Equine charity, The British Horse Society (BHS) was honoured to welcome their Vice-Patron, HRH The Princess Royal to BHS Approved Aberdeen Riding Club, to recognise the future equestrian workforce and the important role they play in the long-term sustainability of the industry.
This comes at a critical time, with riding schools across Scotland struggling to attract the staff they need to be able to run at full capacity.
BHS Approved Aberdeen Riding Club is a non-profit making riding club that offers training and guidance to equestrians from all backgrounds and at all experience levels. Run by the Chair of the BHS, Sally McCarthy, the riding school fosters support, collaboration, and development opportunities to help people journey through the world of equestrianism.
Supported by the equine charity, Aberdeen Riding Club is just one of many approved centres across Scotland, and the UK, that delivers the BHS qualifications as well as informative Equestrian Coaching Career Insight days for those taking their next career step.
To showcase the work Aberdeen Riding Club and the BHS does to support the future workforce of the equestrian industry, HRH The Princess Royal observed demonstrations from BHS Fellow, Sam York who delivered Career Insight and Training sessions to a host of individuals taking their BHS qualifications.
Many of them have benefited from the BHS’s Career Transition Fund which has been put in place by the equine charity to protect and support the future of riding schools, livery yards and develop those who would like a professional career in equestrianism. The fund aims to provide financial support to students training for their BHS qualifications at stage 2, 3 and 4, opening doors to a world of opportunities. So far, 1,300 people have benefited from this fund.
HRH The Princess Royal was also introduced to employees of Aberdeen Riding Club, as well as all those participants who’ve had the opportunity to experience the true joy of horses. This included a participant of the BHS’s alternative education programme, Changing Lives through Horses, which reconnects disadvantaged and disengaged students with learning through the magic of horses.
James Hick, Chief Executive Officer at The British Horse Society said: “It was a real privilege to introduce our Vice Patron HRH The Princess Royal to Aberdeen Riding Club and to showcase the great work and time that is being invested into developing key skills across Scotland’s equine industry.
Supporting our future workforce is particularly important as the riding industry and Scotland’s centres continue to face staff shortages. Whether our qualifications are being used to start an equestrian career or to take a career to the next level, we’re honoured to play a part in this journey and to be by the side of those who care as greatly for horses as we do.”
HRH The Princess Royal was invited to unveil a plaque at Aberdeen Riding Club to commemorate the visit.
Learn more about the BHS’s qualification offerings, their Career Transition Fund and how you can launchpad a thriving career in the equine industry.
Discover more about Aberdeen Riding Club and the work they do to make horses accessible to all.
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Contact: The British Horse Society Press Office
T: 02476 840521
The British Horse Society:
Equine charity, The British Horse Society is dedicated to education, equine welfare, protecting and increasing access to bridleways and places to ride and carriage drive off road, and safety for horse and riders. The Society’s thriving and active community of staff and volunteers is committed to improving the lives of horses everywhere.