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  • Horse Care

Introduction to Horse Care

If you spend time around horses, it’s useful to know the basics of horse care and working safely around horses.

  • Last reviewed: 11th July 2022
Introduction To Horse Care Introduction To Horse Care

The award is designed to build your confidence handling and working around horses. You don’t need any previous experience riding or handling horses to begin this award – your coach will guide you every step of the way. Your coach will support you to gain the foundation skills essential for your safety around horses so you can enjoy your time spent on the yard. All of the topics within the introduction award are explored in further detail in the About the Horse series.

By completing this award you will learn about:

  • Good practice when on the yard
  • How to approach a horse safely
  • How to put on and take off a headcollar
  • How to lead a horse
  • Basic welfare needs of the horse
  • The saddle and bridle
  • Why a horse might wear a rug
  • How to groom a horse

How to get involved

Horse Explorers 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

Courses are delivered by an Accredited Professional Coach. Your coach can come to your livery yard or British Riding Club grounds. 

Find a BHS Accredited Professional

If you do not own your own horse

Or you’re not sure if they would be suitable, don’t worry. There are BHS Approved Riding Centres throughout the UK that deliver Horse Explorers awards with their facilities and horses.  

You can achieve the Horse Explorers awards at your local Approved Centre where they will match you to a horse to ensure your lessons are suitable to your experience. 

Find a BHS Approved Centre

Get in touch

If you want to learn more about the Horse Explorers 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.