Complete Guide to the BHS Examinations

by Hazel Reed

This series of four books covering the four levels of the British Horse Society examinations is indeed a very welcome addition to the wealth of horse knowledge available to the serious student. The first book deals with the entire BHS Stage One Syllabus, including physiology, health, grassland management, saddler, equitation, watering and feeding. It also contains useful aids for studying and exam tips. This is the fourth edition, revised and updated to include all the changes and alterations made to the Stage One Exam. The second book in the series covers all the required subjects of the Stage Two Exam including equitation, fl atwork and jumping, anatomy, physiology, saddler, feeding, fattening and lungeing. The third book in the series is designed to instruct and support those who are working towards their Assistant Instructor Certificate.

It directs each student in a logical progression through the Stage Three syllabus, comprehensively covering all the subjects required. It is a complete guide, and does not need to be used in conjunction with other books. The fi nal book in the series describes the Preliminary Teaching Test, the fi rst teaching assessment in the British Horse Society Stage Examinations. All sections of the syllabus – the theory, group lesson, lecturette, the lunge and lead rein lessons are explained comprehensively. This includes the preparation, study, practice and format followed on the test day, so that candidates can enter the test with confi dence in their own ability. The author of this series, Hazel Reed, is a BHS assistant instructor working towards her Stage Four Exam. Through the years, she has worked at various equestrian establishments and has competed in dressage and cross-country events.

How to create the perfect riding horse

by Perry Wood (David & Charles 2007)

Not a new book, but certainly one of the every best guides to the serious student of horsemanship. When we heard that this book was on half-price special at Horse Books Unlimited, we thought it essential to tell everybody about it and to review it again (we fi rst reviewed it in May 2008). Listen to what Perry Wood says about his idea of the perfect riding horse: “My idea of the perfect riding horse is one which enjoys being ridden as much as I enjoy riding him. I want the horse to want to work with me and accept my role as leader, which means achieving what I want without force, punishment or domination. I want the horse to be a good friend and partner, but I also want him to be a spirited, athletic, responsive and supple performer, to take things in his stride and enjoy the odd challenge himself … not much then!

Provided you follow a simple, step-by- step, intelligent and objective approach, I believe it is possible to create a fantastic riding horse from most horses.” Says Wood in his conclusion: “Creating a riding horse is like an ever-evolving, living sculpture: it takes lots of patience and care, and the ability to give the horse the time he needs to understand and develop. If you have a clear idea of how you want him to be, and work with him as he is every day, with the tools and inspiration contained within these pages, you, your horse and your riding will reach new levels of partnership, performance and success together. And the great thing is it can continue to grow like that forever.”

These books are available from Horse Books Unlimited, tel 011 315 5333, e-mail horsebooks@tiscali.co.za