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Open to all members of the BHS who have reached the age of 16 years and are keen to improve their knowledge of horses and riding.
The Riding and Care sections may be taken as separate tests.
Requirements - 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.
Candidates will be examined on the following:
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| HORSE KNOWLEDGE AND CARE |
Candidates will be expected to show knowledge and practical ability in the following subjects:
- General - They must understand the importance of good manners, communication, discipline and reward in the handling of horses and those who care for them. They must set and attain high standards of personal behavior, turn out and horsemastership. The must understand how to develop physical fitness in order to carry out yard and field work efficiently without undue stress and strain; use of correct methods for lifting, moving and carrying heavy weights and for stable tasks.
- Horse Psychology - Some knowledge of the horse's natural life-style, instincts, actions and reactions.
- Horse Anatomy - The main external areas (forehand, middle, hind-quarters). Basic points of the horse, their colors and markings.
- Horse Health - Know the signs of good health in horses and ponies; recognize when they are off-color and the importance of an immediate report.
- Daily Routines - The importance of the various daily inspections and routines for horse care, in stables and at grass.
- The purpose, use and clearning of stable equipment; grooming kit, saddlery.
- How to put on, fit and care for headcollars, halters and lead ropes.
- How and where to tie up a horse, in the stable and outside.
- How to groom a horse.
- How to stand a horse up correctly in the stable and/or outside.
- How to lead and turn a horse at walk and trot up in hand.
- How to hold a reasonably quiet horse for treatment, shoeing and clipping.
- How to fill, weight and tie up a hay-net.
- How to assist other riders to mount.
- Bedding - The general principles. Types of bedding; mucking out ; bedding down; skipping out; setting fair. Building and maintaining a muck heap. Keeping all areas swept and tidy.
- Watering and Feeding - General principles and the importance of cleanliness. Know the various types of fodder in general use, and recognize good and bad quality. Suitable feeding of horses and ponies in light work.
- Saddlery - Put on a saddle, a numnah (saddle pad) and a snaffle bridle (with appropriate noseand with martingale). Check tack for safety and comfort of horse and rider. Remove tack and understand immediate aftercare. Recognize worn or ill-fitting saddlery, being aware of the dangers involved. Name parts of the saddle and bridle.
- Clothing - Put on various types of rugs (blankets) including a New Zealand. Fit a roller, surcingle and cross surcingles and understand their various uses. Put on a tail bandage. Take off horse clothing safely.
- Shoeing - Recognize over-grown feet, risen clenches, and worn, loose or sprung shoes.
- Turning out to Grass - What to look for in and around the field. Daily inspections. How to turn out a horse, how to catch him and bring him in from the field. Recognize a "horse sick" field.
- General Knowledge - Know the risks and responsibilities involved when riding or leading on the public highway. Know the correct procedures in the event of an accident. Safety rules and fire precautions. Knowledge of the British Horse Society's aims.
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| RIDING |
Candidates who are considered to be below the standard may be asked to retire (leave the examination).
- Leading a saddled and bridled horse in hand, from either side.
- Checking saddlery for its fitting and soundness.
- Mounting and dismounting from the ground, from a leg-up and from a mounting block.
- Assisting other riders to mount.
- Taking up and adjusting stirrups and reins.
- Checking and tightening girths.
- The correct basics must be seen. The ability to maintain a correct, balanced position at the three gaits of walk, trot and canter, both with stirrups at a suitable length for:
- work on the flat
- work in preparation for jumping, i.e.: shortened leathers to work in a light seat. Work over posts will be included.
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- The balance and security should indicate the correct foundation for future progress.
- Riding without stirrups at walk and trot.
- A basic understanding of the natural aids and an ability to ride forward, on straight lines and through turns and large circles, to halt and stand still.
- Trotting on named diagonals, changing diagonals and understanding reasons for doing so.
- Recognizing an incorrect lead leg in canter and trotting to enable a correct lead to be established.
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Source: 1999 BHS Examinations Handbook.
© 1999-2001 by The British Horse Society. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. |
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Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4
Preliminary Teaching Test | Intermediate Teaching Test |
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