Latest from Horse & Hound in Riding-instructors

‘Ethically right and what society expects’: new equestrian coaching qualification framework welcomed

Lucy Elder — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 17:05:00 +0000

A new coaching qualification framework with a stronger focus on horse and human welfare has launched, which aims to be more streamlined and ensure qualifications are “fit for the future”.

The revitalised equestrian coaching certificate, revealed by British Equestrian (BEF) and others, features a single core qualification at each level, covering fundamental coaching skills plus technical certificates in recognition of the discipline or context in which competence has been shown.

Coaches will be able to add technical certificates as they progress.

The qualification will be offered by the Association of British Riding Schools, British Carriagedriving, British Dressage (BD), British Eventing, the British Horseracing Authority, British Showjumping, Endurance GB and the Pony Club.

The development follows a review led by the BEF’s coaching development action team, chaired by Charlotte Osborne, BD’s head of development.

“This review is about more than updating qualifications, it’s about embedding a strong culture of equine welfare and truly inclusive, person-centred coaching,” said Ms Osborne. “By creating a more unified and consistent qualification pathway, we are supporting the development of great coaches and ensuring our qualifications are fit for the future and trusted across the industry.”

She added that it will also allow for greater flexibility and career progression, as coaches will be able to expand their expertise by completing additional technical coaching certificates without needing to repeat the entire core qualification.

World Horse Welfare and the British Horse Foundation (BHF) contributed resources to the updated qualification, which features the latest in equine learning theory. It also incorporates strengthened safeguarding standards and more inclusive language.

Jan Birch, co-chair of the BHF and member of the BEF education welfare group, shared her support for the new framework, emphasising the benefits for horses and the industry as a whole.

“The BHF is delighted to contribute content for the certificates by sharing evidence-based, best-practice knowledge about breeding, youngstock management and equine-centric early training methods that underpin all equine disciplines,” Dr Birch told H&H.

“This will help the next generation of horses benefit from ‘better beginnings’ – leading to improvements in lifelong wellbeing and performance, more suitable horses bred for a wider range of riders and supporting the development of a more skilled workforce.”

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H the charity believes the revitalised certificate is “very good news for both the horses and the sport and applauds British Equestrian for taking this initiative”.

“Putting the horse at the centre of how they are trained goes to the heart of what responsible horse sport means in practice – it is ethically right and is what society expects,” he said. “Having a stronger focus on equine welfare and how horses learn embedded in coaching provides a substantive foundation to the ‘horse comes first’ mantra that is often cited in horse sport.”

BD chief executive Jason Brautigam said the launch “marks a pivotal moment for coaching across our sport”.

“This new framework reflects our collective commitment to raising standards, prioritising horse welfare and supporting coaches in developing the skills they need for working in the equestrian sector,” he said.

For coaches with qualifications issued before 1 June 2026, transition arrangements will be shared this year. From 2027, coaches will be able to access conversion courses to align with the new framework.

● What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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9 things you should never say to your riding instructor

Pippa Roome — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 06:00:18 +0000

If you are serious about your riding at whatever level, it’s likely you take regular lessons with a particular instructor, or perhaps more than one. A good relationship with that individual is key to the training sessions going well.

Here are nine things you should never say to your instructor if you want to remain a favoured client…

1. I’m sure that would work for lots of horses, but mine’s a bit of a special case

If your horse is a special case, your instructor will probably be able to spot that quite quickly. After all, you chose him or her because you respect their ability as a trainer. Why not try what they suggest and see if it works before dismissing it?

2. I was going to practise that thing we did in the last lesson, but I didn’t have the chance

If you are paying someone to improve your own and your horse’s performance, you really should take the time to do the exercises they suggest between lessons. Otherwise progress will be slow and frustrating for both you and your trainer.

3. Can we cancel? It’s forecast to rain…

Are you made of sugar? Riders need to be willing to put in the hours regardless of the weather. And your instructor’s need to earn money doesn’t go away just because there’s a cloud overhead, either.

4. I tried what you suggested, but it didn’t work, so I asked my boyfriend’s sister’s best friend’s yard owner and she said to do this and it worked a treat

Ok, so occasionally input from someone different is useful; we can all get stuck in a rut. But it might be more productive to phrase it as something someone suggested that was building on all that you’ve learnt so far from your instructor, rather than saying your trainer’s method was rubbish.

5. I’m hoping you can get us ready for Badminton (not grassroots) in two years’ time

Unless you’re already competing successfully at three-star level at a minimum, this probably isn’t a fair expectation. While it can be good to set a big long-term goal in your mind, you also need to be realistic about your own and your horse’s abilities and discuss achievable smaller goals along the way. Otherwise you are setting your instructor up to fail from day one.

6. Please could I send you an hour-long video of my session/videos of all three phases at a competition today to review before our next lesson (without paying you any extra)?

This one does depend on your individual relationship as some instructors may be invested enough in your progress to want to see clips from training or competitions when they are not present. But you shouldn’t take advantage of their good nature in how much you expect. Perhaps you can come to an arrangement where you pay a bit extra for that service or if things have gone well, perhaps it’s best just to tag them in a Facebook post with today’s competition videos – with a nice thank you for all the fabulous training, of course – and leave it up to them whether they watch or not?

7. It’s almost the end of the month, so is it ok if I pay you next week?

No. It’s not ok, unless you always pay for lessons at that time. Stick to whatever schedule you and your instructor have agreed for payment, whether it’s cash on the day or a bank transfer soon afterwards.

8. I’m running a bit late so can we start 15 minutes later and finish 15 minutes later?

Again, no. If you are late, you have to expect your lesson to be cut short. Your instructor probably has another client to get to or maybe their own horse to ride after teaching you.

9. That feels weird, so it must be wrong.

If you’ve ridden a certain way for years or even decades, it’s going to feel weird when you change it. But you didn’t book a lesson to be told to do everything exactly the same as usual, did you? So trust your trainer and give it a try.

