Supported Training
Following a review of the Career Transition Fund we have decided to focus on running subsidised training courses and sessions to make training easier to access.
There are also vouchers available for BHS Approved Centre staff to support them with assessment fees.
We have a selection of training sessions and courses which are supported by the Career Transition Fund. You can find these below:
Part Time Coaching Courses
Part time courses running over up to twelve weeks covering the assessment content and with an optional assessment at the end.
These courses comprise of four practical days and two online theory sessions broken up over roughly twelve weeks to allow time for preparation, practice and self study.
We offer a discounted price for BHS Approved Centre staff, and currently there is some British Equestrian funding to support those who meet the criteria.
Please click below for more information.
Stage 2 Coach Course
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The course will comprise of four in person training days looking at the practical teaching sections within the assessment and also two online sessions covering the theory sections and lesson planning. The course also includes a training handbook for you to complete in your own time. There is an element of self-study and practice between sessions required to complete the assessment.
For those ready to sit the assessment at the end of the course there will be an assessment day following the training to be booked and paid for separately. Assessment bookings can be made after the first two practical days depending on guidance from the course leader. The ability to sit the assessment will depend on the level of knowledge and experience prior to the course. If you are not able to sit the assessment at the end you will be given guidance on further training to sit the assessment in the future.
This tailored course is designed to support your progression to Stage 2 Coach and offers a flexible structure for busy schedules while maintaining high-quality, practical training.
September Course Details:
- Location: Wellington Riding, Hampshire, RG27 0LJ
- Format: 4 practical training sessions + 2 online sessions
- Course Fee:
- £550 standard fee
- £400 for BHS Approved Centre staff
- £275 for those eligible for British Equestrian funding
Course Dates:
- 17 September, 6:30pm – Online session 1
- 29 & 30 September 9:30am – 4pm, – Practical days 1 & 2
- 15 October, 6:30pm – Online session 2
- 28 & 29 October 9:30am – 4pm – Practical days 3 & 4
- 8 December – Optional assessment date
The assessment is booked and paid for separately, you don't have to book this assessment at the end of the course. You can choose to do it at a later date and at a different centre if you wish.
Limited accommodation is available on site at the centre, please contact Wellington directly to enquire, on ridingcareers@wellington.co.uk
Please complete the online booking form if you would like to book a place.
If you are applying for British Equestrian funding please wait until your application has been approved before booking the course
November Course Details:
- Location: Ingestre Stables, Staffordshire, ST18 0RE
- Format: 4 practical training sessions + 2 online sessions
- Course Fee:
- £550 standard fee
- £400 for BHS Approved Centre staff
- £275 for those eligible for British Equestrian funding
Course Dates:
- 3 November, 7pm – Online session 1
- 12 & 13 November 9:30am – 4pm, – Practical days 1 & 2
- 1 December, 7pm – Online session 2
- 10 & 11 December 9:30am – 4pm – Practical days 3 & 4
Please note this course has no assessment at the end, assessment dates can be found here on our website.
Please complete the online booking form if you would like to book a place.
If you are applying for British Equestrian funding please wait until your application has been approved before booking the course
You can view the course terms and conditions at the bottom of this page.
Stage 3 Coach Course
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The course will comprise of four in person training days looking at the practical teaching sections within the assessment and also two online sessions covering the theory sections and lesson planning. The course also includes a training handbook for you to complete in your own time. There is an element of self-study and practice between sessions required to complete the assessment.
For those ready to sit the assessment at the end of the course there will be an assessment day/s following the training to be booked and paid for separately. Assessment bookings can be made after the first two practical days depending on guidance from the course leader. The ability to sit the assessment will depend on the level of knowledge and experience prior to the course. If you are not able to sit the assessment at the end you will be given guidance on further training to sit the assessment in the future.
Course Details:
- Location: Acrecliffe Equestrian Centre, Yorkshire, LS21 3DN
- Format: 4 practical training sessions + 2 online sessions
- Course Fee:
- £550 standard fee
- £400 for BHS Approved Centre staff
- £275 for those eligible for British Equestrian funding
Course Dates:
- 23rd September, 7pm – Online session 1
- 29th & 30th September 9:30am – 4pm, – Practical days 1 & 2
- 14th October, 7pm – Online session 2
- 20 & 21 October 9:30am – 4pm – Practical days 3 & 4
- 21 & 28 November – optional assessment dates
The assessment is booked and paid for separately, you don't have to book this assessment at the end of the course. You can choose to do it at a later date and at a different centre if you wish.
