help please. i want to sit the stage 1 exam but every time i sit down to book a date i have a major panic that i will fail. i already have a nvq in equine studies and i am a qualified vet nurse. but i still freak out about booking the exam. what do you do??? any ideas. i have had one lesson at the exam centre i plan to go to. and i will have more but what else???? help please

First of all - if you think you will fail - then you will! So what you need is confidence.
Check out the syllabus from the BHS site http://www.bhs.org.uk/Examinations/bhs_stage_1_syllabus.htm
and go through each part and make sure you know it all thoroughly. That's for the care part. For the riding, again check what's on the syllabus and if you're not sure whether you're up to it - ask your instructor to go through it with you.

You could also ask your Instructor to give you a 'mock' riding exam and ask them to check some of your stable management things - like tail bandages, etc.

Study books specifically for the stage one exam like Hazel Reed's book which I have found to be excellent.

When you feel more confident, book the exam and on the day, take a deep breath, relax, try to enjoy it and remember - the other candidates are all just as nervous as you BUT the examiners really do want you to pass and they know you are nervous and they take that into account.

Anyway - hope this helps, good luck and let us know how you get on.

Evelyn.

thanks evelyn you are right i need to think positive thoughts! i will definately have some mock exams. alot of people say the hazel reed book is good so i will get that one. the bhs have a massive list of books that would cost a fortune are there any other ones you found helpfull.
i will let you know once i have booked an exam date!! wish me luck

i completly forgot i had put up this post....well i have now passed my stage 2 and am working towards my stage 3 and ptt. so anymore tips are most welcome or if anyone wants to know about the stage 1 or 2 i can let you know.

Congratulations on passing both stage 1 and stage 2 - you have obviously got over your nerves.

Which exam are you taking next - PTT or Stage 3?
For the PTT you need to give lessons on a regular basis with an instructor watching you and telling you what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong. Use the lesson ideas from the Examiners Handbook so that you can practise them ready for the exam.

Can't give you any advice for the stage 3 - I have got the care but the riding part keeps evading me!

Good luck!