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7 ways to get the most out of a clinic (plus 4 things not to do)

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7 ways to get the most out of a clinic (plus 4 things not to do)

Pippa Roome — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 17:30:11 +0000

Clinics offer an opportunity to get out and about with your horse, try out and learn from different trainers and use facilities you probably don’t have at home, as well as meeting like-minded fellow riders. Follow these simple rules to get the most out of a clinic — and to ensure you don’t spoil it for everyone else.

DO…

1. Check out and follow any instructions you are sent in advance. If you’re asked to warm-up before your session start time, make sure you arrive in time to do so. Which leads us on to point two…

2. Be on time. There’s nothing more annoying than a whole group having to stand around waiting while a late arrival catches up. If you do end up being late (and we all know sometimes it’s unavoidable), apologise and try to get with the programme as quickly as possible.

3. Respect other riders’ space. Know and follow the etiquette for riding in a group in an arena, such as passing left to left and circling away if you get too close. Don’t stand your horse right on top of someone else’s while you’re awaiting your turn.

4. If you need to dismount and take off your coat or adjust your tack, try to time it while someone else is taking a turn at the exercise rather than when it’s your go.

5. Be realistic about your own and your horse’s experience and skills so you book a group at the right level for you. If you underestimate yourself you’ll be frustrated, if you overestimate yourself you’ll be frightened and probably hold the whole group up.

6. Respect the yard where the clinic is being held. Use the designated arenas for warming up, don’t muck out your lorry onto the car park, don’t go wandering around in the stables and tack room or assume you can borrow their washing off kit. And clear up after your dog!

7. It’s acceptable to ask the instructor politely to film you doing perhaps one or two exercises near the end of the lesson. But if the technology won’t work (or the trainer can’t work it), give up and don’t waste a lot of time on it. And don’t expect the instructor to film you every time you move — how can they teach you if they’re staring at a phone screen?

DON’T…

1. Be greedy. We’d all like to do a few more jumps or have a bit of extra time with the instructor, but do what you are asked and don’t start jumping random extra fences or involve the instructor in a lengthy discussion about all your individual problems.

2. Think you know best. You’ve booked this lesson to learn, so follow instructions, even if you feel like spending 30 minutes doing trotting poles or perfecting your outline in walk is a waste of time.

3. Book a group clinic as your horse’s first experience of jumping coloured poles or tackling solid fences. Take some individual lessons and/or introduce your horse to these experiences on your own — it’s not fair to the rest of the group to spend most of the lesson watching you refuse the first fence.

4. Let your horse get cold standing still between turns at an exercise. If it’s a chilly day, keep him walking around. But make sure you’re not walking in front of a fence someone else is about to jump!

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12 of the best ways to enjoy horse riding in London

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 08:00:56 +0000

Horse riding in London has never been more popular and for city-dwelling equestrians there are more opportunities than you might imagine to enjoy some time in the saddle amidst the concrete jungle.

Whether you’re a rookie rider looking to learn the ropes in a safe environment or an experienced equestrian looking for fast-paced thrills, there are stables to be found nestled in the shadows of the city’s skyscrapers, and some of London’s vast and plentiful green parks are best explored on horseback.

You may not always be able to escape the constant drone of double decker buses and beeping horns, but horse riding in London is one of the greatest escapes from city living.

Where to go horse riding in London

1. Hyde Park Stables

Where: 63 Bathurst Mews, London W2 2SB

You can’t find a more central location than Hyde Park Stables, one of the last standing mews with horses in Central London and an equestrian venue for over 300 years. You can ride out, escorted by an instructor, into the 350-acre Hyde Park, down the world famous Rotten Row and beside the beautiful Serpentine lake, or stick to the outdoor arena if you prefer. All levels of horse riders, both adults and children from the age of four, are catered for and you can choose from either private or semi-private options all year round.

Prices: from £115 for a 1hr semi-private arena lesson or lesson ride in the park, Monday to Sunday.

2. Wimbledon Village Stables

Where: 24a/b High Street, Wimbledon SW19 5DX

Experienced equestrians wanting to go horse riding in London should set off to SW19 and make the most of 3,000 acres of beautiful hacking through Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park. Wimbledon Village Stables (WVS) is a members’ riding club, although experienced non-members are also able to ride on weekdays (Tuesday to Friday) on one of their beautifully schooled horses. As well as offering arena lessons and idyllic hacking with an expert team of instructors, the yard boasts a fully interactive horse simulator in their Equicise studio – a great training aid for riders of all standards. Livery services are available for any city-living horse owners and there is also a busy social calendar to enjoy with lecture demos, guest speakers, competitions and parties.

Prices: from £80 for a 1hr ride on Wimbledon Common, Tuesday to Friday. Membership starts from £450 per year for occasional riders.

3. Stag Lodge Stables

Where: Stag Lodge 1, Robin Hood Gate, Richmond Park, London SW15 3RS. Stage Lodge 2, 197 Robin Hood Way, London, SW20 0AA

Split between two locations, Stag Lodge 1 is situated at the Robin Hood Gate entrance of Richmond Park and offers direct access for spectacular hacking for all abilities and pony park lessons for three to six-year-olds. Meanwhile the 11-acre site just down the road at Stag Lodge 2 boasts several large floodlit outdoor arenas and is the place to go for riding lessons. There are courses available to book for children and adults, including the hugely popular pony weeks during school holidays, and a thriving Pony Club. There are over 70 horses of every shape and size at Stag Lodge Stables and they offer various livery services if you want to keep your own horse in the city, too. Such is the venue’s popularity, however, there’s currently a waiting list for under-16s wanting to register.

