Practical CPD Courses

9-10 AUGUST 2025
NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY
BRACKENHURST CAMPUS

Understand Horses Live is two days of lectures, practical demos & workshops on horse behaviour, training, physiology, equine science and welfare.

An international panel of experts - equine behaviour consultants, academics, vets, physios and trainers - will lecture on a variety of fascinating subjects on Saturday, then present practical demos and workshops with the horses based at NTU Brackenhurst on Sunday.

Lecture presentation, demo and workshop topics include:

The gut-brain axis in horses

Gastric ulcers & unwanted behaviour

Horse-human relationships

Human psychology of horse face processing

Housing equines for optimal welfare

Identifying abnormal behaviours during tacking up

Eye tracking technology in horse-human interaction

The art of easy training

Equine preference tests

Reducing equine stress in novel environments

Mind-body connection through exercise

6 CPD Points if attend both days

9.00am-5.30pm

Price £249

Book here

Booking Information 

During this course, we may compare the bones and models to the living horse but will mainly use anatomical models and the bones of both the appendicular skeleton (the legs) and the axial skeleton (the skull, vertebral column, sternum, and ribs) to aid your learning of this subject.
We will look at:-
The range and degree of joint movement
The position, function, relevance and far-reaching effect of the hyoid apparatus
Structures of the head including the TMJ
How the atlas joins on to the skull and how the atlas and axis influence head position
The complexities of the vertebral joints
The intricacies of the sacroiliac joint, sacroiliac ligaments and joint
The lumbosacral junction
The bones and joints of the carpus and tarsus
The connexions and levers of the long bones and muscle, tendon and ligament attachment points
Anomalies within the spine including transitional vertebrae
Bony changes including kissing spine
Growth plates and immature skeletons

4 CPD Points

Time: 8:30-5pm

Price £192

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Bookings & information

6 CPD Points

Book here

LOCATION DETAILS

This is a one-day workshop held in Leamington Spa. The event is a collaboration between LiveryList (Cheryl Johns), The Equestrian Index (Amanda Watson) and Animalweb (Dr David Marlin) to help get the owners and managers of livery yards riding schools and equestrian centres up to speed with the current recommended best practices in terms of equine welfare, employment, biosecurity, client management, business and financial management and more. To help them understand how to better their business, and how to take active steps to improve the welfare of equines on their premises, and the way that the manage their business in terms of administration and viability. This provides various learning outcomes depending on the areas of their business they feel they need support, and advice. Two key speakers will be presenting on topics of equine welfare (Dr David Marlin and Amanda Stoddart-West), and afternoon workshops in small groups (6 people) with a choice of 10/12 industry experts covering all aspects of practical and administrative yard management. There is no event like this at present where the attendees can have in person access to industry experts, and also providing them with advice and support to help them be proactive in making changes following the event. It also gives the opportunity for networking and peer support, allowing attendees to connect with fellow equestrian professionals, share experiences, and explore opportunities for collaboration. It is hoped that we will have between 60-150 attendees.
This would be hugely beneficial as CPD for any BHS APC such as approved centre owners or managers or BHS coaches who run, employed by or are closely linked to yards. We also have Sarah Dale present to represent the BHS and help business owners understand how the BHS can offer ongoing support and guidance.

6 CPD Points

Price- £95

Time- 10-5

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The first BETA Bits, Bridles & Saddlery Conference will see eminent experts share their knowledge on the current hot topic of the use and fitting of bits, bridles and saddles. 
Open to all, the two-day event, organised by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), is on 28/29 October 2025 at the Hollywell Conference Centre at Loughborough University. 
This two day conference (tickets are also available for one day only) aims to provide important information for equestrian professionals helping them and riders to understand more about the role of saddlery and lorinery (bits and bridles) in equine welfare, performance and safety. 
It will also support, professional bridle, bit and saddle fitters. 
Topics will include, the horse's mouth, bridle lameness, several research projects, rider to horse weight and how this impacts upon equine performance and welfare, double bridles V snaffle bridles and other stimulating topics
It is an event not to be missed and will also provide a strong networking opportunity for all. 

