BHS exams prove your horse care and riding skills and help you progress in your equestrian career. This article looks at the stages of BHS exams and what they can do for you. Whether you want to build a solid foundation for your equestrian career, develop your business and yard management skills, become a demand equestrian coach or expand your ridden skills, the BHS qualification system offers world-class training in horse management, care, training and riding with the horse’s welfare at the heart.
Summary
- BHS exams offer a structured route for equestrians, allowing candidates to build on their horse care and riding knowledge and skills across multiple levels.
- BHS qualifications assess practical skills and theoretical knowledge together, giving candidates the overall competence needed for professional roles in the equestrian industry.
- BHS qualifications are open to all and all ages and are highly regarded by employers. They will increase candidates’ employability and career prospects in the equestrian world.
What are BHS Exams
The British Horse Society is a membership-based charity dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of horses and those who care about them. As a charity, they provide a progressive training and qualification system in horse knowledge, care, and riding. Taking BHS exams is essential for gaining the in-depth knowledge that underpins high standards of horse welfare. The BHS stages provide a structured route for individuals to build their equestrian skills from basic care and riding to advanced.
BHS exams are designed to suit all levels of ability, so whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced rider, you can find a starting point and route. Understanding the structure of the exams will help you see the value in your equestrian journey and career.
Professional Equestrian Qualifications
BHS exams are split into stages, each catering to different levels of equestrian ability. The journey starts with BHS Stage 1, which is a foundation in basic horse care and riding. As candidates progress through the stages, they build on this foundation and gain more advanced knowledge and skills. The higher stages, such as Stage 4, Stage 5 and the Fellowship of the British Horse Society Award, require a deeper understanding of horse behaviour, management practices and advanced riding techniques.
Each BHS stage tests specific skills and knowledge areas. For example Stage 1 covers basic tasks such as handling horses, grooming and routine stable management. As candidates progress to higher stages, the assessments become more demanding and require more advanced horse care and riding skills. Stage 4, for example, requires riding to a higher level and comprehensive horse management skills.
The structure of BHS exams means candidates can see their progress clearly as they move from one stage to the next. This progression builds confidence and means each qualification level is achieved through a thorough understanding and mastery of the subject.
Types of Assessment
BHS assessments include both practical and theoretical components to fully assess a candidate’s horse management skills. The practical assessments allow candidates to demonstrate their hands-on skills in real-life scenarios, such as grooming, riding, and managing horse behaviour. These practical skills are essential for anyone wanting to work professionally in the equestrian industry, especially when considering the BHS assessment.
The theoretical assessments support the practical evaluations by testing candidates’ knowledge and understanding of equine care and management practices. This combination means candidates are well-rounded, can apply their knowledge in different contexts, and reinforce care and riding skills.
Combining practical and theoretical assessments BHS exams give a full picture of an individual’s ability.
Who can take BHS Exams?
BHS exams are open to all and designed to suit all levels of ability. Whether you are a beginner rider or an experienced equestrian BHS exams provide a route to formalise your skills. These qualifications are for both beginner and experienced riders, providing a structured way to learn and master equestrian skills.
BHS exams are inclusive and are open to anyone who wants to work in the equestrian industry as a rider, groom or coach. Employers in the equestrian sector highly value BHS qualifications because they demonstrate practical skills and underpinning knowledge.
Age Requirements
Candidates must be 14 years old to enter BHS qualifications. There is no upper age limit so it’s never too late to learn and develop your skills in managing, caring for and riding horses! It’s a lifelong learning journey!
Career Goals
BHS qualifications are designed to help individuals achieve their career goals in the equestrian industry. Whether you want to care for horses, ride professionally, coach others or work in other roles in the equestrian industry BHS qualifications provide the foundation and progression. Start with the Stage 1 qualification and progress through the grades to achieve higher awards, such as the Fellowship of the British Horse Society.
BHS qualifications allow candidates to develop their skills and knowledge in specific areas of equestrian practice, which can be key to career progression. The structured stages mean each level builds on the previous one so candidates can progress and master the subject. This supports career goals but also personal achievement and growth within the equestrian industry. Graduates can work in various environments, including competition yards, which are specialist facilities that host and prepare for equestrian competitions.
BHS qualifications provide a clear route into the equestrian industry. The qualifications cover a range of disciplines and roles, from riding professionally to coaching and stable management, so candidates can find a career path that suits their interests and career goals.