Prices: from £30 for a half-hour pony park lesson (Mon-Fri). 1hr private lessons start at £65 and adult group hacks from £45

4. Lee Valley Riding Centre

Where: 71 Lea Bridge Road, London E10 7QL

Head to Lee Valley Riding Centre in Leyton where you can enjoy a wealth of fantastic facilities — an indoor arena, two floodlit outdoor arenas, showjumping and cross-country courses and spectators’ area. It offers horse riding lessons for beginners through to more experienced riders, livery and its programme of activities includes pony days, have a go sessions, birthday parties, school groups and training courses.

Prices: From £22 for a 30min junior have a go lesson, off-peak riding lessons start from £45 for 30min

5. The Pony Club

Growing up in central London does not rule out the joys of Pony Club — from camps and water fights to tests and badges. There are Pony Club Centres — where children without a pony can take part in Pony Club activities — across the capital, including Lee Valley, Ealing Riding School and Stag Lodge.

Prices: membership from £37 per year

6. Vauxhall City Farm

Where: 165 Tyers Street, London SE11 5HS

A farm in the middle of London? Yes, really! Just a short stroll from Vauxhuall tube station and within earshot of Big Ben, you can find an oasis of animal heaven, with a small selection of horses and ponies available for a limited number of lessons for adults and children, as well as the RDA. There are stable management lessons available at Vauxhall City Farm, too. Supporting children and disadvantaged people is key to Vauxhall City Farm’s ethos and they also offer a range of educational, recreational and therapeutic support programmes and activities. Even if you just want a horsey fix without getting in the saddle, entry to the farm (Tuesday-Sunday) is by donation, where you can also meet the farm’s huge menagerie of other animals.

Price: from £40 for 45mins lesson

7. Dulwich Riding School

Where: Dulwich Common, London SE21 7EX

Waiting lists at riding schools are becoming more and more common – not just for those wanting to go horse riding in London – and Dulwich Riding School’s is lengthy, but these popular stables are worth the wait for riders aged six and over. They offer group, private and semi-private lessons from complete beginners to novice dressage in their covered indoor arena or outdoor ring, going into the evening on Mondays and Fridays. They are also available for birthday parties and school bookings, plus the all-important “own a pony for a day”.

Prices: from £30 for 1hr group lesson

8. London Equestrian Centre

Where: Lullington Garth, Woodside Park Finchley, London N12 7BP

Set in 34 acres of green belt land and just a short walk or bus ride from Mill Hill East tube station on the northern line make these friendly stables a perfect commute for north Londoners. London Equestrian Centre offers a variety of horses and ponies to accommodate all standards of riders – children can start at the age of four, or keen three-year-olds can take part in 15min “tiny tot” rides. Pony and young rider days take place during school holidays, where children learn how to groom and look after the ponies as well as taking part in group lessons. They also have a select number of livery places available and a welcoming cafe to enjoy after your exertions in the saddle.

Prices: from £50 for a 30min private lesson or 1hr group lesson (£25 for tiny tot rides)

9. Ealing Riding School

Where: 17-19 Gunnersbury Avenue, Ealing, London W5 3XD

Hop on the district line underground to Ealing Common or the Piccadilly line to Acton Town where you’ll find the small, friendly stables of Ealing Riding School. They welcome complete beginners from the age of four to experienced riders, all of whom can enjoy lessons in outdoor arenas from an experienced team of instructors on one of their 28 horses ranging from 11h to 16.2hh. Choose from private, semi-private, group or jumping lesssons and there is BHS stage one and two training, plus limited disability rides. There’s a fantastic range of activities for children to take part in, plus competitions, a vibrant Pony Club and even a reading group.

Prices: from £33 for a 30min children’s group lesson or £49 for a 1hr group lesson for adults.

10. Docklands Equestrian Centre and Newham Riding School

Where: 2 Clapsgate Lane, Beckton, London E6 6JF

Nestled just off the A13 in Beckton, East London, you’ll find 22 horses and ponies stabled at Docklands EC in an open-plan American style barn next to a 20x60m indoor arena and a floodlit 20x40m outdoor arena where lessons are available to riders of all abilities. There are regular competitions and clinics, as well as the ever-popular range of children’s activities. For riders over the age of 12 who want to gain experience in stable management, there is a points-based volunteers programme leading to free riding lessons.

Prices: pony rides for tiny riders start from £1.50 per lap while a 1hr adult group lesson is £35.

11. Trent Park Equestrian Centre

Where: Bramley Road, London N14 4UW

Escape the city’s hustle and bustle at this vibrant riding school just five minutes walk from Oakwood tube station on the Piccadilly line, offering a wealth of options for horse riding in London. From group and individual lessons, to livery services, BHS training, showjumping and cross-country lessons to exhilarating hacking through the stunning surroundings of Trent Country Park for competent riders and three-hour pub rides, plus pony days for children, Trent Park Equestrian Centre has something for all horse-mad Londoners.

Prices: 1/2hr private lessons for children start at £35, 45min group lessons for adults start at £53

12. Deen City Farm

Where: 39 Windsor Avenue, Merton Abbey, Nr Wimbledon, London SW19 2RR

A five-acre slice of the countryside in south-west London, Deen City Farm is one of the city’s oldest urban farms with a riding school offering affordable lessons to the local community. Run as a charity, there are 12 horses and ponies stabled on site, all of whom can be sponsored, and are available for pony rides or adult lessons in the floodlit outdoor arena, or you can book a simulator lesson on “Robohorse”. The “own a pony” days for children aged eight or over during school holidays are extremely popular, too.

Prices: from £29 for half-hour lead rides for children, adult lessons start from £39

‘Coaching for change’: trainers asked to come together to support mental health

Becky Murray — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 20:03:49 +0000

Equestrian coaches are being asked to come together for a new campaign to raise awareness of the importance of speaking about mental health.

Riders Minds is seeking 1,000 trainers to take part in the “coaching for change” campaign next month. Each is asked to donate an amount of time of their choice, by organising a training clinic, with the proceeds going to the charity.

