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Stage 3 - Ride Dressage

Unit 3: Stage 3 Ride Dressage will assess your ability to ride and maintain a horse’s level of flatwork training with the welfare of the horse central to your riding. 

  • Last reviewed: 22nd March 2023
Bhs Stage 3 Ride Dressage Bhs Stage 3 Ride Dressage

What's covered in the unit?

On completion of the unit, you will: 

  • Have an understanding of the Training Scale with flatwork and be able to apply this knowledge 
  • Be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the horse’s performance, evaluate its way of going and determine an approach to maintain this way of going. You will be assessed on your ability to deliver aids to benefit the horse while taking account of forward movement, rhythm, bend and a working outline 
  • Be able to complete a variety of dressage movements including leg yielding, turn about the forehand and an ability to lengthen and shorten the stride in all paces
What will you be assessed on?

You will be assessed on the following learning outcomes: 

  • Understand how to maintain a horse’s training for dressage 
  • Be able to ride horses to maintain their training 

To review the learning outcomes in more detail: download the qualification specification.

How will you be assessed?

Up to a 90-minute criteria-based assessment.

Entry requirements
Skills record

Supporting you at every stage, your Skills Record allows you to record your achievements and progression through your career, with pre-assessment sign off criteria and coach endorsements required for career pathways. 

Pre-assessment criteria and coach endorsement for this assessment include: 

  • Ready for assessment form completed – compulsory 

The above must be signed off by an Accredited Professional Coach who is a Stage 4 Coach in Complete Horsemanship or higher.

Awarding Body

BHS Qualifications (BHSQ) is an awarding organisation recognised and regulated by the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, SQA Accreditation in Scotland, Qualifications Wales (QW) and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland. BHSQ works in partnership with a variety of organisations to develop and award qualifications for the equestrian industry. This ensures BHSQ qualifications are fit for purpose for the sector. 

As the awarding organisation, BHSQ is responsible for the processes through which learners seek and obtain certification for their achievements. BHSQ is responsible for verifying that assessment practice in approved centres is conducted systematically, effectively, securely and to national standards specified within the qualification. 

The British Horse Society (BHS) is approved as a centre to deliver qualifications regulated by BHSQ. BHSQ and the BHS developed these qualifications in line with feedback received from extensive industry consultation. 

Learners taking BHSQ Level 3 (Stage 3) qualifications will either be seeking employment in the industry or will already be employed with a desire to progress their career by advancing their skills and knowledge. It is essential that these qualifications meet the needs of employers and learners. To satisfy these requirements, the qualifications have been developed in collaboration with employers, colleges, coaches, students, and expert groups. 

Recommended reading

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