There are a couple of additional optional dates you can book with the centre directly:
- 15 & 16th October optional sign off days for candidate observations
- 17th October – option to ride in assessment
Limited accommodation is available on site at the centre, please contact Acrecliffe directly to enquire. enquiries@acrecliffe.co.uk
This tailored course is designed to support your progression to Stage 3 Coach and offers a flexible structure for busy schedules while maintaining high-quality, practical training.
Please complete the online booking form if you would like to book a place. If you are applying for British Equestrian funding please wait until your application has been approved before booking the course
You can view the course terms and conditions at the bottom of this page.
British Equestrian Bursary Funding
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We are delighted that British Equestrian bursary funding is also available for this course. You can find more information on this below.
Those who fit the criteria below are eligible:
• Riding school staff and volunteers 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, in particular:
o Lower socio-economic communities
o Culturally diverse communities
o Disabled people
• Coaches who work with participants from underrepresented populations or protected characteristics within our current equestrian community, in particular:
o Lower socio-economic communities
o Culturally diverse communities
o Disabled people
We will only consider a maximum of 2 applications from the same centre. Where more than 2 are received only the first 2 will be considered.
The application form should be completed by the coach wanting to be supported. If you are from a riding centre wishing to support one of your coaches or volunteers with this bursary, please ask them to complete the application form.
Please ensure you meet and can evidence the necessary pre-requisites for the qualification/course that you are applying for otherwise your funding application will not be considered.
To apply for British Equestrian funding please use this form: BEF Funding Applications
Online Theory Courses and Sessions
A series of courses and sessions delivered online by BHS Assessors supported by the Career Transition Fund.
Stage 1 Care and Ride Online Course
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Join us for a new series of online training sessions covering the theory elements of the BHS Stage 1 Care and Ride syllabus — perfect for anyone preparing for their assessment or wanting a solid foundation in horse care and riding theory!
Led by experienced BHS Assessor, Charlotte Duncan BHSI, these sessions are clear, interactive, and designed to boost your confidence.
Whether you're just starting out or brushing up before assessment day, these sessions are a great way to get ahead – and stay ahead!
Session Dates:
- Care 1: Tuesday 16th September
- Care 2: Tuesday 23rd September
- Care 3: Tuesday 30th September
- Ride Theory: Tuesday 7th October
Pricing:
- All 3 Care Sessions – £25
- Ride Session Only – £10
- Book All 4 Together – Just £30!
Important Information:
Sessions will not be recorded, so be sure to attend live
Meeting links will be sent 24 hours before each session
Sessions are hosted via Microsoft Teams – please check your compatibility before booking
Stage 2 Care Online Course
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Delivered by the brilliant Carole Broad, BHS Fellow and Senior Assessor.
Interactive, live sessions run via Microsoft Teams
Please note, these sessions will not be recorded
Monday Evenings 6:30pm - 8:30pm:
- Sept 8
- Sept 15
- Sept 29
- Oct 6
Please note there is no session on Sept 22
Topics include:
- Feeding & Fitness
- Groom Responsibilities
- Horse Behaviour
- Grassland & Hoof Care
Just £40, book here!
Stage 2 Coach Online Course
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A series of four online sessions run by Senior BHS Assessor Charlotte Duncan BHSI covering the theory elements of the BHS Stage 2 Coach assessment.
This course will give an overview of the Stage 2 Coach assessment, look at the theory criteria, cover lesson plan structure and ideas and also risk assessments.
Sessions will run over 4 Thursday evenings, from the 18th September until the 9th October
Each session will start at 6:30pm for approximately 1.5 hours.
Costs just £40 for all 4 sessions
The sessions will cover:
- An overview of the assessment
- Roles & responsibilities, understand rider needs, plan for professional development
- Lesson planning
- Risk assessments
Book here to secure your place today
These sessions will not be recorded
These sessions will be hosted on Microsoft Teams
Stage 3 Care Online Course
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Delivered by the highly recommended Carole Broad, BHS Fellow and Senior Assessor.
Interactive, live sessions run via Microsoft Teams
Please note, these sessions will not be recorded
Tuesday Evenings 6:30pm - 8:30pm:
- Sept 9
- Sept 16
- Sept 23
- Sept 30
Topics include:
- Roles & Responsibilities
- Feeding & Nutrition
- Health & Behaviour
- Anatomy
Just £40, book here!
Stage 3 Coach Online Information Session
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If you are working towards your BHS Stage 3 Coach assessment, or want to find out more about it this online information session is for you.
Come along to find out about the Stage 3 Coach assessment, what is involved on the day, how you can train and an opportunity to ask your questions to our presenters.
Presented by Senior Assessor Dan Spencer BHSI and Charis Howard from the Education Team at the BHS.