Riders Minds was founded in 2019 by the late eventer Matthew Wright and his wife Victoria, with support from a number of companies, and with the British Grooms Association and Equestrian Employers Association acting as consultants. The award-winning organisation, which gained charitable status in February 2022, provides a free online resource designed to improve and support the mental health and wellbeing of equestrians across the sport.

A Riders Minds spokesman said the new campaign, which coincides with World Mental Health Day on 10 October, will also raise awareness of the importance of speaking about mental health, and the support available through the charity’s website, text line and free confidential phone service.

“We are incredibly proud of the work that Riders Minds has done so far, but we know that there are still some equestrians who either don’t know about us, or feel that they can’t reach out,” he said.

“Coaches are quite often a centre point in their own community, and with their help we can continue to and let even more people know about the resources that are available to all.”

The charity asks that coaches are fully insured – and the sessions can take place at any point during October, ridden, on the ground, or via online learning, in any equestrian sphere.

Warning to unlicensed coaches over offering ‘schoolmaster’ lessons on their own horses

Becky Murray — Tue, 10 May 2022 16:37:26 +0000

Coaches have been reminded that they must hold a licence to provide lessons on their own horses – and are breaking the law if they do so without one.

There have been reports of an increase in adverts on social media from coaches, who are not operating as part of a riding school, offering lessons on their own horses – for example, providing lessons on “schoolmasters”. The British Horse Society (BHS) confirmed to H&H that to do this, a licence is required by law.

“Failure to do so could lead to a fine or even imprisonment,” said BHS chief operating officer Sarah Phillips. “They may also be disqualified from holding such a licence for such time as the court thinks fit.”

BHS Fellow Pammy Hutton, owner of Talland School of Equitation, told H&H she has noticed people regularly advertising lessons on their own horses without a licence, including top riders.

“Riding schools are struggling and the situation is not helped by people doing this. I don’t see why we should have to go through all the hoops to have a licence and insurance when somebody else doesn’t bother,” she said.

Tim Downes, BHS Fellow and co-owner of Ingestre Stables shared Pammy’s concerns and told H&H the situation is getting worse.

“There are more and more people that have got older schoolmasters, they’re struggling to afford to keep them and if they can earn a few pounds every week by giving the odd lesson on them, two or three lessons pays for the keep of that horse,” he said.

“They tend to teach people they know on the basis that if those riders had an accident, they wouldn’t sue them – so therefore think it’s OK. There needs to be much more awareness about this and the fact it’s illegal.”

An SEIB Insurance Brokers spokesman confirmed to H&H if a coach disclosed to insurers they were giving lessons on their own horse(s), underwriters would have asked whether a riding establishment licence was in place – and if the answer was no, insurers would not have issued a policy.

“On the other hand, if the coach did not mention giving lessons on their own horse(s) and a policy was issued, insurers could consider this to be a breach of the duty of fair presentation and consequently reduce the amount paid on a claim, or even seek to avoid a claim completely,” he said.

The spokesman added that if a coach may not have been giving lessons on their own horses when they first applied or renewed their insurance, but they started offering this at a later date, insurers would consider this to be a “material change in risk”. And if this information was not disclosed, they may reduce any claim payment or not pay at all.

‘Think the unthinkable’: concerns raised over uninsured coaches

Becky Murray — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 08:03:29 +0000

The topic of coach insurance has come under discussion, and how this can affect venues and riders where a coach is operating without it.

Solicitor Hannah Bradley of the Equine Law Firm told H&H that although it is not a legal requirement for a coach to have insurance, many choose to do so, and she recommends riders check with a coach whether they are insured. Public liability insurance provides cover for a coach in the event of a claim where their actions have caused injury to a third party or damage to their property .

Ms Bradley added that it is also important to check that the policy is held with a reputable insurer, the sum insured is “sufficient” and the coach is operating within the terms of the policy.

“A professional may hold insurance up to a cap of £1m – that may seem like a lot of money, but if a rider suffers from catastrophic or life-changing injuries, and they will require care and support on a long-term basis, that may not be sufficient,” she said.

“If a coach has insurance to teach only certain types of riding, and they breach that term, their insurance will be invalid. IIt is also important to note an insurance policy will only provide coverage if the trainer, and their actions have caused the loss.”

Ms Bradley said in “most circumstances” there is no obligation for a venue to check a visiting coach’s insurance, but added that they may do this as good practice, or their insurance policy may require them to do so. And in the event of an accident, liability depends on a number of circumstances, including what caused it and who the rider has a relationship with. If a rider has booked a clinic directly with a venue they will have a “contractual relationship” with the venue instead of the coach, and it may be possible for them to bring a claim against a venue for any financial loss, if the venue has failed to supply their services with reasonable care and skill. What constitutes reasonable care and skill depends on individual circumstances.

An SEIB Insurance Brokers spokesman told H&H SEIB “strongly recommends” yard owners request proof of public liability insurance from any coach teaching at their venue. This can be a coach providing their insurance certificate, which should be readily available from insurers and outlines the coach’s cover, and SEIB recommends checking the limit of indemnity and business description.

“If the coach booked the venue, we would expect the yard owner to request proof of insurance as a key part of the booking process,” said the spokesman.

“It is possible that if the rider booked the venue, they may assume that the visiting coach will be covered by the yard’s insurance. This further underlines why yard owners need to maintain tight control of all those coming and going at their business premises.”

BHSI performance coach Jen Morris told H&H she believes all coaches should hold insurance, and riders and venues should feel comfortable asking the coach if they are insured.

“Insurance provides security for the coach, and for the client. We are all trying to enhance best practice, and injuries can happen. As a coach, being asked to see insurance details should be normal, but it isn’t,” she said.

British Horse Society (BHS) director of education Tracy Casstles said the society “strongly advises” coaches have appropriate insurance – and that riders use insured coaches.

