by Elise Van Talligan, Grace Darcy, Annie Johnson and Charlie Maughan, Year 10
We are all experienced riders and wanted to further our knowledge and gain qualifications that would enable us to follow our chosen career paths or to enhance our horse management and riding skills. As part of the STM Riding Club we have had the opportunity to work towards our British Horse Society Progressive Riding Tests, successfully completing all six. This is the equivalent of the British Horse Society (BHS) Stage 1. The BHS Stage 1 will allow us to move through the stages to Stage 3, which will allow us to qualify as instructors.
Over the course of four months, we worked with Mrs Forsten and an instructor at Murton Equestion Centre to study for the tests, which included horse care and management as well as ridden tests, which demonstrated our technical competence, riding different horses and showing our abilities as proficient riders. As we have achieved all six, we can work towards our BHS Stage 2 and a Ride Safe certificate which will keep us safe on the roads.
This has been an amazing experience for us, not only because we love horses but also as it has enhanced our skills and has put us on the path to becoming qualified instructors. This is something we may not have been able to do individually.