Wednesday 12 November, 7pm
Cost £7
Stage 4 Care Online Course
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Delivered by the brilliant Carole Broad, BHS Fellow and Senior Assessor.
Interactive, live sessions run via Microsoft Teams
Please note, these sessions will not be recorded
Thursday Evenings 6:30pm - 8:30pm:
- Sept 18
- Sept 25
- Oct 2
- Oct 9
- Oct 16
- Oct 23
Subjects covered:
- Tack
- Advanced Feeding
- Conformation & Fitness
- Competition Horse Management
- Anatomy & Breeding
Stage 4 Coach Online Information Session
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Are you preparing for your BHS Stage 4 Coach assessment or simply curious about what it involves?
Join us for an informative online Q&A session designed to give you all the insights you need.
This session will cover:
- What to expect on assessment day
- How to best prepare and train
- A live Q&A opportunity to get your questions answered
Hosted by:
Dan Spencer BHSI – Senior Assessor
Charis Howard – Education Team, BHS
Wednesday 26 November at 7pm
Only £7
BHS Approved Centre staff assessment vouchers
This scheme provides staff at BHS Approved Centres with a voucher for a discount off their assessment fee.
Vouchers are available for Stage 2 and 3 assessments.
Applicants must be on the APCC/G scheme*, a gold member and have the relevant entry requirements for the assessment.
You can find the application form here.
For more information on this scheme, please contact trainingcourses@bhs.org.uk or speak to your Business Support Manager.
*Or the proprietor/manager must have notified us that the applicant is employed by the centre
BHS Approved Centre Staff Assessment Voucher Values
Stage 2 Care
Stage 2 Lunge
Stage 2 Ride
Stage 2 Coach
Stage 3 Care
Stage 3 Lunge
Stage 3 Ride Dressage
Stage 3 Ride Jump
Stage 3 Coach
Part Time Courses Terms and Conditions
Policies
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It is strongly recommended that participants, candidates, and a parent/carer of a candidate who is under 18 years of age, are familiar with BHS Education and Assessments Policies.
Bookings
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Timeframe
Training Course bookings close at least 15 working days prior to the commencement date. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
Height and weight
For training courses which involve riding, participants must provide correct height and weight including their riding attire, at the time of booking. For horse safety and welfare, the BHS may not be able to accept a booking if the participant’s weight exceeds the training centre’s weight limit for their horses.
If it is suspected that a candidate’s weight is in excess of the training centre’s weight limit, the training centre may request that the participant be weighed. Participants who are found to exceed their stated weight may be asked to withdraw from the training course. In this situation no refund would be offered.
Booking confirmation
Booking is only confirmed once payment for the full training course fee is received. The BHS cannot offer part payment schemes or hold places on training courses without payment.
This confirmation is sent by email, therefore participants must ensure a current email address is provided when booking a training course. Participants who do not receive confirmation within five working days of payment should contact the Education Team, as failure to arrive at a training course may result in loss of fee.
Candidates under 18 years of age
The BHS must receive parent/carer consent for any training course booking where the candidate is under 18 years of age on the day of the course commencement. The BHS must be provided with a current email and telephone contact for a parent/carer to act as the emergency contact before and on the assessment. The emergency contact provided should be over 18 years old.
The BHS are unable to accept any participants under the minimum age for the assessment for which they are training on the Training Course.
Skills Record
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Although the courses are designed to cover all of the qualification specification, the coach delivering the course will only be able to sign off the participants skills record if the participant is at the required level for the assessment. If this is not the case, the coach will explain to the participant where further skills or knowledge are required.
If participants are absent for any part of the course, they may then not be able to be signed off for the elements of the skills record covered during that time.
Pregnancy
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Participants who are pregnant should notify the Education Team by email at the earliest opportunity via the Training Course booking form or via email.
We advise that the individual talks with their doctor/healthcare professional with an honest summary of what the training course will entail in order to support a decision to undertake or withdraw from the course.
Each individual is different and as such, the BHS will consider applications on a case-by-case basis. The BHS may cancel or postpone your Training Course based on any of the evidence above.
For your health and safety we will inform the centre. There may be further risk assessments to undertake on the practical training days.
Language
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Training Courses will be conducted in the English language. If the use of a translator is required, please contact the BHS Education Team.
Medical Conditions
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If you have any medical conditions or special considerations, please make these known on your booking form. The BHS Education Team will share this information with the centre for your health and safety. If there are any adjustments which can be made to assist your learning, please make these known on your booking form.
Dress Guidance
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Protective Headwear
‘Protective Headwear’ must be worn at all times for any activity that involves riding, lungeing, handling a horse and coaching ridden sessions. Harnesses must be correctly adjusted and fastened at all times. ‘Protective Headwear’ constitutes a hat which meets one of the current safety standards.