BHS Qualifications Benefits
BHS qualifications have many benefits for personal and professional development. They can lead to many career opportunities in the equestrian sector, including coaching, riding and stable management. BHS qualifications increase employability and deepen understanding of equestrian practices.
The BHS staged structure means each level builds on the previous one, so progress is meaningful. This progress is personal growth and equestrian knowledge, so BHS qualifications are a valuable asset for anyone looking to advance their career in the equestrian industry.
Horse Knowledge
BHS qualifications help personal achievement by improving the rider’s skills and knowledge. Progressing through the BHS stages means building on the skills learned in earlier stages to achieve higher qualifications. For example, progressing from Stage 1 to higher stages requires more horse care and riding skills.
This means candidates gain practical skills but also a broad understanding of equestrian practices. More horse knowledge means candidates are better at handling, caring for and riding horses, which is essential for a career in the equestrian industry.
Employability
BHS qualifications are recognised worldwide and can increase employability in the equestrian sector. Having BHS qualifications makes candidates more attractive to employers in the equestrian industry, showing their commitment and expertise. BHS qualifications help candidates stand out in a competitive job market by showing a range of skills and knowledge.
Employers value BHS qualifications because they demonstrate a candidate’s practical skills and underlying theory knowledge. This is key to career progression as it shows the candidate is committed to maintaining high standards of horse welfare and management practices.
BHS Career Pathways
The BHS qualification structure has separate pathways for different careers, such as grooming, riding, and coaching. Each pathway in the BHS exam structure has specific stages for the skills required for that career. This means candidates can find a pathway that suits their interests and career goals.
BHS qualifications offer career advancement pathways such as coaching and grooming, and increase expertise and employability. Whether you want to ride professionally, coach others or manage stables, BHS qualifications provide the foundation and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Riding Professionally
BHS has specific career pathways for professional riding, so individuals can specialise in disciplines like dressage, eventing, or show jumping. The qualification structure promotes correct, ethical, and progressive horse training, so the foundations are laid through the rider’s understanding and application of the ‘scales of training’.
The British Horse Society has launched a new learning platform to modernise training and make skills gained through BHS exams more relevant to equestrian careers. The BHS website has information on career pathways and assessments for those interested in equine careers.
By following the professional riding pathway, candidates can develop their professional qualifications and knowledge to compete at high levels and achieve equine excellence.
Equestrian Coaching Qualifications
Coaching in the equestrian industry means training, supporting, and guiding riders of all abilities and developing training programmes. As coaches, individuals can share their knowledge and experience and help others achieve their riding goals and personal achievements.
Being a coach is key in the equestrian industry, as good coaching can improve a rider’s skills and confidence. BHS qualifications provide the training and knowledge to be a successful coach so candidates can guide others in their equestrian journey.
Stable Management
Career options in stable management include roles responsible for the daily care and management of horses, yard management, and horse welfare. BHS qualifications increase personal development and professional opportunities in the equestrian industry and provide candidates with the skills for stable management.
As well as daily horse care, yard managers will do administrative tasks such as scheduling, budgeting and coordinating with other equine professionals like vets, farriers, physiotherapists, equine dental technicians, saddle fitters, nutritionists, etc. They will ensure the stables are well maintained and horses are well fed and healthy. Good stable management also means training and supervising staff so all team members follow best practices for horse care and stable operations.
Stable managers may also be involved in planning and organising events such as horse shows or clinics, which require good organisational skills and attention to detail. They play a key role in keeping the environment safe and efficient for horses and riders and contribute to the overall success of the equestrian centre.
By taking BHS qualifications, candidates will have the skills and hands-on experience to be valuable members of any equestrian team.
Preparing for BHS Exams
Preparation for BHS exams means real-life practical training, self-study, and using online resources. The British Horse Society has a range of resources and guidance to help prepare for assessments, including training with approved centres. The BHS website has lots of material, including guidelines, downloadable resources, and exam information, for those interested in BHS qualifications.
The benefits of online horse care and management courses cannot be overstated. They help students pass their exams. By combining theory training with self-study and online resources, candidates can ensure they are well-prepared for their BHS exams.
These online horse care courses offer a flexible and convenient way to access high quality learning materials, students can learn at their own pace and revisit complex topics as needed. Many online platforms also have interactive features like video tutorials, quizzes and forums where students can interact with instructors and other students and further enhance their learning. This holistic approach to exam preparation builds confidence and ensures a deep understanding of the subject matter and, ultimately, better performance in both practical and theory exams.
