I am due to take my stage two in 19 days!!!! I am fairly happy with the bookwork - just a case of lot of readig and revision and the flatwork should be ok but I'm worried about the jumping as I do not do an awful lot at home. Has anyone taken their stage two at HMS Dryad Naval Centre, Fareham? What were the horses like to jump - what is the course like in general? Scarry fillers, gates, etc and did you have to jump a ditch as the BHS book says you do but the video does not show this taking place??? Also do you know if you can pull up your riding if your jumping is dodgy but your flatwork good to a pass overall? (positive thinker aren't I?!) Thanks in advance.

You're overall riding will be assessed as well as just the jumping - a borderline jumping may or may not be passed overall - it's up to the examiners.

I've just done (& passed) my stage 2 - up in Yorkshire. We did not get asked to jump a ditch (possibly because the ground outside is so wet at the moment). The jumps were not 'scary'(in terms of fillers etc) although they did seem quite big at first when walking the course - just remember that they will look smaller once you are on the horse!

I find jumping a bit scary sometimes, especially on a new horse, but just kept saying positive phrases to myself over and over again - 'don't wimp out', 'ride forwards', 'this horse is not going to let me fail my exam', 'I'm going to prove to this horse that I can do it' - sounds a bit naff, but it works!

Why don't you try and have a couple of jumping lessons at the exam centre in advance of the 'big day' - that way you will start to get a feel for the place and what the horses are like - so it won't be so daunting on the day.

I only got a borderline pass on my jumping, but passed my riding section overall - so 'yes' it is possible!

Good luck with your exam!!!

Juliet

hey i haven't taken my stage 2 at dryad but i do go showjumping there so i kno what the course is like there is a wall nd a green filler but thats about it.iv ridden some of the horses there and they r quite good to jump except for toddy and alaby. other wise goos luck and u will probaly pass wiv ease if u dont worry to much and u set your mind to it

steph you made me laugh look at the date your 5 years too late ha ha