“Your personal assets could be at risk if you are legally liable for an accident to a third party, as compensation claims and associated legal costs can sometimes run into millions. No one wants to think about the unthinkable, but you need a plan – and cover – in place,” she said.

“When learning to ride or looking to improve your riding skills, choosing a BHS-accredited professional coach who has recognised qualifications, is first-aid trained, meets safeguarding requirements and is fully insured will give peace of mind you are in the safest of hands.”

‘Without staff, we have no business’: change needed to ensure a sustainable workforce

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 17:18:43 +0000

“TOGETHER we have the ability to shape the future” is the message from experts, as they asked how we can ensure the sector has, and keeps, a sustainable workforce.

This was a key topic at the National Equine Forum on 3 March, as speakers were asked what the issues are facing the sector’s workforce, and how to combat them.

British Horse Society (BHS) chief executive James Hick, who chaired a panel discussion on the issue, said the equestrian industry is facing a “talent crunch”; an increasing shortage of talent in the sector, at all levels.

He said the BHS ran a recent survey to which 170 employers responded. This found that more than half the vacancies they had advertised in the past year, offering an average salary of £24,000 and crucial to running a successful equestrian business, went unfilled.

A second survey of workers, to which 160 people responded, asked what they looked for in an employer.

“There was a mismatch,” Mr Hick said. “Employers were looking for industry experience, long hours and working weekends and evenings, and it’s hard physical work; the 160 workers were looking for something different. They’re looking for personal development, to be able to control their hours, employment benefits – and often, work-life balance is more important than pay. That’s an important message. And underlying all this is that they’re looking for a good employer.

“Fundamentally, we’re going to have to reconfigure how we work to be able to align requirements, so people will come into the sector.”

Alison Window, owner of Mount Mascal Stables in Kent, said the skills shortage is across the board.

“We can’t get instructors, yard team, grooms or riders,” she said. “The situation as I see it is pretty catastrophic; we have massive concerns about the future of our riding school, and to me, riding schools are the fabric of the sport.

“The workforce makes the business possible; without it, we have no business.”

Ms Window said she has seen people come into the industry who are not “work ready”, qualified on paper but without the necessary skills.

“The demand for riding is there; there’s increased interest, which is great, but without the people to teach them, where do we go?” she said.

Coach Ben Mitchell Winter, manager of Littlebourne EC near London, thanked the BHS for a scholarship that allowed him to achieve his BHS stage four but added that the industry needs to make British riding schools more attractive places to work.

Lucy Katan, executive director of the British Grooms Association and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), agreed, adding that “every survey we do shows about 40% of people are paid below the minimum wage”, even before increases come in this April.

“The HMRC has identified our sector as one of non-compliance,” she said.

In a recent EEA survey, 71% of employers said they do not think their businesses will cope with this and next year’s increases in the minimum wage. The 6.6% 2022 rise will mean an annual pay rise of £1,380.60 for a groom working 45-hour week.

“85% said they’d have to consider putting up livery fees, and 38% were concerned their businesses would no longer be viable,” Ms Katan said. “Most comments showed real concern about business viability; some said clients don’t fully understand the financial challenges of running an equestrian business.”

Ms Katan said she is concerned there will be an increase in sub-standard employment, and especially false self-employment, adding that many grooms who leave the industry do so owing to their experiences of bad employment.

“We must have good employment for a sustainable workforce,” she said. “There are excellent employers, and I believe they’re increasing but our research shows, again and again, they’re not the norm.”

Ms Katan said service charges have to increase, and yards must become more business-focused, rather than “propped up” by a workforce paid below the legal minimum, or falsely self-employed. She suggested looking at working practices; does every groom need to arrive at 7am every day, or could there be rotas used?

“Could a more flexible approach work, without compromising horse welfare?” she asked. “Do the horses have to be mucked out at 7am, or would round school hours work?

“Maybe it’s time to accept that what we’ve done in the past is not viable. The key to a sustainable workforce is good employment, which can be achieved through good business management.

“Together, we have the ability to shape the future.”

Major fund launched to boost equestrian skills and workforce

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 13:01:55 +0000

The equestrian industry may have to reconfigure how it works to try to solve the skills gap and become sustainable, the British Horse Society (BHS) believes — as it launches a major fund to boost skills.

BHS chief executive James Hick chaired a panel discussion on workforce sustainability in the equestrian sector, at the National Equine Forum (NEF) in London today (3 March), during which he announced details of the society’s new career transition fund.

The scheme will offer training grants to people who have completed their BHS stage one, to allow them to progress to stages two and three, which the BHS hopes will fill a skills gap and improve the situation for staff and employers.

“Something we at the BHS are very much aware of, and H&H has covered, is the issue around attraction and retention of staff, and good employment across the sector,” Mr Hick told H&H. “From our perspective, and our approved riding schools and livery yards, there’s an equestrian-industry talent crunch. That means there’s an ever-increasing shortage of talent in our sector, at all levels.”

Mr Hick said the BHS conducted a survey at the end of January, to which 170 employers responded. This found that more than half the vacancies they had advertised in the past year, offering an average salary of £24,000 and crucial to running a successful equestrian business, went unfilled.

“This was across the board; coaches, grooms, ground workers,” Mr Hick said. “So we then talked to people working in the sector.”

There were 160 respondents to this second survey, asking what they looked for in an employer.

“And there was a mismatch,” Mr Hick said. “Employers were looking for industry experience, long hours and working weekends and evenings, and it’s hard physical work; the 160 workers in the sector said they were looking for something different. They’re looking for personal development, to be able to control their hours and know when they’ll be working, employment benefits — and often, work-life balance is more important than pay. That’s an important message. And underlying all this is that they’re looking for a good employer.

“Fundamentally, we’re going to have to reconfigure how we work to be able to align requirements, so people will come into the sector.”

Mr Hick said a positive thing is that since Covid, the number of people wanting to start or return to riding has increased, and many schools have waiting lists.

