What do I need to know?
There are a variety of ways you can train for your BHS assessments, and we can help you find the best route for you to be successful.
We encourage you to gain experience working with and riding different types of horses as you progress your skills and confidence as this will provide hands-on practical training for your assessment. You should make sure you are training with a BHS Accredited Professional Coach or BHS Approved Riding Centre as they will understand the requirements of the assessment you are working towards.
If you have other commitments, you may want to arrange the training yourself. Contact a BHS Approved Riding Centre or Coach to get you started. Alternatively, you may want to find a pre-arranged course or training event.
Before you begin make sure you ask the coach what qualifications they hold, so you can check they are suitably qualified to sign off your Skills Record, if needed. Any reputable coach will be delighted to confirm their qualifications and experience, as they will also want to check they are a right match for you.
Skills record
Your Skills Record is a log of your training and a way to sign off skills that must be completed before your sit a Stage 2, Stage 3 or Stage 4 assessment. Whilst you are considering your training options, make sure you consider how and when you will get your Skills Record signed off. Remember to discuss this with your coach at the time of booking or starting any training, so you can work out a clear plan to be ready for your assessment.
Find a coach
A BHS Accredited Professional Coach can support your training by offering practical or online sessions. Generally, freelance coaches can offer you training on your own horse/s.
Find a centre
A BHS Approved Riding Centre will be able to let you know if they have horses and facilities suitable for the assessment you are training towards, so you can get a feel for what to expect on the day.
Find a training event
Training Courses and Events
Find a pre-arranged course or event to support your training. BHS Approved Centres may run a course for a set number of weeks, often hosting the assessment too.
Our BHS Regional Managers will arrange online or face to face events covering a wide range of topics. These are often one-off events with respected trainers with events being added throughout the year.
BHS Training Hub
If you still can’t find what you’re looking for with any of the above options, we have a dedicated Facebook page for linking candidates to training.
Please note, Facebook requires users to be a minimum of 13 years old.
Educational Resources
In addition to practical training, we can also support you with other methods of training to top up your learning in your own time.
Add variety to your training with self-study. View our educational videos of Training Guides and 'How to...' series, read our horse health and welfare advice and revise with our ‘Complete Horsemanship’ guides and workbooks that accompany our Career Pathway qualifications.
Funding and Support
The BHS Career Transition Fund is available to support your training towards Stage 2 and Stage 3 qualifications. There are also assessment and membership discounts available and other sources of funding from BHS Regional Bursaries to other external providers.
Assessments
Ready to book your assessment? Find all the information you need to secure your place, including dates and venues, booking your assessment, what to wear and equipment to bring, and applying for access arrangements.