4 CPD Points

Early Bird/ BHS £140 per day or £240 for both days. Live Streaming £90 per day.

Time- 9.30-16.45

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Event Programme
Part 1: Anatomical Connections
Gain a valuable insight into the principles of anatomy and biomechanics related to improving the horse's posture, movement and performance. With the help of her anatomical paintings on horses, Gillian explains the role of the skeleton and muscles and using a variety of in-hand movements and pilates-type exercises Gillian will demonstrate range of movement and the impact of restrictions. 
Break
During the break you'll have the opportunity to ask Gillian questions, study the bones and anatomical models of the horse to further your learning.
Part 2: Anatomy in Motion 
This section of the lecture demonstration is jam-packed full of practical exercises, techniques and top tips that you can do with your own horse to improve his musculoskeletal health and performance. With one horse ridden and another on the lunge, the second half focuses on:- - 

Assessing and improving movement
Harmony between horse and rider
Riding from an anatomical approach 
Flatwork exercises to improve performance
The effect of polework
Gymnastic jumping
The rider will be wearing a skeleton bodysuit giving you the opportunity to study and understand how rider posture and position can influence the horse. 

3 CPD Points

Price- £35

Time- 18.45-22.00

Book here

Speakers Jenny Reed (BVM&S DipACVIM (LAIM) MRCVS), Lecturer in Equine Internal Medicine, and Alex Hawkins, Staff Clinician in Equine Surgery, delve into some of the interesting cases we see here at the RVC and discuss how sometimes we need both intellect and incisions to find an answer.

Find out how medics use their intellect to demystify medical cases in the hospital
Find out how going under the knife might reveal some clues
Hear about some of the weird and wonderful cases we see and how our clinicians can work together to find an answer
Q&A with our speakers

Price- £12

Time 18:30-21:00

1 CPD Point

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Bookings & information

The day is designed for coaches to further develop their training methods but is open to anyone who wishes to improve their understanding of training the horse and rider.

The day will be delivered by Liz Eaton FBHS.  Liz has over 40 years experience working with a diverse range of horse and rider combinations to improve performance, within the UK and internationally.  Liz's "welfare first" ethos combined with a focus on the psychology and biomechanics of both horse and rider ensures that partnerships are able to progress with confidence and enjoyment.  

Price: 

BHS Accredited Professional Coach £45 *Must provide current APC membership number

General Admission £50

Time: 9am - 4pm

6 CPD Points

Book here

Location 

 Warrenwood Manor Stud, AL9 6JF

This event is designed for horse owners, riders and paraprofessionals.

Laminitis - raising endocrine awareness, it's not just podgy ponies!

Nicola Menzies-Gow, Professor in Equine Medicine, will once again be diving into the world laminitis but this time looking at why it's not just the overweight ponies that suffer and the endocrine diseases that play a role in this condition.

Discover how laminitis doesn't just affect podgy ponies!
Hear about how the endocrine system plays a role in the health of your horses feet
Learn about the latest tests and treatments for these diseases
Q&A with our speaker

Price- £12

1 CPD Point

Time- 18:30-21:00

Book here

This event is designed for horse owners, riders and paraprofessionals.

The equine MOT

Nicola Fossey (QJ-(SQP), Senior Dispensary Technician, divulges tips and tricks to keeping your horse healthy this winter and getting them ready for the year ahead. 

Hear about how vaccination and parasite control can keep your horse healthy and prevent life threatening illnesses
Discover why it is important to regularly check your horse and how catching illnesses and injuries early can save lives
Learn about horse passports and why they are so important both legally and medically
Q&A with our speaker

Price- £12

Time- 18:30-21:00

1 CPD Point

Book here

The Stage 4 Coaching Qualification Syllabus. The coaching theory on  the 9th, the flat on the 15th and jumping on the 16th Sept. With a dinner networking dinner opportunity added on the 15th & 16th. 