“That’s the great news, but the bad news is that there aren’t the qualified staff to meet the demand,” he said. “That’s a serious profitability issue, and we think we’ve got a responsibility to support the sector in addressing the shortage.”

Mr Hick added that the BHS research also indicated that people who work in the industry for two years tend to go on to longer careers within it, “so we’ve got to try to keep people”.

He added that the BHS has supported its approved centres with grants over the past two years of Covid, and is now taking a more “holistic approach” to supporting them.

“Our strategy now extends to riding schools and livery yards, and all those people who want a professional career within the sector,” he said.

The fund is aimed at anyone who has taken the BHS stage one, and will pay for training from BHS accredited coaches or at approved centres.

“And we very much hope it will attract more professional grooms and coaches into the sector as we run it this year, and hopefully in years ahead,” Mr Hick said.

“This is a job for life and if you’ve got your stage two or three, you’re eminently employable across the sector, and have so many life choices. Having that foundation gives you the earning potential, helps support people in long careers and to be employed by good employers.

“Similarly to how we supported people during the pandemic, the next part is to give back to the sector as a whole.”

Vote now: coach hopes to put equestrianism on the map with national award nomination

Becky Murray — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 15:59:45 +0000

An equitation science coach has made the shortlist of the UK Coaching Hero Awards — and the public has three more days to decide who wins.

Staffordshire-based Lisa Ashton is the only equestrian to feature in the shortlist of 75 coaches, from nearly 500 public nominations. The awards, which are part of UK Coaching Week (7-13 June), recognise and celebrate the innovations and achievements of coaches who “inspired the nation to keep moving” during the coronavirus lockdowns. Among the other sports nominated include football, cricket, boxing, gymnastics, cycling and swimming.

Lisa, who holds worldwide clinics, was nominated by a number of her clients for her work during the first lockdown in April 2020 during which she created the four-week Equestrian Coach Challenge. The challenge brought together equestrian coaches virtually to explore social licence within equestrianism.

“We dug into how we show up and advocate for horses and look at things like empathy and doing the next right thing for people and for horses. In week one the first criteria was legitimacy, the second was transparency, the third week was communication and the fourth was trust,” Lisa told H&H.

“We looked at our own practices as coaches and we were really there for each other; I was putting this challenge on for the coaches but it also helped me through my own limitations – we were all in lockdown, I couldn’t physically be out coaching doing what I love. It was just this amazing experience.”

Lisa said being nominated for the awards was a “career highlight”.

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“Everyone stops and stares at him at shows because he’s so big. I don’t think people quite expect what happens

“I’m absolutely over the moon, I’m exhilarated by it because I feel like I’m now on the same playing field as other sports coaches like footballers or cricketers,” she said. “To get the recognition as an equestrian among non-equestrian sports has just been fantastic. When I got shortlisted it felt like I had won!

“Now it feels like the time for equestrianism to be on the same stage as mainstream sports, and come out of the margins of UK sport.”

Vote for Lisa here. The public vote closes at 12pm on Monday (14 June). The winner will be announced at a ceremony in September. Vote by Lisa here

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

6 top tips to help coaches keep their riding clients interested

Emily Bevan — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 16:24:20 +0000

Corinne Bracken, team manager of the Hong Kong showjumping and para dressage teams, revealed her top tips for safeguarding the future of equestrianism at the recent online Pony Club Coaching Conference. Here’s her advice for helping to keep riders keen…

1. Spend time at the beginning of a session talking to the rider so you have a good understanding of where you’re starting with your athletes – both human and equine.

“Ask simple key questions then work through the scales of training so you can make your assessment of both horse and rider,” says Corinne.

2. Know your audience. All horses and riders are individuals and you need to tailor your approach accordingly.

“One of my biggest learning curves was when Hong Kong asked me to manage the para dressage team. I have two athletes with cognitive learning difficulties so everything I said to them, and my body language, had to be carefully considered and executed. One rider had cerebral palsy and in his test he had to leg yield. He knew he couldn’t do it very well so he wanted to get it over quickly.

“One day we sat down with a video and thinking outside the box, I said ‘there’s no banana in leg yield.’ Banana was his favourite fruit so I knew he would remember that. The next day in the arena we put a second horse next to him to keep him straight while he rode the leg yield. I’d never used that technique before but it really worked and it was a brilliant way of making me think differently about the way my athletes work,” explains Corinne.

3. Think what you want your role to be and set boundaries. Much can be expected of a coach so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

“Too often as a coach you’re expected to have all the answers. You’re supposed to fix issues with the horse, rider or parents and parents ask you to fix issues with their children. You’re tasked with being a technical coach, a mentor, a physical fitness coach, a mental fitness coach, an equine physio, an equine vet, a saddler, a lifestyle coach, a financial advisor, a career advisor, an equine and human nutritionist and a shoulder to cry on – you can’t be all those things. Asking for help is a strength not a weakness,” says Corinne.

4. Take your status as a coach seriously.

“Coaches become role models and have the ability to mould and shape the future of athletes not just in the sporting sphere but in their whole lives. The issue is that the role model doesn’t always impact in a positive way. Without delivering a clear message which contains integrity, determination and passion it can be very destructive to the athlete,” explains Corinne.

5. Make learning fun and use praise and positive reinforcement.

“It’s easy to become obsessed with achievements but what happens when the result is not as you want? Remember horses and riders are not in control of their success in a competitive arena. All they can do is be the best they can be on that day and if that’s not good enough then so be it. No one goes into an arena or a competition to ride badly and they will always be more disappointed than you are,” Corinne adds.

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6. Empower your athletes.

“Allow riders to learn to solve problems for themselves while keeping them and their horse or pony safe at all times. You can’t be there when hacking, at a competition or riding with friends, they have to be confident and comfortable making their own decisions,” concludes Corinne.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find out more about getting the magazine delivered to your door every week.

