BHS opens up initial teaching exam
The British Horse Society has made it possible for certain individuals to take their preliminary teaching test without passing their stage two riding exam first.
The new rule has been brought in to cater for those individuals, who have previously ridden to the standard required at stage two level, but are no longer able to do so.
Linda Howarth of the BHS exams department explains: “We are aware that there are experienced people currently working in the industry who have much to offer as instructors, but, possibly due to injury or disability, are not able to ride, and particularly jump, to the standard required for the stage two exam.
“The new rules will allow these individuals to take their PTT exam and join the BHS official instructors register, which provides them with access to cheaper insurance, among other benefits.”
There are strict criteria governing who is allowed to take advantage of this fast track route to the PTT exam:
- Applicants must be 30 years of age or over with experience in the horse industry
- Applicants must hold BHS Stage 1 complete and Horse Knowledge & Care
Stage 2 (or a recognised equivalent) - A full CV and a fee of £150 should be submitted to the Examinations Office for consideration by the Examinations Advisory Group
- Applicants should also provide two references confirming they have proven riding experience
The BHS believes that because the applications will be rigorously vetted on a case-by-case basis, the changes will not lead to a lowering of standards. In fact it claims that the reverse will be the case.
“A lot of people who currently hold BHS exams no longer ride to the level that they did when they sat the exam, but they remain very good teachers,” says Howarth. “We believe that this change will help bring even more teachers of a good standard into the industry.”
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For more details contact the BHS Exams Department (tel: 01926
707783) or email: exams@bhs.org.uk
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.