Price- £30-£40

Time- Refer to booking link

2 CPD Points

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Bookings and Information 

Classroom presentation:
- Communication with the horse
- Philosophy, ethical training principles, rider skills.
Practical demonstrations of systems in coaching sessions:
- Flatwork & seat positions.
- Influence of classical dressage
- Principles for jumping
- The use of cavaletti
- Dressage related to test riding
- Technicalities of course walking
- Show jumping rounds
Study groups - interactive format

6 CPD Points

Cost - Registered BHS APCs - £60, non-members £90

9am - 4:30pm

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Location 

Yorkshire Riding Centre,

HG3 3PE

Booking Information 

AM -Yard Tour with Paul Robson and his team LUNCH PROVIDED PM -talk on the retraining process from Amy Bannister-Bell BHSI and RoR Wales Regional Development Officer We will discuss what the retraining process involves, advice on how to maintain good practices for a successful retraining journey and what support is out there to assist you if you choose to take on an ex racehorse or if you already own a retrained racehorse.

Cost £36.50 for ROR members £40.00 for BHS APC

Lunch Provided

Time: 10am-3pm

4 CPD Points

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Location

Paul Robson Racing
South Hazelrig
Chatton
Alnwick
NE66 5RZ

Colic and Gut Health:

Optimising gut health and colic prevention
Digestive System
Gastric and hind gut ulcers
Colic
Risk factors
Massage and acupressure to help with gut health
Vital signs
Importance of water supply and consumption
Factors for good gut health

The Horse inside:

Images and discussion from equine dissection or intestines and digestive system

Impact of Nutrition on Equine Wellness, Performance and Recovery:

Horse’s survival needs
Conditions of digestive system 
The Intestines
The microbiome
Natural horse health for wellness
The herbivore diet and replicating the wild diet
Supplements
Equine performance and recovery
Signs when a horse’s diet isn’t correct.

Paddock Management:

Recommended daily checks of the paddock
Grass types and grazing
Soil sampling and fertilization
Minimum land requirements
Good paddock management practices
Poisonous plants and trees
Wood chewing
Worming
Multi-species grazing together

Natural Horse Health for Wellness:

The power of plants
Options for horses to browse for Botanicals
Common Conditions and natural remedies and recipes.
Five element theory
Introduction to zoopharmacognosy and demonstration

4 CPD Points

Price- £120

Time- 9.45-16.30

Book here

Information 

Come and join us for the BHS Coaching Convention on 10 November 2025 at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre.

With guest coaches such as Tim Downes FBHS with many more to be announced!

Dive into a day filled with thought provoking discussions and practical demonstrations, with plenty of ideas for you to take home with you and put into practice.

6 CPD points for BHS Accredited Coaches

Further details to follow...

APC- £35

General Admission- £55

9.30am - 4pm

6 CPD points

BOOK

Location 

Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre

CW6 0SR

Bookings & information 

Join us for a fully interactive training day exploring the power of simulated cross-country.

Through a blend of theory, live demonstrations, and practical coaching applications, we will bring simulated cross-country to life — from its role in British Horse Society assessments to hands-on course building and adaptable training techniques.

Highlights include:

Understanding the forms and benefits of simulated cross-country
Live construction of key obstacle types
Video analysis and real-world examples
A live coaching demonstration with commentary, showing how one course plan can be adapted for both novice and advanced riders.
This day is designed to provide coaches, riders, and eventing enthusiasts with practical tools for developing skill, confidence, communication, and partnership with their horses.

Time:  9:15am to 1:00pm 

4 CPD Points  

COST - £20 for BHS Accredited Professional Coaches;

£25 for other coaches

£30 for general admission.

All bookings are subject to a small booking fee to cover the booking and payment processing charges.

Book here

Location 

The Cabin Equestrian Centre,

Ordyfauld,

Inverurie,

Aberdeenshire,

AB51 0LL

AM - Racing and retraining brief from Mike Smith followed by a yard tour and visit to the gallops. 

