Earlier this year, we ran an APC survey followed by a focus group with APCs who attended the Royal International Show in July. From last year’s feedback, we identified four key areas to improve in 2025 — and here’s what we’ve achieved:
1. Monthly coffee mornings and online discussions
We’ve hosted over 30 events in 2025, both online and in person, with more than 1,300 APCs attending. Thank you for those who have attended and asked lots of fantastic questions.
2. Website information and search function
We’ve significantly improved APC profile listings and are working through updates alphabetically. Watch out for an email inviting you to refresh your profile so you can stand out on the BHS website.
3. Regional collaboration
We’ve piloted Coach Development Days in Wales and the North to encourage regional networking. More dates are planned for next year — keep an eye out for announcements!
4. Links with local riding clubs
We’re continuing to strengthen ties with British Riding Clubs, focusing on Ride Safe participation and promoting APCs who are Ride Safe trained. This work will carry on into 2026.
Our Focus for 2026
- Deepening connections between APCs and local riding clubs
- Increasing our presence at major equestrian shows and bringing APCs together
- Hosting more evening calls on dealing with situations that might crop up in your everyday coaching and business topics
- Offering extra support for newly qualified or start-up coaches.
We’re excited about the year ahead and look forward to connecting with as many of you as possible — online and in person. Stay tuned to the APC Facebook page and future E-news for booking details.
Our BHS Convention this year at Kelsall Hill Equestrian centre was a fantastic success with over 300 coaches attending. We had fantastic coaching sessions from Tim Downes FBHS, Pammy Hutton FBHS, Rob Lovatt FBHS, Sarah Spencer-Williams FBHS, Judy Harvey FBHS and Simon Grieve BHSI, all hosted by David Sheerin FBHS. We also had Gillian Higgins from Horses Inside Out and Charlie Unwin from Centre10 joining us for the panel discussion.
Coach comments:
“Great informative day.”
“Superb sessions particularly with Tim Downes and I loved the emphasis on horse first.”
“Overall the content was excellent, thank you. The presenters were clear and articulate, explained what they were aiming to show and then did so, and communicated well with the audience and their riders.”
“Wonderful day, thoroughly enjoyed.”
“Can’t wait for next year.”
“The convention was very much in touch with the everyday coaches issues.”