The awards
Find out how to enhance your activity and fitness, nutrition, and hydration so you are ready to sit in the saddle in the best way for you, and for your horse.
Bronze Award
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You will find out about:
- The effects of rider fitness on how a horse moves
- How to align your body on the ground and why this is important for riding
- Mindful breathing techniques
- The importance of hydration and good, basic nutrition
- The importance of understanding mental well-being
Silver Award
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By completing this award you will find out:
- How the core works and how it supports your riding position
- How to mobilise your hips and shoulders
- How to minimise lower back pain
- Improving your symmetry
- The correct bending technique to avoid injury
- Looking after your mental health
Gold Award
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You will improve your confidence working on the yard and around horses, and be able to adopt a calm and considerate approach to the tasks that you carry out.
You will find out about:
- How to improve your postural strength
- How to make postural corrections
- Exercises to improve your balance and coordination
- Suggestions to get more cardio into your day
- Techniques for coping with challenges
Platinum Award
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The Platinum award further builds on your ability to ride more complex courses and jumping exercises.
By completing this award, you will:
- Rider biomechanics
- Stretches to help with suppleness
- Exercises to help with balance
- PRICE therapy
- Cross training
How to get involved
Challenge awards are open to anyone who would like to improve their horse knowledge or skills; you do not have to be a BHS member to take part.
If you have your own horse
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Courses are delivered by an Accredited Professional Coach. Your coach can come to your livery yard or British Riding Club grounds.
If you do not own your own horse
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Or you’re not sure if they would be suitable, don’t worry. There are BHS Approved Riding Centres throughout the UK that deliver challenge awards with their facilities and horses.
You can achieve the challenge awards at your local Approved Centre where they will match you to a horse to ensure your lessons are suitable to your experience.
Get in touch
If you want to learn more about the Challenge Awards or if you have any questions, please complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
Find out more about rider fitness
Find out more about why rider fitness is important when considering your horse’s comfort.