PM - Talk on the retraining process from Amy Bannister-Bell BHSI and RoR Wales Regional Development Officer.  
We will discuss what the retraining process involves, advice on how to maintain good practices for a successful retraining journey and what support is out there to assist you if you choose to take on an ex racehorse or if you already own a retrained racehorse. 

4 CPD Points

Time- 9.45-3pm

Price- £25

Book here

Morning: Yard Tour
Explore the training routines, feeding regimes, facilities, and welfare strategies that support every horse on the yard.
Afternoon: Retraining Talk with Amy Bannister-Bell (BHSI, RoR Wales RDO)
Gain valuable insights into the retraining process of former racehorses – what’s involved, key challenges, how to maintain good practices, and where to find support. A great session whether you already own an RoR or are considering taking one on.

Learning Outcomes:
 By the end of a Racing Insight Day, participants will have awareness of:
1.    The lifecycle and career of a racehorse, from early training and active racing through to retirement, which is vital in supporting horses transitioning into a second career.
2.    The general structure and routine of a racing yard, including the roles and welfare responsibilities of trainers, grooms, and other key staff.
3.    The principles of equine welfare specific to racehorses, both during their racing careers and post-retirement.
4.    The basic retraining process for former racehorses, including initial assessment, early schooling, and progressive development into a new career.
5.    Key considerations when transitioning a retired racehorse into a new home and career, such as temperament, physical condition, feeding, turnout, and handling.
6.    The potential of former racehorses for a variety of second careers, including dressage, showjumping, eventing, leisure riding, and therapy work.
7.    The support, resources, and guidance offered by Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) to help ensure successful ownership and retraining.

4 CPD Points

Time- 10.00-15.00

Price- Members: £22.50/ Non-members: £25

Book here

Saddle Fitting Essentials Training Day

The Fortune Centre, Avon Tyrrell, Bransgore, Christchurch BH23 8EE, UK

4 August 9.30am-4pm

An essentials of saddle fitting day aimed at coaches, owners and riders to give them greater understanding as to what's involved. The aim is not to turn them into amateur saddle fitters, but to give them tools to spot potential problems, notice unbalanced saddles, and pick up on cues from horses that indicate saddle fit could be an issue and should be checked by a qualified professional.

Including:

Static assessment of the horse's conformation - spotting pros and cons in relation to saddle fit

Dynamic assessment of the horse - again looking at pros and cons and implications for saddle fit

Types of saddles and trees - what to look for, and look out for, when assessing saddles

Saddle fitting - chalking up, saddle balance, options in accessories  - delegates will get the chance to get hands on with some horses and assess saddles themselves

Using guinea pigs to illustrate good and bad fit; making subtle changes and noticing the horse's reactions to them

Saddle fit for the rider - the importance of saddle fitting the rider too; common problems and the effect on rider position, comfort and stability

The day will be especially useful for coaches who see a variety of clients and may need to have a deeper understanding of saddle fitting problems, and anyone training for BHS or Pony Club assessments.

Presented by Sara Udal, a member of the International Academy of Saddle Fitters and Society of Master Saddlers. Sara is also accredited as a Holistic Saddle Fitter with Lavinia Mitchell Saddles, holds a City & Guilds in Saddle Flocking and Repair and is a Director of Connect Equine (a saddle company specialising in biomechanically sympathetic saddles for horse and rider).

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided throughout the day. There will be a lunch break – lunch is not provided, so please bring a packed lunch.

Tickets: Limited to 25 places. £45 for BHS Accredited Professional Coaches, £55 all others. Please note the reduced rate is ONLY for BHS APCs, not coaches affiliated to other organisations - thank you. A £10 discount is available for anyone booking on to this course who has booked onto/attended our related training day on bitting, to be held at Quob Stables on 26 June (you must book the bitting day first to get the discount code. The code is only valid for those who have booked a place on the bitting day).

