One of the milestones for any aspiring equestrian professional is acquiring credentials from the renowned British Horse Society (BHS). But like any journey worth taking, becoming a BHS-qualified professional can be challenging. Luckily, you've got the How to Own a Horse blog to guide you through this process! In this post, we will break down everything you need to know about qualifying for BHS, complete with realistic examples and advice to prepare you for success. Keep reading, share this post with your fellow equestrians, and explore other guides on How to Own a Horse to deepen your knowledge.
How Do I Qualify For Bhs Table of Contents
The British Horse Society (BHS): An Overview
The British Horse Society (BHS): An Overview
The British Horse Society, established in 1947, is a prominent organization geared towards educating and serving equine enthusiasts across the globe. The BHS is committed to creating and promoting the highest standards of horse care, rider education, and professional excellence in the equine industry. To obtain BHS qualifications, you must pass a series of exams designed to assess your knowledge and skills in various aspects of horsemanship.
BHS Pathways and Requirements
Firstly, it's essential to understand the different BHS pathways to pursue based on your goals and interests. BHS offers a diverse range of qualifications, ranging from coaching and riding to stable management, welfare, and transportation. Each pathway consists of several qualifications or "stages" that must be passed in succession, building on the expertise from the previous level.
Before you jump into the qualification process, ensure that you meet the following BHS requirements:
1. BHS Membership
To take any BHS exam, you need to be a BHS Gold Member. This membership grants you access to the BHS education resources and a wealth of other benefits to help you succeed in your qualification journey.
2. Age
Some BHS qualifications have minimum age requirements, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the details of the specific exam you want to take.
Exam Stages and Study Materials
Once you've chosen a BHS pathway and ensured you meet the requirements, it's time to start preparing for the exams. Let's delve into the stages of the most popular BHS pathway, the BHS Coach in Complete Horsemanship:
1. BHS Stage 1
This stage forms a foundation, assessing the skills and knowledge required to look after a well-mannered horse and ride confidently in a balanced position. You should consider embarking on this stage if you have basic knowledge of horse care and can ride independently with safety and tact.
2. BHS Stage 2
Building on Stage 1 qualifications, this stage tests your ability to care for stabled and grass-kept horses, maintain their health, and ride effectively in a variety of environments, such as open spaces and schooling areas.
3. BHS Stage 3
With Stage 3, you’ll stand out as a proficient equestrian professional. This stage assesses your capability to manage a stable yard, care for its horses, and ride and school horses in a variety of contexts.
4. BHS Stage 4
As you progress to Stage 4, you’re on your way to cultivating a deep understanding of horse care, management, and development. This stage tests your skills in supervising staff, caring for performance horses, and analyzing a horse’s way of going to improve its performance.
5. BHS Stage 5
Reaching Stage 5 signifies expertise in horse management, care, and riding. This exam evaluates your equestrian knowledge and professional decision-making abilities in various situations.
Use the official BHS website to access recommended study material and exam content for each stage.
Preparing and Taking the Exam
The best method for preparing for any BHS exam is through a well-rounded approach. Combine various tactics, such as reading and practicing, attending workshops, and gaining hands-on experience within the industry.
It's recommended to practice and gain real-life experience, either at a yard or a BHS Accredited Training Centre. Riding schools accredited by the BHS are equipped to provide structured training and practical insights to support you in your qualification journey.
Additionally, you'll find fantastic resources and guides right here on the How to Own a Horse blog, along with the engaging and shareable content to build your equestrian skillset.
Becoming a BHS-qualified equestrian professional is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Making a strategic plan is paramount to achieving your goals and receiving the qualifications that will open doors in the equine industry. Identify the right pathway for you, use various sources to gain knowledge and practice, and rely on structured support from training centers, the BHS community, and the How to Own a Horse blog. We believe you've got this, so go forth and conquer your BHS exams!
