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Example BHS Stage 1 assessment timings

Here we will give you an overview of the tasks you will complete as part of your assessment, and the time allocated. 

  • Last reviewed: 1st May 2026

This is an example. Assessment activities may be timetabled in any order.  

If candidate group numbers are less than stated, time allocated for the activity may reduce. The BHS may adjust timetables for any reason. 

Activity What's involved Time allocated (approximately)
Arrival at the assessment centre The BHS will inform you of your arrival time, via email, within two weeks of your assessment date.
Assessment welcome and introduction All candidates assemble for an assessment welcome and introduction.
  • Sign in.
  • Complete emergency contact form.
  • Meet your assessors.
  • Photographic ID checked.
  • Skills Record checked.
  • Hats and body protectors checked against current safety standards.
  • Timetables, candidate numbers and bibs given out.
  • Introduction to the day, format, facilities, layout of assessment centre.
  • Opportunity for you to ask questions.
 15 minutes
Care A Care A will cover the following topics of the syllabus (not necessarily in this order):
  • Responsibilities on a stable yard
  • Mucking out
  • Grooming tasks
  • Horse health
  • Rugs
  • Behaviour
 1 hour 15 minutes.
You may be asked questions whilst carrying out practical tasks.
Care B Care B will cover the following topics of the syllabus (not necessarily in this order):
  • Tack, tacking up and untacking
  • Handling horses and trotting up
  • Feeding
  • Providing water
 40 minutes.
You may be asked questions whilst carrying out practical tasks.
Ride You’ll ride two horses in this section. You may be riding in a group of up to six riders and will work as a ride for the duration of the assessment.

You’ll meet the horses in the arena where you’ll be paired with your first horse to ride. A caller will also be with you in the arena who will call out exercises to be ridden. Each rider will have a chance to be lead file. Usually, on your first horse you’ll show walk, trot and canter with stirrups and walk and trot without stirrups. On your second horse you’ll have a walk, trot and canter, show light seat in trot and canter and ride over poles in trot. The assessor will come and speak to each rider individually at the end of the riding and ask a couple of questions around sequence of legs in each pace and the aids for transitions. 		1 hour
Assessment finish Sign out of your assessment.