6 ways to get the most out of your trainer (forget trying to find a quick fix)

Andrea Oakes — Mon, 25 May 2020 15:24:27 +0000

Whether you have been loyal to the same trainer for as long as you can remember, or are just embarking on a journey with a new instructor, it can be easy to get complacent in our role as a pupil. Here, BD UKCC level three coach Alison Short gives some pointers on how to get the most out of your trainer.

1. Agree goals

Set realistic targets and work towards them. A good trainer will give you homework and will want to see your commitment to improvement between sessions.

2. Be prepared

Schedule some preparation time so that you’re in the right frame of mind to absorb information when your instructor arrives, and aren’t left rushing around tacking up while they wait for you.

3. Communicate

Listen — and never be afraid to ask your  trainer questions. Keep any conversation concise and to the point, however, or you’ll find you spend more of the lesson talking than riding.

4. Have faith

Try to be trainable and open to new ideas. Tell your instructor if you feel uncomfortable about something, but always be prepared to have a go.

5. Be patient

Training is progressive, so don’t expect  to find a quick fix — there’s no such thing. Turning up a few weeks before the eventing season for a crash course in dressage is unlikely to work.

6. Take responsibility

Find your own feet, so that you can train  and compete without constant input. The right trainer is not afraid to make their  pupil a success.

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We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Riding coaches to benefit from free mental health training

Lucy Elder — Wed, 20 May 2020 14:00:35 +0000

Riding instructors are able to access free mental health training as part of a UK Coaching initiative.

The news comes as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May) and the scheme is running in partnership with 1st4sport, Mind and Sport England.

It is open to “everyone who usually delivers coaching in a club, leisure centre or any other community sports and physical activity setting – such as coaches, activators, sports administrators, front of house staff, volunteers and fitness instructors and personal trainers”.

The online course usually costs £18, but will be free to access until 31 August.

“Considering the challenges, we are all facing, it was right for us to come together to support coaches by removing the financial obstacle of accessing this essential course,” said Sport England’s coaching development manager Sion Kitson.

“People enjoying high quality physical activity is central to the mental and physical wellbeing of the nation. Despite the lockdown, coaches have worked doubly hard to find amazing ways to keep people active. Hopefully, this small gesture will go a long way towards continuing their professional development.”

The course is recognised to provide attendees with three continuing professional development points, as awarded by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.

The aim of the course is to help coaches increase their knowledge of mental health, and their confidence when incorporating the learning into their teaching practices.

It covers welcoming and supporting people living with mental health problems, in their sessions, increasing knowledge of mental health problems, how to apply the learning into their day-to-day coaching and how to make clubs and organisations more inclusive.

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UK Coaching’s director of coaching Emma Atkins said the organisation wanted to honour the Mental Health Awareness Week’s theme of kindness by taking away the “financial burden of an essential piece of coach learning and development”.

“During this time, we are seeing more coaches using online learning, and this course is one that we know coaches enjoy and benefit from putting what they have learnt into practice. This is vital as we return to play over the coming months,” she said.

“There will be many of us who will have found this extended period of isolation difficult, and many of us who will find the ‘new normal’ that awaits us after lockdown equally challenging. Coaches are key conduits in helping communities to thrive and prosper. We will need them now more than ever before to help us get back running, mentally, as well as physically.”

Mind’s head of physical activity Hayley Jarvis added that the charity is “really proud” to be involved.

“We know physical activity can play a vital role in improving and maintaining mental health, but that many people with mental health problems face additional barriers to getting active, whether inside or outdoors,” she said.

“Coaches and coaching organisations are in a fantastic position to make a real difference to the lives of people with mental health problems, so we are delighted this online course is now freely available for the whole coaching community.”

Click here for more information

Adam Kemp: why getting the basics right while coaching is so important

Emily Bevan — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 12:24:32 +0000

‘Consistent coaching’ was the key message speaker Adam Kemp FBHS was keen to get across to delegates at the Pony Club Conference, which took place at Hartpury College last month. Adam stressed the importance of getting the basics right due to the impact they have on riders of all abilities and explained how a failure to do this will prevent riders from progressing up the levels.

Here are some of the key points he raised during his presentation…

1. Whether you are teaching at grassroots or elite level the elements are the same, it’s about control, position, accuracy, harmony of horse and rider, planning, preparation and awareness. Those important skills you learn in Pony Club live with you throughout your riding career.

2. If you are riding around the edge of an arena you are demonstrating control and accuracy as you ride four straight lines and four corners, that’s the same whether you are a grand prix dressage rider or a C test rider.

3. A grand prix dressage rider can change their canter lead across the diagonal through a flying change while a lower level rider would do it through trot. The aim of the exercise is the same, it’s just been developed and you need to have the basics in place to be able to change your canter lead either way.

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4. If a horse and rider is yet to master one of the basics they will struggle to progress and develop their training, particularly lateral work. If you can’t ride in a straight line or create flexion then you are not ready for shoulder in. All lateral moves can be broken down into component parts such as the quality of the trot and how straight you are – if you don’t possess these basics then you will be unable to perform lateral work correctly.

5. Keep things simple and if necessary go back to basics. If you are struggling to master a specific move or exercise then look at where the issue is and why you are finding it difficult. Discover what component part you need to improve and find specific exercises which allow you to work on that before re-attempting your original goal.

Would you like to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free.

5 top tips for teaching at grassroots level

Emily Bevan — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 12:24:02 +0000

Adam Kemp FBHS and 2010 Badminton Horse Trials winner Paul Tapner were the speakers at the recent Pony Club Conference at Hartpury College, where the theme was consistency in coaching across all levels and all disciplines. We explore five of the top tips they gave regarding coaching at Pony Club level.

1. Communication is key

The success or failure of a lesson depends on communication and it is important to tailor your terminology to each individual student.

