British Horse Society Qualifications

How do British Horse Society Qualifications work?

The British Horse Society (BHS) offer the most comprehensive suite of equestrian qualifications in the UK which encapsulate all elements of horse care, training, riding and teaching. Higher levels incorporate elements of yard and business management.

Training for BHS qualifications involves a mixture of theory and practical learning. Theory training is often undertaken by the individual either on a self guided basis or with the support of a qualified BHS coach, with practical training offered by BHS approved centres across the country. Once you have covered all of the necessary content, you would attend a BHS exam to gain the qualification.

COMING SOON – BHS Training opportunities will be listed in the EQUK Database!

The BHS offers funding through the Career Transition Fund for those interested in undertaking training. You can find more information about this here.

You can find a summary and in-depth syllabus of each BHS stage below.

Please note this resource is for reference and ease of access only.

Stage 1
Stage 1 Syllabus (March 2025)
1. Yard Responsibilities
  - Covers health & safety, welfare, safeguarding, diversity, data protection, and reporting hierarchy.
2. Stable Management
  - Mucking out and bed preparation
  - Providing clean water and maintaining hygiene
  - Tidying and organizing stables
3. Grooming Routine
  - Reasons for grooming
  - Use and identification of essential grooming tools
4. Tacking Up & Handling
  - Familiarity with saddle and bridle parts
  - Correct procedures for tacking, untacking, leading horses on foot
  - Safe handling
5. Feeding & Nutrition
  - Identifying feed types and storage
  - Weighing and filling haynets
  - Hygiene in feed areas
Stage 1 Ride (Supervised Riding Skills)
1. Preparation for Riding
  - Checking tack safety and fit before mounting
  - Leading horse to the mounting block
2. Mounting & Dismounting
  - Safe mounting technique, adjusting stirrups and girth
  - Controlled dismount and preparing horse after ride
3. Riding Fundamentals
  - Riding in walk, trot, canter under supervision with sympathetic aids
  - Maintaining balanced position in saddle
  - Respecting school rules and other riders
  - Executing basic transitions, turns, and riding ground poles
What to Expect
- Assessment via observation and discussion at BHS-approved centres
- Designed to test practical skills, safety awareness, horse care, and riding basics
- Considered the essential entry point into professional equine roles and provides a clear pathway to BHS Stage 2
Why It Matters

Completing Stage 1 demonstrates reliable competence in stable management, horse handling, and basic riding technique—skills that prepare you for working in yards and lay the groundwork for career progression within the equine industry.

Stage 2

BHS Stage 2 Syllabus (January 2025)

BHSQ Level 2 (Stage 2) qualifications offer foundation-level equine training for those preparing for jobs in the equine industry or progressing from Stage 1. There’s a choice of four pathway awards:

Pathway Qualification	Units Included
Foundation Groom	Stage 2 Care, Stage 2 Lunge
Foundation Groom with Riding	Stage 2 Ride
Foundation Coaching Riders	Stage 2 Coaching
Foundation Coach in Complete Horsemanship	All four units

Each pathway combines guided learning and assessed practical tasks to build workplace skills, technical competence, and professional literacy.

Core Units Breakdown

Stage 2 Care
– Practical horse care, handling, stable management, tack fitting, travel prep, health checks, anatomy, feeding, plaiting, turnout and stable environment. (≈140 GLH, 30 credits)
Stage 2 Lunge
– Safe lunge setup and handling, equipment use, session design, and session review. (≈ observational & discussion-based)
Stage 2 Ride
– Riding in walk/trot/canter, balance, aids, riding figures, riding over fences (up to 75 cm), and session evaluation under light supervision. (≈87 GLH, 39 self-study hours)
Stage 2 Coaching
– Planning and delivering lead rein, lunge, and group flat/jump lessons (up to 75 cm); stable management sessions; includes pre-submitted lesson plans and risk assessments (≈115 GLH, 22 credits)

Entry & Progression

Entry requirements: Typically BHS Stage 1 (Care/Ride) or equivalent, plus GP records/endorsements and BHS membership
Assessment: Based on observation and discussion during supervised assessment days; Skills Record book must be completed beforehand
Progression paths: Leads to BHSQ Level 3 (Stage 3) programs—Groom, Riding, Coaching—or hunting, apprenticeships, higher education, and workplace roles such as assistant groom, riding school groom, stable manager, or foundation coach

Summary

The Level 2 (Stage 2) suite equips learners with practical horse care, riding, lunging, and/or coaching skills depending on the chosen award. With a mix of hands-on sessions, assessments, and credited study, it’s the ideal next step for novices aiming to build a career in equine care and coaching—or for confident riders and grooms seeking to formalise their competence.

