I did the Stage 1 and Riding & Road Safety Exam about 6 years ago. I had a nasty fall and so didnt enter for any more examinations. As a result of the fall i stopped riding and have recently started to ride on a regular basis again. I have been studying for my stage 2 exam since March and hope to enter for it September time. I work full time so I can only ride twice weekly at present. Is this enough time in the saddle? Can anyone give me any advice on which examination centre to do the Stage 2 at and what I can expect during the stage 2 exam. I will be travelling from wales to do the exam in England so I need to find an examination centre not to far from wales. Will the examiners take into consideration that I last did a BHS examination 6 years ago?

I am very interested in hearing from any male riders who have been through the examination system. I am the only male at any of the two exam training centres near me and there arent any male instructors at any level in the south wales area that I know of at present.
Look forward to hearing from you guys soon.

x Justin

You ride twice a week? so much? just joking - I took and passed stage 2 but was only having one half hour lesson a week, so don't worry - if I can pass, almost anyone can.
As far as I am aware, there is no time limit between taking exams so you needn't worry about that.
I don't know the area near South Wales so can't recommend a centre, but I'm sure they'll be fine. I've been to 3 in my area (North West) and they have all been good, diferent in their own ways but no problems.

As for men riders - no I'm not one of them - and I have to say that I don't see many of them about. We could do with more male instructors - so good luck with your exams and let us kow how you get on.

Don't worry too much about the fact you are the only male rider that you know of. When I started doing my BHS/PC/ABRS exams I was worried about the same thing. However, although I was the only male at my PC exams at the BHS there were other male candidates - and those were my stages 1 + 2. Having spoken to a friend who is a BHS examiner she commented that there are more and more men taking the instructors exams now. Which is obviously very good as it will also encourage more men to take part in the sport. Down south you will proabably find that one or two of the examiners will be male.
The best advice that I can give you is to practice as much as possible before the exam. If you are only riding twice a week make the most of it! Ride as many different horses on the flat AND OVER FENCES. Make sure you jump a little higher than 2ft"6 just to make you ultra confident on the day! You will proably find the fences are a bit smaller than that anyway. Try to ride what you feel, be effective (i.e. if a horse is lazy don't be scared to give it a good slap on the rear with the stick to wake it up - it is much kinder than constantly booting it.)
For the stable management - PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE and time yourself. Make sure that on the day you can tack a horse up for lunging in a SAFE manner and in about 7 minutes max!
Something people often forget to do (I did) is to check the horse over before you begin for any cuts etc.
For the theory try to talk about past experiences as much as possible. Don't give 'pat' or book answers try to sound practical and experienced.
Lastly, when you lunge remember that it is for exercise. That means get the horse going. Don't be scared to use your whip. if it is lazy then wake it up by using a smaller circle and get up it with the whip and then move it back onto a good 20m circle. Also,check over the tack before you begin - boots may be loose etc.
I hope that this has been helpful.
All the best and good luck,
William

I just passed my stage 2 - horray!! 2 lessons a week is plenty, i passed my stage 1 with only 1 a week although now i have a horse to practice on. the main thing to remember is safety. they will fail you instantly if you are unsafe, partic in the practical section when you are handling the horse. there were a few men in my exam so youre not alone! make sure have practice at riding courses of showjumps, not just one or 2 fences, as they judge you on the track you ride etc. also if you can visit the exam centre and have a lesson or two beforehand it is very helpful.
Good luck!!