Find out more about my online BHS Stage One Care and BHS Stage Two Care training programmes.
Practical Training
Practical training is key to equestrian skills and hands-on experience of different riding techniques. Coaching in the equestrian industry means guiding riders of all abilities and developing training programmes. Online platforms like YouTube can be useful visual aids for practical skills for exams.
Hands-on training with Accredited Professionals or at Approved Centres is essential for practical experience for BHS qualifications. Practising will help candidates develop the skills and confidence to pass BHS exams and pursue future equestrian careers.
Practical training sessions will include activities such as grooming, tacking up, stable management and various riding and lunging exercises that are key to the foundation skills for BHS qualifications. These sessions will give candidates the opportunity to practice under the supervision of experienced professionals and get immediate feedback and guidance to correct techniques and improve performance.
Also, practical training can be tailored to address specific areas where a candidate might need more focus, such as advanced riding techniques, horse behaviour management or specialist care practices. This personalised approach means each candidate can progress at their own pace and build a comprehensive skill set that matches their career ambitions in the equestrian industry.
In addition to in-person training, candidates should attend workshops, clinics, and seminars on horse care and riding. These events will have expert speakers and trainers sharing useful information and advanced knowledge to help candidates learn more.
Overall, a combination of practical training, self-study, and attending educational events will be a comprehensive preparation strategy for BHS exams and give candidates the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in their equestrian careers.
Make time to get to know the BHS career pathways, the BHS exam syllabi and the specific skills and knowledge required for each level of qualifications. You need to be proficient in doing all practical skills ‘the BHS way’, i.e. correctly, safely, efficiently, thoroughly and with the horse’s welfare at the front of your mind at all times. The BHS qualifications show competency and confidence in working to the highest industry standards, so you need to be able to handle, manage and/or ride horses above the level at which you’re being assessed.
How to Progress Through BHS Stages
Progressing through BHS stages requires a clear understanding of the prerequisites and skills for each stage. Preparation for BHS exams means understanding the specific requirements of each module. Candidates will need to complete practical assessments and theoretical knowledge tests at each stage to progress through the stages.
Hands-on training at a BHS Approved riding school or equestrian centre will help your practical skills, which are a key requirement for the BHS exams. Practising through riding schools or equestrian centres will help with the practical skills for BHS exams.
BHS Terminology for Combined Qualifications
The British Horse Society (BHS) uses specific terminology to describe their qualifications that combine horse care, riding, lunging, and coaching. These qualifications are structured to provide a comprehensive education in all aspects of equestrianism, ensuring candidates are well-rounded and capable professionals.
- Horse Care: This aspect of the qualifications focuses on the essential skills needed to manage and care for horses. It includes topics such as feeding, grooming, stable management, and recognizing common equine ailments. Proficiency in horse care is fundamental for anyone working in the equestrian industry.
- Riding: The riding component assesses a candidate’s ability to ride horses at various levels. It includes basic riding skills at the lower stages and progresses to more advanced techniques such as dressage, show jumping, and cross-country riding at the higher stages. Candidates must demonstrate control, balance, and effective communication with the horse.
- Lunging: Lunging is a technique used to exercise horses on a long rein. It is an important skill for training and conditioning horses. The BHS qualifications include lunging assessments to ensure candidates can safely and effectively lunge horses, which is crucial for developing a horse’s fitness and obedience.
- Coaching: Coaching qualifications are designed for those who want to teach and mentor other riders. This includes creating lesson plans, providing constructive feedback, and helping riders improve their skills. Coaching assessments evaluate a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate techniques, and support the progress of their students.
By combining these elements, BHS qualifications ensure that candidates are not only skilled in practical horse care and riding but also capable of training and coaching others. This holistic approach prepares individuals for a variety of roles within the equestrian industry, from hands-on horse care to professional coaching and management.
BHS Coaching qualifications are introduced from BHS Stage 2 onwards, progressing from Stage 2 Foundation Coach in Complete Horsemanship up to the BHS Performance Coach (previously BHSI) and the BHS Fellowship.
