It's getting to that time of year again when people are thinking of entering for the exams , as they're less busy without the hassle of the winter routine.
SO.... Let's hear all of your stories.... How did your day go ? , how have you prepared ? , your questions ....
And how about some positive ( * or negative ) views on particular centres .... if you took your Stage whatsit at suchacentre - was it any good : polite examiners ? , nice horses ? , efficient routine ? or were they all rude , horrible horses , and couldnt run a p*&* up in a brewery ?
Havent had time to concentrate on retaking my 3 & PTT , may do so at the end of the year , but would love to hear of people who've taken these exams in particular.
Also , those of you taking a different route ... NVQ , ABRS , NPS etc. etc. let us have your views !

Jonathan
http://www.equestre.co.uk/

It has been very quiet on this site recently, hasn't it? Glad to hear from you, Jonathon.
I have finally booked Stage 3 exam this September at Blackdyke Farm near Carlisle.
Has anyone ever been there, taken an exam there? What's the cross country course like?
I'll let you know how I get on later. (not actually expecting to pass, but I thought it would do me good).
I've clocked up 161 hours so far. It's taking ages as I only work Saturday mornings, so I suppose there's no real rush to get the stage 3.
How's everyone else doing?

Evelyn.

im starting my stage 1 in september

Thoroughbreds are the best

I'm trying to decide whether to take my three and if so which part to take. I work full time in a non-horsey business so riding is only at the weekends and evenings if I'm lucky.

I know it's expensive , but I think I'll retake my 3 in 2 parts : Care first probably.
Having done the exam once , it's a long day , and with the new gridwork in the riding section , probably wouldnt be able to last !
Anyone done the new style exam , any thoughts or ideas?

Jonathan

I did my stage 3 riding at Blackdyke's five years ago and it was a super exam centre. The horses were really nice. I can say that even though I failed as I am a complete wimp jumping but the horses were super. If I ever retake I would go back down there and as we are in Aberdeenshire it is a bit of a trek!!

I would like to retake my stage 3 riding but I think that is a long term plan as I have 4th year at Uni this year (no money) and a just backed baby horse to ride. Hopefully one day!

Tess,
Thanks for that info on Blackdyke. It is encouraging especially as two girls at the stables where I have my lessons took it there last week and they both failed.
I am now forking out for extra private lessons. First one this morning - i can hardly walk now!
Hopefully the hard work may pay off.
I'll keep you all informed.

Evelyn.

I went to a Stage 3 & 4 training day in Warminster. Wiltshire earlier this year. It was run by a chief examiner and I thought it was very good - I wasn't participating, just watching, but those who did, said it was good too.

The woman running it said that she usually reccomended that people take the level 3 in two parts these days because there is much more to it than there used to be. She said it gives people more time to concentrate on the individual sections and therefore more likelyhood of passing first time. More expensive but worthwhile she thought.