Stage 3

BHS Stage 3 Syllabus (February 2025)

These qualifications are Level 3 (RQF), designed for professionals working independently in the equine industry—grooms, riders, and coaches who may manage their own work or small teams. Recognised by Ofqual, SQA, Qualifications Wales, and CCEA.

Learners choose from eight pathways, each combining core units with additional skills specific to roles:

Core Units (Compulsory for All)

Stage 3 Care – advanced horse care, stable management, tack fitting, travel prep, health checks, anatomy, feeding, turnout, and supervisory skills.
Stage 3 Lunge – planning and delivering lunging sessions, equipment selection, and technique.
Stage 3 Coaching – lesson planning and delivery for various riding sessions (dressage, jump, lunge, negative, grazing, etc.).

Riding Units (Included in Riding and Coach Pathways)

Stage 3 Ride – Dressage – advanced flatwork, balanced position, transitions, and schooling Novice‑level dressage.
Stage 3 Ride – Jump – jumping show-jumping and cross-country fences up to ~1.0 m; safe position, course riding, evaluation.

Pathway Qualifications

Award Pathway	Units Required	TQT (hrs)	Credits	GLH (hrs)
Level 3 Groom	Care, Lunge	380	38	150
Groom + Riding – Dressage	+ Ride (Dressage)	580	58	~270
Groom + Riding – Jump	+ Ride (Jump)	580	58	~270
Groom + Riding – Complete	Both Riding units	870+	97	~460
Coaching Riders	Care, Lunge, Coaching	~N/A	~N/A	~60–115
Coach – Dressage Ride	Care, Lunge, Ride (Dressage), Coaching	770	77	330
Coach – Jump Ride	Care, Lunge, Ride (Jump), Coaching (no dressage)	770	77	340
Coach – Complete Horsemanship	All five units	970	97	460

Purpose & Progression

Pathways build specialist competence: from professional grooms to specialist dressage/jump/complete coaches delivering lessons and routines independently .
Assessment is conducted during BHS-approved assessment days using Skills Record books and live performance reviews.
Entry typically requires Stage 2 qualification or experience, though RPL/RPEL routes are available.
Post-qualification pathways include progression to Stage 4 (Level 4) awards or roles such as assistant yard manager, freelance groom, riding school coach, or trainer.

Summary

The Level 3 (Stage 3) BHS qualifications prepare you to work autonomously in equine roles, from grooming through to specialist coaching. With rigorous practical and theoretical standards, they’re ideal for experienced individuals seeking industry-recognised validation of their skills and looking to take on leadership, supervisory, or coaching roles.

Stage 4
BHS Stage 4 Syllabus (January 2025)

The BHSQ Level 4 (Stage 4) qualifications are designed for experienced professionals aiming to take on senior roles within the equine industry. These qualifications focus on advanced skills in horse care, management, and coaching, preparing individuals for leadership positions in various equestrian disciplines.

Qualification Pathways

There are six main pathways available:
1. Senior Yard Manager (Stage 4)
  - Units:
    - Stage 4 Senior Care
    - Stage 4 Senior Management
  - Total Qualification Time (TQT): 610 hours
  - Credits: 61
  - Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 240
  - Purpose: Prepares individuals for senior management roles in equine establishments.
2. Senior Yard Manager with Riding (Stage 4)
  - Units:
    - Stage 4 Senior Care
    - Stage 4 Senior Management
    - Stage 4 Senior Lunge
    - One optional unit from:
      
      Stage 4 Senior Ride for Training Eventing
      
      Stage 4 Senior Ride for Training Dressage
      
      Stage 4 Senior Ride for Training Show Jumping
  - TQT: 980–1030 hours
  - Credits: 98–103
  - GLH: 415–440
  - Purpose: Equips individuals for senior roles that combine yard management with riding responsibilities.
3. Senior Coaching Riders (Stage 4)
  - Units:
    - Stage 4 Senior Care
    - Stage 4 Senior Management
    - Stage 4 Senior Lunge
    - One optional unit from:
      
      Stage 4 Senior Coaching Eventing
      
      Stage 4 Senior Coaching Dressage
      
      Stage 4 Senior Coaching Show Jumping
  - TQT: 260–300 hours
  - Credits: 26–30
  - GLH: 65–80
  - Purpose: Designed for those aiming to coach riders at a senior level in various disciplines.
4. Senior Eventing Coach (Stage 4)
  - Units:
    - Stage 4 Senior Care
    - Stage 4 Senior Management
    - Stage 4 Senior Lunge
    - Stage 4 Senior Coaching Eventing
    - One optional unit from:
      
