BHS Courses

“A horse doesn’t care how much you know until he knows how much you care.” Pat Parelli

WVS is a BHS Approved Training Centre, and we are approved to teach up to Stage III.  Our complement of qualified staff far exceeds the minimum required by the BHS, and our team of six BHSAIs and two BHSIIs is led by Caroline Stevenson BHSI. Our team undergo regular training with renowned instructors including Patrick Print, OBE, FBHS and WVS recently received the following glowing BHS report, of which we are justifiably proud;

“The family run centre has very good standards in every aspect. The standards are very well confirmed over many years. This shows in the very good attitude of the staff and the length of time that they stay. The tack and tack room organisation is to die for. All tack gleaming, supple and of good quality. This Centre also has a very good range of horses. All the horses seen today looked very well and happy. Those seen in work were suitable for training riders to Stage III+. I have the highest regard for this centre.” Sue Payne, FBHS and BHS Chief Examiner.

We run regular Stage I and II Courses and you only need to be a BHS Member if you intend taking the Riding or Horse Knowledge and Care Exam at the end of the Course. You may simply want to improve and expand their knowledge within a recognised format without the added pressure of Exams looming at the end of it! By the same token, many have enjoyed their learning so much that they have gone on to take further Exams, and passed them. Everyone finds learning in a group of people with similar aspirations and ability immensely rewarding.

We have found that a more informal approach to the Stable Management element is beneficial to productive learning, and our clients appreciate the relaxed and non-pressurised environment of either the Stables or the Dog & Fox; the groups are small and everyone is made to feel welcome and involved in proceedings. All equipment is provided, but we do ask that you bring a notebook and pen, tablet or ipad; whatever you feel more comfortable with, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for practical sessions.

For those who require more personalised or intensive instruction, or if you just prefer to learn on a one-to-one basis, we can offer private Stage I and II Stable Management Lessons from Tuesday through to Sunday (including evenings). These are £30 an hour for Members (£40 for Non-members). In addition we encourage Members who don’t mind an early start to help improve their confidence when handling horses and get some hands-on experience by helping around the yard; it goes without saying that everyone is fully supervised by staff at all times. Ask your instructor for further details. If you’d like to study the BHS syllabus in full, please visit the BHS website.

BHS Riding Courses View courses

British Horse Society: Stage I - Riding

This qualification will provide the holder with the competencies of being capable of riding an experienced horse or pony in an enclosed space. Although we do take great pride in seeing our pupils succeed under exam conditions and gain recognised qualifications, many people choose not to take the exam at the end of the Course, they are just happy with their new-found knowledge and keen to put it into practice. Term start dates: see box on right.

 

Available: Wednesdays 10.15 - 12.15 or Fridays 9.00 - 11.00
Non-Member's Price: £550 per term, Member’s Price (if taken as weekly ride) £175 per term Member’s Price (in addition to weekly ride) £350 per term
Session: Two Hour Riding Session
Duration: 2 x 6 week terms

British Horse Society: Stage II - Riding

This qualification will provide the holder with the ability to ride an experienced horse or pony in the countryside and on the public highway as well as in a manege or indoor school. This course is ideal for those wanting to improve their flat work and jumping. Term start dates: See box on right

 

Available: Tuesday 10.15 - 12.15 or Wednesday 9.00 - 11.00
Non-Member's Price: £550 per term, Member’s Price (if taken as weekly ride) £175 per term Member’s Price (in addition to weekly ride) £350 per term
Session: Two Hour Riding Session
Duration: 2 x 6 week terms

BHS Horse Knowledge and Care View courses

British Horse Society: Stage I - Horse Knowledge and Care

This qualification will provide the holder with the competencies to apply basic principles of horse care. Working under supervision, the holder will have basic knowledge and practice of looking after a well-mannered horse in the stable and at grass. Those wishing to take the exam at the end of the course must be current members of the B.H.S. and over 14 years of age. Copies of the syllabus are available direct from the British Horse Society
Start Dates: 4th September, 2013

 

Available: Thursday
Non-Member's Price: £300 Member's Price £264
Session: 7.00 - 8.30 pm
Duration: 12 weeks split into 2 x 6 week terms

British Horse Society: Stage II - Horse Knowledge and Care

This qualification will provide the holder with the competencies to apply basic principles of horse care. Working under supervision, the holder will have basic knowledge and practice of looking after a well-mannered horse in the stable and at grass. An additional four sessions to cover lungeing is available for those wishing to take the exam and these will be charged separately. Examinees must be current members of the B.H.S., over 16 years of age and have passed their Stage One and Riding & Road Safety Examinations. Copies of the syllabus are available direct from the British Horse Society. Start Dates: 5th September, 2013

 

Available: Thursday
Non-Member's Price: £324, Member's Price £288
Session: 7.00 - 8.30 pm
Duration: 12 weeks split into 2 x 6 week terms