CPD: This day has been accredited as CPD for BHS Accredited Professional Coaches and counts for six CPD points. Certificates of attendance can be provided on request to coaches requiring CPD for other organisations, but it is your responsibility to check they will accredit the course.

Booking link: https://buytickets.at/britishhorsesocietysouthregion/1646076

Booking Information 

Change for horses - how to address weight loss with owners
and what does a realistic rehab look like. We will be bringing science into real life Change for the industry- use your voice and your position of influencer as to create change and help more horses - hear from experts, thought leaders and our equestrian influencers panel Change using tech - how can AI help our horses?
Changes in diagnostics and lameness themes - what's new and updates from the vet world and stifle disease the new PSD? Changes in thinking - The impact of Gut Health on performance, behaviour and happiness 

Time: 10am-5pm

COST - £147

6 CPD Points

Book

This training is for BHS accredited coaches who wish to deliver and assess the BHS Ride Safe Challenge Awards.  

The programme is designed to meet the needs of both new trainers and those undertaking the mandatory 3 yearly refresher training.

This will be a practical day with most of the delivery being in an arena.  There will be opportunities to discuss specific elements of ride safe training, standardise and share best practise.  

Also a nice chance to catch up with fellow coaches.

E Certificates will be issued upon completion.

4 CPD Points

Price- £20 for new trainers and £15 for refresher

Location- Merrist Wood College

Book here

INFORMATION

4 CPD Points

Book here

Location

Chiverton Riding Centre

The day is designed for coaches to further develop their training methods but is open to anyone who wishes to improve their understanding of training the horse and rider.

The day will be delivered by Liz Eaton FBHS.  Liz has over 40 years experience working with a diverse range of horse and rider combinations to improve performance, within the UK and internationally.  Liz's "welfare first" ethos combined with a focus on the psychology and biomechanics of both horse and rider ensures that partnerships are able to progress with confidence and enjoyment.  

The day will focus on the importance of empathetic training methods and how to overcome challenges in training through understanding the horse's behaviour.  By learning to think more like a horse we can adapt our approach and use of exercises to achieve solid foundations where the horse learns to truly understand the questions being asked.  Liz will be demonstrating her coaching methods with a range of horses and riders, both on the flat and over fences.

There will be lots of opportunity to engage in discussion and ask questions.  This promises to be a really enjoyable training day watching some lovely horses working at the brilliant facilities of Warrenwood Manor Stud.

6 CPD Points for BHS Accredited Professional Coaches

Book here

Cost:

BHS Accredited Professional Coach £45 *Must provide current APC membership number

General Admission £50

Location:

Warrenwood Manor Stud, Hornbeam Lane, Essendon, Herts, AL9 6JF

Morning: Yard Tour
Explore the training routines, feeding regimes, facilities, and welfare strategies that support every horse on the yard.
Afternoon: Retraining Talk with Amy Bannister-Bell (BHSI, RoR Wales RDO)
Gain valuable insights into the retraining process of former racehorses – what’s involved, key challenges, how to maintain good practices, and where to find support. A great session whether you already own an RoR or are considering taking one on.

Learning Outcomes:
 By the end of a Racing Insight Day, participants will have awareness of:
1.    The lifecycle and career of a racehorse, from early training and active racing through to retirement, which is vital in supporting horses transitioning into a second career.
2.    The general structure and routine of a racing yard, including the roles and welfare responsibilities of trainers, grooms, and other key staff.
3.    The principles of equine welfare specific to racehorses, both during their racing careers and post-retirement.
4.    The basic retraining process for former racehorses, including initial assessment, early schooling, and progressive development into a new career.
5.    Key considerations when transitioning a retired racehorse into a new home and career, such as temperament, physical condition, feeding, turnout, and handling.
6.    The potential of former racehorses for a variety of second careers, including dressage, showjumping, eventing, leisure riding, and therapy work.
7.    The support, resources, and guidance offered by Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) to help ensure successful ownership and retraining.

