Breeding | The British Horse Society

There are three Breeding Challenge Awards in the series these can be completed starting with part one or you pick the one most relevant to you.

Part one: To breed or not to breed

By completing this award you will find out:

The suitability of a mare for breeding
The knowledge and time required
The facilities required
The potential costs involved

Part two: Breeding and foaling

By completing this award you will find out:

How to choose a stallion
The required characteristics of the mare
How the mare is covered
How to care for the mare during pregnancy
The foaling process

Part three: Care of the foal and young horse

By completing this award you will find out:

The care required from birth to three weeks
The care required from three weeks to weaning
The care required from weaning to two years

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

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 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.

Find a BHS Approved Centre

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.

Horse Care Awards

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Last updated: 21st October 2025

Working through the workbooks will give you a great introduction to the essential knowledge needed to enjoy and stay safe around horses. This theory will also help prepare you to care for a horse and develop your practical skills in other Challenge Awards.

Introduction to horse care

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This award focuses on building your knowledge of what horses need to help them stay healthy, comfortable and happy.

Knowing your horse

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This award series focuses on building your understanding of basic horse anatomy, feeding needs and evaluating a horse’s health and condition. You can then use this knowledge to inform how you exercise and care for a horse.

Caring for your horse

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Handling your horse

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These awards focus on developing your skills and knowledge to be able to enjoy your time on the yard being conscious of your safety and that of others on the yard too.

Lungeing your horse

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Lungeing will add variation to your horse’s exercise and is a great way to build a trusting relationship with your horse.

Riding Awards

Introduction to riding

Last updated: 21st October 2025

Learning to ride is hugely rewarding as you find yourself able to build a bond and relationship with your horse as you ride. We look forward to helping you take your first steps.

Riding fit

Last updated: 21st October 2025

Gain knowledge and understanding to improve your riding and overall health.

Riding flat

Last updated: 21st October 2025

Working through this series of awards will develop your flatwork skills, improve your position and help you ride with confidence. Learning the basics of riding on the flat is essential to any riding discipline.