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Ride Leader (Stage 2)

BHS Stage 2 Ride Leader is for anyone looking to work at a commercial centre. If you have responsibility for taking out rides, hacks, treks or trails this career certificate ensures you have the foundation skills to work in the industry. 

  • Last reviewed: 14th June 2024
Ride Leader (Stage 2) Hi Viz Ride Leader (Stage 2) Hi Viz

BHS Stage 2 Ride Leader

Employers will be confident that anyone holding the BHS Stage 2 Ride Leader has a knowledge and understanding of all aspects of horse care and management, customer care and leading short hacks.

Who is this certificate for?

  • Anyone aspiring to have a leading equestrian career in the equestrian tourism industry
  • Anyone looking to work within a commercial equestrian centre
  • Anyone aspiring to become a Stage 3 Trail Leader

Entry requirements

  • 16+ years (you can take the Stage 2 Care at 14 years). From 1 January 2025 the minimum age required for Stage 2 Riding Out assessment will be 18 years of age
  • BHS Stage 1 Care and Stage 1 Ride Award
  • BHS Gold member – Membership discounts apply for students who are training for or taking BHS qualifications

Units

Unit 1: Stage 2 Care

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the routine practices on a stable yard, your role, responsibilities and reporting lines 
  • Know how to care for horses on a day-to-day basis, recognising and assessing normal and abnormal behaviour and understanding when veterinary intervention may be required 
  • Be able to fit standard tack and travel equipment  
  • Be able to prepare horses for presentation 
  • Have a knowledge of feeding and an understanding of fitness, including the factors that will affect the amount of feed a horse will receive 
  • Understand basic anatomy, location of key organs and the function of the digestive system  

Read more about Unit 1: Stage 2 Care here.

Stage 2 Riding Out

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Be able to care for stabled and grass kept horses 
  • Assist in the daily running of a commercial environment 
  • Be able to work with clients and others while maintaining their health, safety and welfare on and off the premises

Read more about the Stage 2 Riding Out unit here.

Training for this assessment

All applicants are encouraged to undertake practical training at a BHS Approved Centre or with a BHS Accredited Professional Coach to ensure you are ready for your assessment.

Booking your assessment

To book your assessment, please find an upcoming assessment date near you and then contact the BHS Education team to book your place.

You can find out more information about booking your assessment here.

Re-sitting your assessment

If you have been unsuccessful on your first assessment, we encourage you to call us to book a re-sit.

Of course, we will also answer any questions you may have and provide you with feedback at this stage. You may have been successful against some, but not all of the assessment criteria, in which case we can just assess you on the sections on which you were not so strong.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly. Alternatively you can call us on 02476 840508.

Career pathway:

Ride Leader Pathway

1
  • Stage 1

Complete Horsemanship

Stage 1 Complete Horsemanship provides an industry recognised foundation of practical knowledge in riding, care and stable management to progress through any career pathway.

2
  • Stage 2

Ride Leader

BHS Stage 2 Ride Leader is for anyone looking to work at a commercial centre. If you have responsibility for taking out rides, hacks, treks or trails this career certificate ensures you have the foundation skills to work in the industry. 

3
  • Stage 3

Trail Leader

Stage 3 Trail Leader provides a benchmark within the equine industry for those who would like to work in a commercial equestrian environment.

4
  • Stage 4

Senior Trail Yard Manager

BHS Stage 4 Senior Trail Yard Manager is for those looking to move into a management position in the equestrian industry. You may aspire to run a riding centre or trekking centre.