      Stage 4 Senior Ride for Training Eventing
      
      Stage 4 Senior Ride for Training Dressage
      
      Stage 4 Senior Ride for Training Show Jumping
  - TQT: 1280–1330 hours
  - Credits: 128–133
  - GLH: 495–520
  - Purpose: Prepares individuals to coach eventing at a senior level, including dressage, show jumping, and cross-country.
5. Senior Dressage Coach (Stage 4)
  - Units:
    - Stage 4 Senior Care
    - Stage 4 Senior Management
    - Stage 4 Senior Lunge
    - Stage 4 Senior Coaching Dressage
    - One optional unit from:
      
      Stage 4 Senior Ride for Training Eventing
      
      Stage 4 Senior Ride for Training Dressage
  - TQT: 1240–1290 hours
  - Credits: 124–129
  - GLH: 480–505
  - Purpose: Focuses on coaching dressage at a senior level, including training and rider development.
6. Senior Show Jumping Coach (Stage 4)
  - Units:
    - Stage 4 Senior Care
    - Stage 4 Senior Management
    - Stage 4 Senior Lunge
    - Stage 4 Senior Coaching Show Jumping
    - One optional unit from:
      
      Stage 4 Senior Ride for Training Eventing
      
      Stage 4 Senior Ride for Training Show Jumping
  - TQT: 1250–1300 hours
  - Credits: 125–130
  - GLH: 490–515
  - Purpose: Equips individuals to coach show jumping at a senior level, including course design and rider technique.
Core Units Across All Pathways
- Stage 4 Senior Care: Advanced horse care, including management of young, competition, and older horses. Emphasizes welfare, feeding, and health monitoring.
- Stage 4 Senior Management: Leadership and management skills, including business operations, team management, and strategic planning.
- Stage 4 Senior Lunge: Advanced lunging techniques, including session planning and rider assessment.
Career Progression

Upon successful completion, individuals are prepared for senior roles such as:
- Yard Manager
- Senior Coach
- Freelance Trainer
- Riding School Manager
- Eventing, Dressage, or Show Jumping Specialist Coach
These qualifications also serve as a stepping stone to the BHS Performance Coach (BHSI) qualifications, further enhancing career prospects in the equine industry.
Stage 5
BHS Stage 5 (BHSI Syllabus)

The Performance Coach BHSI is the highest practical coaching award from the BHS, intended for experienced professionals who aim to lead and inspire riders and equestrian businesses.

Who It’s For

Qualified candidates typically hold:
- Stage 4 Senior Coach (Complete/Eventing/Dressage/Jumping)
- BHS Accredited Professional status and/or significant industry experience.
Qualification Structure: Four Core Sections
1. Care & Welfare
  Mastery of across-the-board horse management, including: welfare, health protocols, care of young, older, and competition horses; effective leadership in yard environments.
  Assessment format: practical tasks and structured discussions.
2. Business Management
  Competent in managing a commercial equestrian setup—financial planning, strategy, team leadership, operations, and professional conduct. britishequestrian.org.uk+3bhs.org.uk+3bhs.org.uk+3
3. Training Horses (Lunge & Ride)
  - Lunging: Advanced preparation and conditioning using tailored lunging techniques.
  - Riding: Trained to develop horses to competitive standards—flatwork, dressage (up to Prix St Georges) and jumping/cross-country (up to 1.20 m).
  - Coaching
    Deliver high-level lessons in your chosen discipline: eventing (complete), dressage, or show jumping. Candidates must demonstrate lesson design and delivery, rider progress tracking, mentorship skills, and depth of coaching expertise.
Candidates follow:
- A complete pathway (eventing) or discipline-specific (dressage or jumping).
- Sections 1 & 2: identical across all paths.
- Sections 3 & 4: tailored to pathway choice.
Assessment & Entry Requirements
- Entry: Stage 4 coach or equivalent qualifications; BHS Accredited Professional or Gold Member; preferably aged 18+.
- Assessment: Conducted through live coaching sessions, ridden and lunging demonstrations, business scenario discussions, and recorded Skills Record review.
Career Impact
- Confers elite status as a senior coach—or practice manager.
- Enables mentorship of assistant coaches and leadership within equestrian businesses.
- Recognised across the industry and abroad; career roles include:
  - Senior Coach
  - Centre Head
  - Yard Manager
  - High-performance competition coach
  - Trainer of other coaches
Why It Matters

Attaining Stage 5 marks you as a trusted leader in equine coaching and care. You demonstrate exceptional competence in horse welfare, training, tactical business management, and effective coaching—making this award essential for anyone pursuing top-tier roles in the equestrian world.