Reflection: OSPE

There were definite ups and downs to my first exams of my master's degree. At the start of the day before the exams had begun, I wasn’t feeling particularly nervous and felt I was ready to carry out my OSPE’s. I started with the equine section of the exam which I felt ran smoothly and was happy with how it went however after I had finished and was waiting to begin the canine section I realized I had made a mistake. When leading the horse in the exam you are supposed to bring the reins over the head this is because with the reins around the neck it is much easier for the horse to pull away as well as there not being a safe enough distance between the horse and handler (Thomas 2010; Myers 2005). Unfortunately, due to this reason, I failed this section. However, another comment on my feedback relayed I was confident throughout the exam which gives me confidence that I can pass it on the retake day in April. To ensure this further when handling any horse from now on I will bring the reins over the head to lead so it becomes a natural practice. As it is shown that the more an action is repeated the easier it is remembered (Dahlin & Watkins 2000; Freud 1914).

When it came to the canine section, because I knew I had made a mistake earlier, my nerves had increased. Luckily I managed to carry out the OSPE correctly and gain a pass. A comment on my feedback mentioned that my walking of the dog could be improved. I will also research how to lead a dog correctly so I can improve this in the future as I will need to be able to instruct clients how to walk and trot their dogs properly in the future.

References

Dahlin, B. & Watkins, D., 2000. The role of repetition in the processes of memorising and understanding: A comparison of the views of German and Chinese secondary school students in Hong Kong. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 70(1), pp.65–84. Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1348/000709900157976 [Accessed November 15, 2017].

Freud, S., 1914. Remembering, Repeating and Working-Through (Further Recommendations on. , XII XII, pp.145–156. Available at: https://chicagoanalysis.org/system/files/readings/Freud, S. %5B1914%5D - Remembering, Repeating and Working-Through.pdf [Accessed November 15, 2017].

Myers, J., 2005. Horse safe : a complete guide to equine safety, Landlinks Press. Available at: https://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=-gAgchKMXdkC&oi=fnd&pg=PR3&dq=safest+way+to+lead+a+bridled+horse+&ots=uyiMtNcbpX&sig=r5l5rpMgYyZTxNx2GSqm9OlJHak#v=onepage&q=safest way to lead a bridled horse&f=false [Accessed November 15, 2017].

Thomas, H.S., 2010. Storey’s guide to training horses : ground work, driving, riding, Storey Pub. Available at: https://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=yWO99bwYq2gC&oi=fnd&pg=PR6&dq=safest+way+to+lead+a+bridled+horse+&ots=n-MOJdSqjz&sig=UUTeZ4To7DqQecEt85Uk3F_2NDw#v=onepage&q=safest way to lead a bridled horse&f=false [Accessed November 15, 2017].