im doing my stage 2 exam next month and im just wondering how every one else has found it at my yard the feedback is either 'really easy' or 'hard'. if any one has got any tips then let me know cheers!

I found it quite hard and only just scraped through. You need to be able to answer the questions in the examiners handbook, otherwise don't bother taking the exam! Make sure in the theory bit that you answer confidently and don't be frightened of asking them to repeat or explain the question again (I'm a bit shy and therefore managed to answer some questions wrongly because I had misunderstood). Riding - not too bad, just have lots of practice on different horses - take a schooling whip with you in case you get a 'slug' (like I did!). Lungeing - I tried to get my horse to canter but it wouldn't and I got told off for keeping after him! - be content with an active trot if it won't canter. Make sure your circle is big enough.
That's about it, goodluck. Let us know how you get on.

Good Luck!

Remember that you are lungeing for EXERCISE. There is nothing worse than seeing a candidate constantly tring to Whoaa! a horse that is not responding - let it get moving!!

Make sure the circle is large enough, and that you are positioned where you will not get kicked. Do not be afraid to give a slug a tap..... I f you get a horse that goes along like a Hoover, put the side reins on (should be fitted already) and send it forwards quite firmly. If you are not the first candidate to lunge, but the second on a particular set of horses, watch and learn!!

In the practical section, keep area tidy, and gather equipment for task all at once. Keeping going in and out of stabl wastes your time. Don't worry if you haven't 'found' your perfect item of tack, but do make sure you tell examiner.

tell me if there are any areas you are particularly worried about, and I will try and help!

I did mine last November - and passed! I found it quite stretching, it was a long day; neither easy or hard, sort of in between.

I think how you find it depends on how confident you are - think lots of positive thoughts!!!! Also on how well prepared you are - as other people have said, practice riding and lunging lots of different horses. Practice tacking up, bangaging, fitting lunging equipment etc etc until you can do it with your eyes shut (not literally!). And read up as much as you can on the theory topics - practice talking through the digestive system and bone structure on a real horse. You might feel silly doing this - but it will make it all go much more smoothly on the day.

On the day - just go in, try to be yourself, and enjoy it as much as possible. It you get a slug (or opposite) just think 'this horse is not going to let me fail my exam' - and get on with doing the job in hand as best you can.

Good luck!!!