coaching or lunging.
Candidates can choose to book the full assessment, just the riding or just the care units.
Signoff is not mandatory for Stage 1. However, training through an APC or approved BHS centre is recommended so that candidates are at the required standard.
Overview of a typical Stage 1 Complete Horsemanship Assessment:
When candidates arrive at the BHS Approved Centre to undertake their assessment, they will first be directed to the candidate briefing room.
The lead assessor will give a briefing to all candidates.
Timetables will be distributed in the briefing which will clearly advise each candidate as to which module they will be taking, when and where.
Candidates will be divided into groups for units and this will be illustrated on the timetable.
Key Points relating to the Stage 1 Riding Unit:
The full and detailed syllabus for this unit can be found here - BHS Stage 1 Ride Syllabus
Candidates will each ride two horses.
Upon arrival to the riding unit, candidates will mount their assigned horses and then follow the directions of the caller.
Candidates will ride in walk, trot and canter. All candidates will have a turn in lead file as one of the exercises will be to circle to the end of the ride.
Candidates will be asked to ride without stirrups in walk and trot.
After changing on to a second horse, candidates will be asked to demonstrate light seat in walk, trot and canter. They will also be asked to ride over trotting poles (in rising trot or light seat).
Candidates will also be asked to discuss topics such as the beats and footfalls of the paces, the correct aids for basic movements and the reasons for warming up and cooling down a horse.
It is vital that in rising trot candidates can demonstrate and recognise the correct diagonal.
It is vital that in canter, candidates can recognise the correct canter lead and can correct an incorrect strike off.
Key Points relating to the Stage 1 Care Units:
The full and detailed syllabus for these units can be found here - BHS Stage 1 Care Syllabus
The care units comprise of a mixture of theory discussions and practical demonstrations.
It is vital that candidates can fit rugs correctly.
Candidates must be familiar with the basics of horse care – grooming, feeding, mucking out and tacking up.
The ride safe award
The ride safe award is separate to the Stage 1
The ride safe award is a pre cursor to the Stage 2 so any candidates who attain Stage 1 and wish to do Stage 2 must have ride safe.
Candidates who have their pony club ride safe award must still do their BHS Ride Safe.
In Ireland, if you wish to do your ride safe award you have two options. If you have your own horse you can do your ride safe with an APC. If you do not have your own horse, you must do your ride safe at an approved BHS centre.
Next Steps:
You can view Stage 1 dates for Ireland for 2024 here - BHS Ireland 2024 Exam Dates
If you are working towards your Stage 1 and would like to see where you are against the required standard or if you would like to organise training for this assessment, get in touch on 0862222440 / bhstrainingireland@gmail.com