Myth-busting BHS Qualifications

BHS qualifications move with the industry — they’re regulated, internationally recognised, and regularly refreshed to reflect modern equestrian standards. Employers really value them because they show you’ve got consistent, welfare focused knowledge and practical skills.

Myth busted: They’re modern, respected, and genuinely open doors — both in the industry and beyond.

Learn more about their value here: Why Choose BHS Qualifications?

If you’re dreaming of becoming a coach but aren’t sure where to begin, the best starting point is simply building your foundations through the BHS Stages — a structured, supportive route designed to take you from enthusiastic horse lover to confident, capable coach. Most people begin with Stage 1 and Stage 2, where you’ll develop essential horse care, riding, and lungeing skills before progressing to the Stage 2 Coach qualification, which introduces the planning, delivery, and evaluation skills every great coach needs.

You don’t need to have prior coaching experience or a teaching background to get started; the qualifications are built to teach you how to teach, step by step, at a pace that suits you.

Myth busted: You don’t need to already be a coach — the qualifications train you to become one.

You can explore all the stages here: BHS Qualifications and Stages.

Not always! We offer direct entry into higher stages if you can evidence equivalent knowledge and skills.

Myth busted: You don’t always have to start at the beginning — your experience matters.

Check out the details here: Direct Entry Guidance.

No, you can train however suits you. As our qualifications are of a practical nature our top tip is to get as much hands-on practice as you can, whether this is at a centre or with a coach. Many centres or coaches offer set courses throughout the year as well as offering flexible training options. There’s also a whole range of online or independent study you can enjoy too. Training should fit around your life, not the other way round. That’s why we offer:

• Local training with BHS Approved Centres or BHS Accredited Professional Coaches to get hands-on experience.
• Online courses you can join from the comfort of your home.
• A welcoming Training hub on Facebook where you can ask questions and get advice.
• Videos on our YouTube channel.
• Comprehensive books and workbooks to help you top up your knowledge.
• Structured part-time coaching courses run by the BHS, at some of our Approved Centres. You can find more information here: Career Transition Fund.
• The latest horse care and welfare advice on our website.

There are a variety of ways that you can train for your BHS assessments, and we can help find the best route for you to be successful. All the information that you need about training can be found on our website.

Myth busted: There is no mandatory course you must attend. Training is flexible and can be done at your own pace in your own way. There’s lots of support available.

Find training options here.

Yes! We offer direct entry to our coaching qualifications with flexible options for people that are unable to complete practical elements of our entry requirements at Stage 2.

Myth busted: We believe in making our assessments welcoming for everyone.

Check out the details here: Direct Entry Guidance. 

Your Skills Record is an important part of your assessment process. It’s designed to help support you as you develop through your stages. It also provides a way of recording your achievements as you learn new skills. Skills which can’t be assessed at an assessment day. Your Skills Record will assist you as you undertake training and ensure that you’re fully prepared for your assessments. The Skills Record must be signed off by an Accredited Professional or Approved Centre Coach with the relevant qualification at least one level higher than what is being signed off.

Myth busted: It’s not a test — it’s a progress tracker.

Learn more here.

Because safe, ethical horse welfare underpins everything we do, and should underpin your coaching practice too. By understanding how a horse moves, behaves, thinks and learns, you’ll be much more effective as a coach. Our qualifications are designed to ensure coaches have the depth of knowledge needed to keep both horses and riders safe, to promote horse welfare and wellbeing within your coaching and to offer sound advice when required.

Myth busted: Good coaching starts with good care — it’s the foundation of being a thoughtful, welfare-focused coach.

Myth busted: There isn’t a single ‘BHS way’ to do things — as long as your approach is safe, efficient, thoughtful, and puts the horse’s welfare first, it will be welcomed in your assessment. 

Find the syllabus for your next qualification here.

Assessments are held at BHS Approved Centres. Assessment dates are listed on our online booking platform and can be filtered by location and date. If you’re looking for a Stage 1 assessment, give your local BHS Approved Centre a call as many offer this assessment as an ‘in-house’ option. Our team are on hand to support if you have any issues, please give them a call on 02476 840508. Office hours are Monday to Thursday 8.35am-5pm and Friday 8.35am-3pm. Or alternatively email us via education@bhs.org.uk

Myth busted: Assessments run all year at locations across the UK, Ireland and even internationally, so you can simply choose the date and centre that work best for you.

Browse upcoming assessments here.

Assessors are trained to be fair, supportive, and consistent. They want you to succeed — genuinely. Your assessor will guide you to showcase what you can do and what you know, not what you don’t. When it comes to your assessment, our assessors will understand your nerves and will want to create a welcoming, supportive and encouraging environment for you to relax and succeed.

Myth busted: They’re not scary — they’re human too. They’ve been in your shoes when they’ve had to take their own BHS assessments, so they know exactly what it’s like! 

No — you can take each section separately.

Myth busted: You can break assessments into manageable chunks. 

Yes — many centres offer both training and assessments. There are some restrictions when you reach Stage 5 on how many training sessions you can have at the assessment centre. 

Myth busted: You can learn in the same environment you’ll be assessed in.

Find centres here: Approved Centres. 

No! We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed during your assessment. We recommend clothing that is safe and practical, and suitable for the weather conditions on the day.

Myth busted: Wearing a show jacket or hacking jacket is not necessary for assessments.

Check out what to wear for your assessment here.

No — horses are provided for assessments.

Myth busted: You can progress even without owning a horse.

More info here.

The BHS Stage 1 assessment is usually around half a day long and includes a mix of practical activities and discussions.

Myth busted: The exam isn’t an all-day marathon! It is designed to be manageable and give you enough time to demonstrate your skills.

Find out more about the timings for Stage 1.

Having a broad range of riding and coaching skills across dressage, show jumping and cross country will support a greater depth of skills and understanding. However, if you do want to focus on a particular passion, we offer the flexibility for you to do that too.

From Stage 3 you can choose to either complete a dressage or jumping riding option and from Stage 4 we can offer you different disciplines for your coaching.

Myth busted: Higher Stages give you room to focus on what you love most.

Explore specialist pathways here.

Yes — some Stage 3 components carry UCAS points for relevant courses.

Myth busted: Your equestrian training can support academic progression too.

Details here: UCAS Information.

You can request reasonable adjustments through the BHS assessment team.

Myth busted: Support is available — just ask.

Find the process here: Access Arrangements.