Only a jockey skull of an even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type extensions may be worn for cross country activities. It must also comply with the current safety standards. A removable hat cover or silk with a light flexible peak may be used.
Body Protectors
A body protector is mandatory for any cross-country activity and is strongly recommended for any other ridden activity. A body protector may be compulsory for all ridden elements depending on the training centre’s policy. It is the participant’s responsibility to check with the training centre. Body protectors should be fitted and worn as per the manufacturer's instructions. A body protector must comply with current safety standards.
Air Jackets
Air jackets should not be worn within groups of riders in a training situation. This is due to the increased risk of reaction of horses with other participants. It is the participant’s responsibility to contact the training centre for their consent should they wish to wear an air jacket.
If an air jacket is worn, it must comply with current safety standards.
Safeguarding and Supervision
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding procedures are in place within all BHS Approved Centres. Please contact the training centre directly if you have any queries regarding their safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding: Adults at Risk
The BHS will not ask for disclosure at the time of booking if an adult is classed as an adult at risk. If a participant wants to make the BHS aware of any additional measures we can take to support them during their training, please add this to your booking form.
Supervision
The BHS or the assessment centre cannot provide supervision for participants during breaks and lunch time. For participants who identify as an adult at risk or under the age of 18, it is at the discretion of their parent/carer if they, or a nominated responsible adult, accompanies the participant.
Health and Safety, Conduct and Recording Equipment
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Health and Safety
Health and safety is vital to our activities. On the rare occasion of an accident at a BHS Training Course, safety is a priority.
The BHS Education Team (which includes BHS training centres) provide BHS Training Courses as a service. The health of the participant/demonstration rider is that individual’s own responsibility. They should seek medical attention if they feel they need it as the duty of care for themselves. For participants under 18, it is the parent/carer’s responsibility to comply.
Participant conduct
Any BHS employee, or BHS centre employee has the right to stop working with any participant who does not behave appropriately or safely.
Recording Equipment
The use of any recording equipment (by participants, accompanying adults, or centre staff) is prohibited during any part of the training delivered at an assessment centre.
Cancellations
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Cancellation of training courses by the BHS
All training courses are subject to cancellation/alteration/postponement. The BHS will make reasonable endeavours to provide participants with 10 working days’ notice, however there may be circumstances when this is not possible. In the event of cancellation/alteration/postponement, the BHS will offer a full refund of the course fee.
The BHS is unable to reimburse costs incurred other than the training course fee (for example, travel costs or accommodation) and candidates may wish to arrange independent insurance to cover these costs.
Bad weather conditions
In the event of extreme weather conditions, courses may be cancelled at short notice. While the BHS will endeavour to notify participants, participants are advised to call the training centre the day before if in any doubt.
If the course continues to run, participants who fail to arrive for any reason (including weather conditions), are liable to forfeit their fee.
Cancellation by the participant
In all cases, email notification must be made to the BHS Education Team with accompanying medical evidence where applicable. All written notice should be made by the participant if they are 18 or over, or the participant will need to provide written confirmation stating who the BHS can speak to on their behalf. Where a participant is under the age of 18, the parent/carer must act on their behalf.
Medical Cancellations
Participants who are unable to attend their training course due to medical reasons are required to forward a medical note no later than five working days after the course commencement date. If a cancellation is requested, 75% of the course fee will be refunded on receipt of the medical evidence.
Other cancellations
Participants wishing to cancel within four weeks of the course commencement date will forfeit their course fee (unless on medical grounds).
Cancellations
Participants are required to give a minimum of four weeks written notice before the course commencement date if they wish to cancel their course and obtain a part refund. The payee will be refunded 50% of the course fee.
Cancellations during the course period
If a participant cancels the course after the course commencement date, they will forfeit their course fee (unless on medical grounds).
Medical cancellations during the course period
Participants who start the course but are unable to complete due to medical reasons must forward a medical note no less than 5 days after the course cessation date, 75% of the remaining course fee will be refunded pro rata depending on how much of the course has been completed.
Complaints
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If you would like to raise a concern or, if you feel there are grounds for a complaint, please follow our complaints procedure.
Privacy notice
The information you provide will be used to manage the process for assigning funding for your training and following up with the relevant BHS Approved Centre or BHS Accredited Professional Coach to make sure you have received everything you need.
We will not share your information with anyone that is not involved in your training or assessment unless we are under legal obligation to do so, or it is in your vital interests. You can see more about how we collect and use your personal data by reading our Privacy Notice.