As the largest professional body representing equestrian coaches globally, BHS Accredited Professional Coaches create the benchmark for the industry. Join our community to benefit from career guidance and lifelong learning, development and support.
Qualification requirements
The minimum qualification requirement for joining as a BHS Accredited Professional Coach (APC) is the BHSQ Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship (previously BHSAI)*or BHS Stage 3 Groom to join as an Accredited Professional Groom (APG).
* BHS Stage 3 Coach –Jump Ride and BHS Stage 3 Coach – Dressage Ride also accepted.
Other qualifications we accept
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We accept a range of Level 3 qualifications achieved through other organisations. We will consider applications from coaches holding level 2 coaching qualifications where evidence of industry experience is provided. It is our preference that coaches and grooms also hold a level 3 horse care qualification and provide evidence of riding level.
Please download our guidance document for more information.
If you do not hold a coaching or horse care qualifications, we can support you to gain direct entry to BHS qualifications. Please fill in the direct entry initial interest form and we will contact you to discuss the routes available to you or you can apply directly via our direct entry application form.
Coaching qualifications
- International Group for Equestrian Qualifications (IGEQ) International level 1 Passport
- Level 3 Certificate in Equestrian Coaching*
- Level 3 UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC)*
- Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Advanced Coach Certificate*
Horse Care and riding qualifications
- Pony Club AH test
- Pony Club B+
- Senior Equine Groom Apprenticeship
*Applicants must also hold a Level 3 Horse Care qualification and provide evidence of riding ability.
Please contact us if you hold different qualifications to those listed above. If you are interested in joining the Accredited Professionals (AP) scheme as a coach or groom and hold non-BHS qualifications and/or have industry experience please fill in our APC enquiry form. We will then contact you directly to discuss your requirements for entry.
Additional requirements
Holding Accredited Professional status with the BHS means our coaches and grooms maintain the highest professional standards.
Requirements
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Accredited Professional Coaches are promoted and recognised for the following:
- Insured Coaches and Grooms
- Hold a relevant criminal record check (DBS, Access NI, PVG) if required
- First Aid trained and certified
- Safeguarding trained
- Attend regular continual professional development (CPD)
- Adhere to the BHS APC Code of Conduct
Before joining as an APC you will need to have completed the relevant criminal record check for your country of residence if you coach under 18 year olds, find out more about this on the DBS, PVG Scheme and Access NI checks page.
As part of Accredited Professional membership you will receive:
- Insurance (if using own insurance evidence must be provided)*
- First Aid courses*
- Safeguarding courses
- Free and discounted CPD training
- BHS Gold membership
*If you already have insurance and/or first aid the cost for these can be discounted from your APC membership. Insurance cover and course content must meet BHS requirements.
Continual Professional Development
Once you join as a professional coach, we would like you to obtain 6 CPD points Continuous Professional Development (CPD) annually to ensure that you are at the front of any foresight and thinking within the equestrian industry.
As an Accredited Professional Coach you will now have access to unlimited BHS accredited CPD within the BEF allowing you many fantastic opportunities to attend training days that will help you grow as a coach but also ensure that you deliver the very best information to your clients.
Overseas
Coaches who are resident overseas are listed under this category, which does not provide insurance cover.
Code of Conduct
All members of the Accredited Professional Coaches are required to abide by a Code of Conduct, which will both safeguard their interests and those of the general public.
