Funding and Support from the BHS
Stage 1
We offer a free of charge BHS silver membership for candidates training for and taking BHS Stage 1 qualifications.
All Stages
We've refined our Career Transition Fund to ensure training is more accessible than ever. With this support, gain access to subsidised courses and sessions tailored to elevate your skills. Opportunities include part-time coaching courses, online sessions and in-person training.
If you are employed by a BHS Approved Centre you may be eligible for a voucher towards your assessment fee. You can find out more here.
BHS Regional Bursaries
Some of our regional and county committees are able to offer bursaries to BHS members who reside within the local area. The committee may have specific criteria to qualify for funding, including application deadlines.
Strathclyde
BHS Strathclyde Assessment Grant. For candidates who have resided in the Strathclyde Committee for the last two years, the funding may cover up to a third of assessment fees for Stage 1 up to Stage 3.
Grampian
For members living in Grampian the BHS Grampian Jubilee Fund is offering BHS Assessment Grants and BHS Assessment Training Grants for long-term resident members of the Grampian region. Brief information about each Grant is below, if you would like more information about the Grampian Grants, or regarding eligibility and terms and conditions, please contact kimberley.marshall@bhsvolunteer.org.uk.
BHS Grampian Assessment Grants are available for members living in Grampian for up to one-third of BHS assessments fees for Stage 1 to Performance. To apply, email Kimberley Marshall kimberley.marshall@bhsvolunteer.org.uk with your name, address and BHS Membership number. The email should include details of the assessment being applied for, such as: date, venue, assessment level and full cost of the assessment.
BHS Grampian Assessment Training Grants is a set amount per unit of assessment and can be used for training towards assessments with a BHS Accredited Coach or at a BHS Accredited Centre. To apply please complete the application form.
Gloucestershire
For members living in Gloucestershire the Maureen Holmans (Mor Watson) Legacy Fund is offering £50 towards the cost of any BHS assessment. Proof of booking of a BHS Assessment is required before funding will be released. One application per person per year. To apply please complete the application form.
Wiltshire
For members living in Wiltshire, the BHS Wiltshire Team is offering £100 towards the cost of any BHS assessment. Proof of booking of a BHS Assessment is required before funding will be released. One application per person per year. To apply please complete the application form.
Avon
For members living in Avon (Bath & NE Somerset/Bristol/North Somerset/South Gloucestershire), the BHS is offering £100 towards the cost of any BHS assessment. Proof of booking of a BHS Assessment is required before funding will be released. One application per person per year. To apply please complete the application form.
South West Region
For members living in the South West Region, the BHS is offering £50 towards the cost of any BHS assessment. Proof of booking of a BHS Assessment is required before funding will be released. One application per person per year. To apply please complete the application form.
Please note: You can also apply for any local bursary that is being offered.
Accredited Professionals
BHS Accredited Professionals receive a 25% discount on assessment fees*. This includes those enrolled on our Accredited Professional Centre Coach/Groom scheme.
* UK and Ireland assessment fees only.
Other Funding
See below for other funding available towards qualifications. Please note, this funding can’t be applied for via the BHS. If you have any queries regarding the funding, please contact the relevant provider.
The funding provider may have specific criteria to qualify for funding, including application deadlines.
British Equestrian Federation Coaching Bursary
The BEF Coaching Bursary scheme is designed to support those taking their first steps in their coaching career or developing their existing coaching skills. Applicants can apply for up to 50% of the BHS coaching course and assessment fee.
Our British Equestrian Coach Bursary Scheme is open to:
• Riding school staff and volunteers who want to get started with their coaching qualifications and grow the opportunities for people to enjoy riding
• Coaches from underrepresented populations or protected characteristics within our coaching workforce
• Coaches who work with participants from underrepresented populations or with protected characteristics within our current equestrian community.
Local Authority Sports Councils
A number of UK Local Authorities or Local Councils provide funding for development and training. It’s worth searching for your Local Authority Sports Council or your Local Authorities funding opportunities on a search engine (for example, Warwick District Sports Council, or Camden Sports Council) and enquiring about what current grants or bursaries may be available. If you are unsure who your Local Authority or Council is, you can find it here:
Find my local council (England)
Find my local council (Scotland)
Find my local council (Northern Ireland)
Active Partnerships
There are 43 local Active Partnerships in England that may offer funding for training and qualifications that support communities to stay active. Find your local Active Partnership with the link below.
The Prince’s Trust
If you are aged 16 to 30 and live in the UK, The Prince’s Trust provide funding and training for those not in full time education or employment.
Organisational awards
A number of organisational awards can be accessed by a club, charity or community group. So if you volunteer or are employed within a club or other type of organisation they may be able to apply for funding for training and education. Examples are Sport England Small Grants or National Lottery Funding.