4 CPD Points

Time:10.00-15.00

Members: £22.50/ Non-members: £25

Book here

Join Judith Murphy FBHS on using poles to work on circle sizes, serpentine, 5 and 10m loops 1/2 circles of all sizes, counter canter , simple change

Price- £50

Time- 9.30-4.00

6 CPD points

Book here

Information 

Theory on delivering Ride Safe courses, Risk assessments
Practical setting up the Ride Safe simulator road
Standards for the Silver award and the correct procedure for riding safely on the road - what to teach and how
Looking at Road Routes and risk assessing
Marketing Ride Safe courses for all.

Price- £50

Time- 10am - 3PM

6 CPD points

BOOK

Location 

Chiverton Riding Centre

The workshop starts at 930 and finishes around 3/330. Here is a breakdown of the day,
🐎Learning about K tape, and understanding the science
🐎Practice cutting and stretching, applying tape on each other to gain an understanding of the feel and recoil
Theory, demonstration and practice for the following applications:
🐎Muscle application activate
🐎muscle application relax
🐎Fascia restriction
🐎Circulation/lymphatic
🐎Support
🐎Decompression, inflammation
Opportunity to discuss scientific studies with handout, full workbook with photographs and instructions to take home.
We will be using equine k tapes from Equine K Taping UK so an opportunity to try the different tapes throughout the day.
The groups are small and very hands on.

2 CPD Points

Price- £135

Time- 9.30-3.30

Book here

Information 

If you are working towards your BHS Stage 3 qualification or just want to know more about what is involved, we have a great training opportunity for you. This day may also be of interest to those coaches who train candidates to BHS Stage 3 level.

Morning 10am - 1pm
BHS Stage 3 Coaching
Covering lesson plans, risk assessments, and coaching sessions.

Afternoon 1.30pm - 4pm
BHS Stage 3 Care
Covering the theory and practical elements of this part of the assessment.

Price- £50 per session or £90 for both

Time- 10am - 4PM

3 CPD points Per session 

BOOK

Location 

RAC Saddle Club,

Allenby Barracks,

Bovington,

Wareham,

BH20 6JA

Learning Outcomes: 
 By the end of a Racing Insight Day, participants will have awareness of: 

The lifecycle and career of a racehorse, from early training and active racing through to retirement, which is vital in supporting horses transitioning into a second career. 
The general structure and routine of a racing yard, including the roles and welfare responsibilities of trainers, grooms, and other key staff. 
The principles of equine welfare specific to racehorses, both during their racing careers and post-retirement. 
The basic retraining process for former racehorses, including initial assessment, early schooling, and progressive development into a new career. 
Key considerations when transitioning a retired racehorse into a new home and career, such as temperament, physical condition, feeding, turnout, and handling. 
The potential of former racehorses for a variety of second careers, including dressage, showjumping, eventing, leisure riding, and therapy work. 
The support, resources, and guidance offered by Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) to help ensure successful ownership and retraining. 
 

Time- 10am-3pm

Price- £25.00 

4 CPD Points

Book here

Information 

9.30am meet and greet 10am private dressage - novice 11am flat/sj group 4 riders up to 70cm 12-1.30 lunch, theory Qs. Set up courses 1.30 sj group up to 90xm 2.30 sim xc semi private Up to 90cm 3.30-4pm arena clear Q&A.

Price- £100

Time- 9.30pm - 4PM

6 CPD point

BOOK

Location 

Avon Riding Centre,

Kings Weston Road,

Henbury,

Bristol,

BS10 7QT

Information 

9.30am meet and greet

10am elementary dressage 11am adv med dressage

12-1.30 set up jumps and lunch
1.30-2.30 Sim XC up to 1.10m 2.30-3.30 private SJ up to 1.20m 3.30-4 clear arena and questions.

Price- £100

Time- 9.30pm - 4PM

6 CPD point

BOOK

Location 

Avon Riding Centre,

Kings Weston Road,

Henbury,

Bristol,

BS10 7QT