BHS Stage 1
The starting point for BHS qualifications is Stage 1, which covers basic horse care and riding. Candidates will need to demonstrate proficiency in basic tasks such as safely handling and leading horses, grooming, stable management and basic horse health care. In riding they will need to show competence in mounting, dismounting, riding at walk, trot and canter and simple school movements. If you want to progress further in your equestrian journey, these basics need to be mastered.
If you’re ready to train towards your BHS Stage 1 Care assessment, then here’s the link to my online self-study training.
BHS Stage 2
The BHS Stage 2 exam will build on the foundation knowledge and skills from Stage 1 and cover more advanced horse care, lunging and riding. Candidates will need to demonstrate proficiency in feeding regimes, recognising and managing common equine ailments and stable management tasks. In lunging, they will need to set up a safe lunging area and demonstrate correct lunging techniques. For riding they will need to show competence in riding all gaits, including transitions and riding over poles and small fences.
If you’re ready to work towards your BHS Stage 2 Care (Unit 1), then check out my BHS Stage 2 Care online training right here.
BHS Stage 3
The BHS Stage 3 exam will build on the knowledge and skills from Stages 1 and 2 and cover advanced horse care, lunging and riding. Candidates will need to demonstrate proficiency in developing feeding plans, recognising complex equine ailments and detailed grooming and turnout practices. In lunging, they will need to demonstrate advanced techniques and manage the horse’s movement. For riding, they will need to show competence in advanced transitions, movements and jumping in an arena around a course of show jumps and cross-country jumps.
BHS Stage 4
The BHS Stage 4 assessment will ensure candidates have advanced horse care, riding and management skills for senior roles in the equestrian industry. Candidates will need to demonstrate high standards of stable management, recognise and manage various equine ailments and develop feeding plans. In riding, they will need to ride flatwork training towards the Elementary level and jumping to Discovery/Newcomers, train horses for competitions cross country, manage an equestrian business, supervise staff and develop training programmes for horses and riders.
BHS Stage 5
The BHS Stage 5 qualification, also known as the BHSI (British Horse Society Instructor) is for those who want to reach the highest levels in horse care, management and riding. Candidates will need to demonstrate more skills in managing complex health issues, developing detailed feeding plans and stable management. In riding they will need to train horses towards Advanced Medium dressage and school horses to 1.20m in showjumping and train towards Novice/Intermediate cross country jumping. They will also need to be able to coach riders, train horses, mentor other equestrian professionals and manage equestrian businesses and yard operations. Achieving the BHS Stage 5 qualification is a sign of significant expertise and professionalism and opens doors to top roles in the equestrian industry.
The British Horse Society Fellowship
The Fellowship of the British Horse Society (BHS) is the highest level of qualification offered by the BHS. It is the ultimate accolade for equestrian expertise and professionalism. To achieve this award, one must have a deep understanding of horse care and advanced riding and coaching skills. Fellows are leaders in the equestrian industry, often contributing to training programmes and mentoring other professionals. This elite group of equestrians demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of horse welfare and education. The Fellowship is a lifetime achievement award in the equestrian industry.
BHS Website Resources
The BHS website is a useful resource for anyone looking to advance their career in the equestrian industry. You will find links to membership benefits and educational modules related to BHS exams. These resources are exam preparation and the BHS qualification pathway.
By using the resources on the BHS website, candidates can get structured guidance and professional pathways to achieving their career goals in the equestrian industry. The website has a full overview of the different stages and assessments, so it is a must-have for anyone pursuing BHS qualifications.
Conclusion
So, in summary, BHS exams offer a structured and rewarding way to develop your equestrian skills and get qualified. By working through the stages, candidates can increase their horse knowledge, improve their employability and have many career options in the equestrian industry. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career BHS qualifications are the foundation and expertise to get you there. Get started and let the BHS help you to a fulfilling equestrian career.
FAQs
What careers can BHS qualifications support?
BHS qualifications can support careers in the equestrian industry, such as horse care, professional riding, coaching and many other roles. They are the foundation for all equestrian careers.
What qualifications does BHS offer?
BHS offers professional qualifications from Stage 1 to Stage 5 and finally to the Fellowship Award.
What are the career pathways with the British Horse Society?
The British Horse Society has career pathways for Grooms, Riders, and coaches. These disciplines give riders the option of developing their careers and tailoring them to their passions and goals.
How do BHS qualifications help job seekers in the equestrian industry?
BHS qualifications make job seekers more attractive to employers by showing a broad skill set, making them more competitive in the equestrian industry.
