The minimum age for the Stage 1 Exam is 14 years. It is envisaged that candidates under the age of 15 years may not have accrued the required skills/knowledge for this professional qualification.

The Stage examinations include a Riding and Stable Management section, which can be taken together on the same day or separately. The complete qualification will not be awarded until both sections have been successfully achieved.

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 taking the BHS Stage 2 examination are required to be a minimum age of 16 years & must have attained the BHS Stage 1 examination.

Before entering the Riding section of this exam, the candidate must have passed the BHS Riding and Road Safety Test. Please note: Stage 2 exam candidates need to plan well ahead for their Riding and Road Safety Test, particularly in the winter months when not so many take place.

The candidate must understand the general management and requirements of horses for their health and well-being. Working under regular but not constant supervision, the candidate should be able to carry out the care of stabled and grass kept horses during all seasons of the year.

He/She must have an understanding of how the horse adjusts his balance to carry a rider. The candidate must be capable of riding a quiet, experienced horse or pony in the countryside and on the public highway as well as in a manege, or indoor school.

Candidates taking the BHS PTT examination must be a minimum of 18 years of age have obtained a minimum of Horse Knowledge, Care and Riding Stage 2 (or recognised exam pre-requisite). Complete Stage 2 examination.

Candidates are examined on their ability to give instruction in basic subjects and must show that they have the required qualities and can apply the basic principles of teaching and coaching e.g. manner, voice, control etc. and that they have the ability to improve their pupils’ positions and horsemanship using progressive plan.

Candidates are required to produce lesson plans for the eight standard lesson topics listed in the syllabus. These should be prepared and practiced in advance of the exam day. A standard coaching lesson plan will be sent to candidates along with their booking letter.

Candidates will also dleiver a 5-10 minute lecture on one of six different subjects listed in the syllabus. Further guidance on the lecture presentations is also available. Again candidates are advised to prepare their lectures in advance in order to give a polished presentation showing a depth of knowledge in the subject matter. Candidates will be informed on the day of the exam which lessons and lecture they will be expected to deliver. Candidates are advised to be at the exam centre by at least 8am, giving them the opportunity to explore the layout of the centre, read the programme and to receive the teaching topics and lecture subjects from the Chief Examiner. Candidates can then begin to plan their lessons and lectures.

After all the sessions candidates will have the opportunity to talk to the examiner/s about their performance. This is very useful as candidates can elaborate on contentious issues or clarify certain points.

Candidates taking the BHS Stage 3 examination must have attained the BHS Stage 1 and 2 examinations (complete, or the appropriate section for Riding or Care) and be a minimum age of 17 years.

The Stage examinations include a Riding and Stable Management section, which can be taken together on the same day or seperately. The complete qualification will not be awarded until both sections have been successfully achieved.

The candidate must show an ability to look after up to 4 horses in stables and at grass and to ride a variety of horses under a variety of circumstances. He/She should be tactful yet effective, understanding the reasons for their actions both in horse care and while riding. The syllabus will provide candidates with full details on the exam content.