A reputation you can trust
We are the largest and the most influential equestrian charity in the UK, and whatever your career aspirations, build invaluable life skills with the BHS. Education is a huge part of what we do at the British Horse Society - serving professional and recreational equestrians of all ages. With a reputation as leading experts in all things equine, your future couldn’t be in better hands.
We support over 2500 Accredited Professional Coaches and over 600 BHS Approved Centres who have chosen to join us for their professional accreditation – the largest equestrian coaching membership in the UK.
We care about the future of our industry and the jobs that make up that landscape. We carry out market research to identify where we can make an impact, and this has shown us that there is an alarming skills gap in the industry.
Horse welfare is at the centre of our qualifications. Based on a foundation of horse care, welfare and empathic riding skills, our coaching qualifications set us apart. This allows our coaches to look at a horse and rider partnership holistically, considering all of the contributing factors such as tack fit, nutrition, behaviour, management and physiology. You will become an advocate for horses with the knowledge you will gain.
What could BHS qualifications lead to?
BHS qualifications can provide you with the skills to work practically in the equine industry as a groom or coach in a variety of different businesses. They also offer a valuable level of skill and knowledge that can support a range of future careers relating to horses including veterinary science, armed forces, farriery, equine nutritionist and many more. Find out more about potential careers.
BHS qualifications are recognised within the International Group for Equestrian Qualifications (IGEQ) which offers easy confirmation, recognition, and acceptance of BHS qualifications, creating opportunities for you to travel and work wherever your ambition takes you.
Our Stage 2, 3 and 4 qualifications in horse care, riding and coaching are on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). They are awarded by British Horse Society Qualifications (BHSQ), an awarding organisation recognised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England, SQA Accreditation in Scotland, Qualifications Wales (QW) and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.
Our qualifications go through the same rigour and regulation as other qualifications such as GCSE’s, A-Levels, BTECs, T-Levels and Apprenticeships.
Our regulated Stage 3 qualifications have been allocated UCAS Tariff points. Check out the full list on the UCAS website.
Developed with employers and industry experts, our qualifications are regularly reviewed. This ensures the content is current and moving forwards as the industry does with new thinking and practice. It means you are learning safe, correct and best practice for your own peace of mind.
We aim to promote diversity, equity and inclusivity within our assessment. We want to support you to succeed, and we will implement access arrangements where appropriate.
We are accountable to uphold policies in areas such as internal quality assurance, accessibility, conflict of interest, health and safety and horse welfare. Read our Education and Assessment policies. We are committed to always providing a quality and professional service.
What support can we offer you?
We want to help you close that gap and help is available through the launch of our Career Transition Fund. There may be other funding available to you too.
We have qualifications to suit all levels and ambitions, regardless of your experience. Our assessments are held at over 90 centres across the UK and Ireland, and we deliver at some international centres too. You can train for and complete your qualifications as and when it suits you with no fixed courses or commitments. BHS qualifications can fit around your lifestyle.
As you progress through your qualifications, we offer you eventing, dressage, show jumping riding and coaching options, allowing you flexibility to focus on your passion. We also offer non-riding options too.
We know the industry and we know that practical skills are just as important as the underpinning knowledge behind them. Our qualifications are based in practical skill so you can show us what you can do. There is no writing required within any of our assessments.
Here for you throughout your career
We are committed to supporting you every step of the way. No matter when and where you begin and how far you want to go. With flexible routes to support career progression or a complete career change, our qualifications are recognised for life.
We offer training events, continual professional development and a professional community that offers opportunities to upskill and support you throughout your career.
We uphold coaching standards and best practice and offer support to our membership of over 2500 Accredited Professional Coaches and over 600 Approved Centres. Find out more about our Accredited Professional membership.
We have a dedicated Education Team at the BHS on hand to support you through your qualifications. Our team share the same passions as you, which means we care about the qualifications we deliver. Get in touch by phone (02476 840508) or use our enquiry form.
How to get started
BHS Stage 1 covers the foundations of horse care and riding on which you can build on as you progress through the further stages.
If you already have equine qualifications or experience working in the industry you don’t have to start at Stage 1, you can begin at the level which suits you best. Have a look at our direct entry guidance.
Our full range of BHS qualifications can be found here. See how you could use these as building blocks to support your career and follow your ambitions.
If you need a bit more guidance or you’re not sure where to start, our friendly team will be happy to help. Simply get in touch by phone (02476 840508) or use our enquiry form.
