Background
The British Horse Society examination system has an international reputation within the Equine industry. BHS examinations are vocational examinations designed for and aimed at, persons wishing to either pursue teaching as a career or who simply wish to explore the extent of their equestrian knowledge.
Training for BHS examinations is currently available at CAFRE from Stage 1 to Stage 3 Horse Knowledge and Care and Stage 1 to Stage 3 Riding as well as BHS Preliminary Teaching Test. Training for all of the stages can be taken separately but to achieve the complete qualification, candidates must pass all sections of the examination. For further information on the BHS please visit www.bhs.org.uk
Course details
CAFRE in conjunction with The Open College offers BHS Stage 1, 2 and 3 Horse Knowledge and Care and Instructional Techniques through distance learning.
This gives students the opportunity to study at their own pace at a time that suits them. Tutorial support is on offer via the Internet, phone or post. The Distance learning programme does not include formal classes or tutorials.
Target audience
Anyone 16 years or over working or hoping to work in the equine industry.
Course content
The courses are designed to allow progressive learning. Subjects covered in Horse Knowledge and Care, Stage 1 are expanded upon and dealt with in more depth in stage 2, stage 3 etc…A brief outline on the content of each course is as follows:
BHS Stage 1 Horse Knowledge and Care
Anatomy and Physiology, Equine Behaviour, The Stabled Horse, The Grass Kept Horse, Saddlery, Foot Shoeing and Lameness, Watering and Feeding, Horse Health, Health and Safety.BHS Stage 2 Horse Knowledge and Care
Anatomy and Physiology, Horse Psychology, Horse Health, Equine Nutririon, Horse Management, Saddlery, Shoeing, Fittening the Horse, Stable Design and Pasture Management, Health and Safety.-
BHS Stage 3 Horse Knowledge and Care
Anatomy and Physiology, Horse Health, Management and General Handling, Feeding and Nutrition, Fittening and Competition, Saddlery, Shoeing, Grazing Management, Health and Safety.
Instructional Techniques Course (PTT)
Introduction to Teaching, Approaches to Learning, Basic Safety, Rider Position and Application of Aids, Use of Poles and Jumping Technique, Recognition of Common Faults and Their Correction, School Movements, The Private Lesson, The Class Lesson, The Lecture.
Assessments
A number of assessments are included in each learning pack. Students can complete these and submit them to a CAFRE tutor for feedback. However this is purely optional.
Cost
Stage 1 learning pack and tutorial support - £35
Stage 2 learning pack and tutorial support - £35
Stage 3 learning pack and tutorial support - £45
Instructional Techniques learning pack and tutorial support - £45
Next course dates
Students can enrol for this course at any time. Students study at their own pace and can take as long as they like.
ALL BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY COURSES ARE CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
Do students gain a qualification?
No. Students must apply directly to the British Horse Society to take the examinations. Studying through distance learning will only provide theory and not practical training. Before applying for exams students should seek advice to ensure they are practically competent at the relevant level.
Equine Short Course Application form (PDF file - 97.5KB)