“You need to think ‘what works for them?’” says Adam. “Sometimes you will need to soften your language and other times you can be more direct.”

2. Remember to give praise when appropriate and coach in positive terms

Explain to the rider what they should be doing rather than what they shouldn’t be doing.

“Telling the rider to ‘approach the fence slowly with energy’ rather than saying ‘do not approach the fence too fast’ puts a positive inflection on your coaching which is far more effective,” explains Paul.

3. Keep it simple

Horses and riders understand simple messages. Be careful not to bombard your pupils with too much information, instead break it down into easy, digestible chunks.

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4. Choose one thing to work on during the lesson

“There may be many things which need to be worked on but select one thing, like straightness, and focus on that, don’t overcomplicate things,” continues Adam.

5. At the end of the lesson ask the pupil what they have learnt today

“Asking pupils to reflect on their lesson and tell you what they learnt is a great way to help them remember it,” concludes Paul.

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5 people you will almost certainly meet at training clinics

Alex Robinson — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 10:13:27 +0000

Look out for some of these familiar faces when partaking in your next training clinic...

1. The hardy trainer

Usually well-rugged in a minimum of two waterproof coats, a gilet, three sweatshirts and numerous thermal under garments. Tends to don odd socks, because at this point, thickness and warmth should definitely outweigh style and matching-ability. Has probably hot-footed it to the clinic straight from their own yard, where, due to their trainer credentials, has been attempting to tame a selection of wild four-year-olds, in the hope of a meeting the spring debut target. Will be found glugging luke warm coffee mid-teach, or sprinting back to the car in search of a spare whip, bit or other gadget the girl on the boisterous native really needs to invest in before her first show next weekend.

2. The perfectionist

They can already clear 1.10m and always score above 70 per cent in their dressage tests, but ONE MORE clinic won’t do any harm. The perfectionist is 99 per cent sure she has the red rosette in the bag, but this over achiever doesn’t want to take any chances. Often looked at in envy by fellow clinic goers for her matching sky blue numnah and brushing boots, which will be paired with a perfectly pulled mane and flawless coat; must ask her what rugging and feeding schedule she follows. The mount is even more of a marvel, usually displaying three balanced paces with perfect extensions. Jealous much?

3. The team mascot

A broad term to describe the individual (usually a parent, friend or partner) who acts as head groom during show season, but is dragged along to several off-peak outings to ‘video the progress’. Relied on for faint applause and a big thumbs up when horse and rider finally manage to clear the scary cross pole. Usually in charge of brewing up on arrival and providing mid-session snacks to get on side with the trainer. Often taken for granted but rest assured the team would crumble without their presence.

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4. The aspiring mother

While most parents have high hopes for their children, this lady will go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure at least one of her brood will hit the dizzy heights of international equestrian stardom. Clinics are part of the weekly to do list. The mantra ‘train insane or remain the same’ is how she runs her tightly organised ship. The ponies have been bought fresh out of the British junior team, and a selection of superbly bred horses wait in the wings at home for her to move onto. She has already been given two warnings from the trainer for her sideline outbursts, but this pushy parent has a 2024 Olympic deadline to meet so if something is wrong with the striding distance at the double, she will be the first to say.

5. The young horse owner

We have all been there and we sympathise greatly with this individual. Will be donning a neck strap and body protector, perhaps with a red ribbon in the tail to tell other arena users to ‘give way’. The youngest beast in the bunch can be identified by its gangly physique and is often lacking in body (and brains) at this early stage in its career. A distinct lack of balance coupled with lots of spooking makes for a fast ride out, but thankfully for this jockey, the excuse ‘he’s only a baby’ can be milked for the entire season.

‘Who’s in charge here?’ —and other things you might be used to hearing from your trainer

Amanda Vlietstra — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 10:06:16 +0000

Trainers are not always known for their tact or diplomacy. ‘Tell it like it is’ is the order of the day. All trainers have their own little idiosyncratic phrases, but you may well recognise them as variations of the following…

1. “Anything broken? Good. Now get back on and try that again.” FYI — if it’s only a minor breakage, you’ll still be expected to get on and do it again. It’s not like you use your little finger much anyway…

2. “You’re riding a horse, not a seaside donkey, and this is a dressage lesson not a stroll along the beach!” Shame. You’re so hot and sweaty, you could murder a Mr Whippy right now.

3. “Are there diamonds on the ground? No? Well, in that case, stop looking down!” Oops! Guilty as charged.

4. “OK, just once more.” Said for at least the 10th time.

5. “Do you drive like you ride?” Doesn’t look like your trainer will be getting in a car with you any day soon.

6. “Pretend you meant to do that.” Hey! That wasn’t a fluke — OK, it was.

7. “LEG LEG LEG LEG LEG!” Yeah, we’ve all heard that one.

8. “Who’s in charge here — you or the horse?” The horse, obviously. Got a feeling that’s not the correct answer, though.

9. “I wanna see tits and teeth.” Crude, but effective.

10. “Well done for finally riding your horse!” Trainers can be kings/queens of the back-handed compliment. Other variations on this include: “I was surprised at how well you rode that”, “Better! You almost got over the jump that time!” and “Well done, you’re starting to look like a showjumper.”

11. “You look like a sack of potatoes — sit up!” Comments like that can give you a real chip on your shoulder. But don’t be a spud, do as you’re told!

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12. “That wasn’t too bad. Now do it again!” What’s that — a compliment from your trainer? No time to revel in it though, keep on riding!

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

How to find the perfect trainer (this could turn around your season…)

Martha Terry — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:31:23 +0000

You know that the perfect coach could turn around your season, you’re just not sure how to find one. H&H finds out...

Like the vehicle, a “coach” should take his pupil from one place to a particular destination. Whether that’s from nervous beginner to their first BE90, or young pro to grand prix debut, the sense of progress is the same. So how do we find a coach that will help us “go places”?

The discipline associations have databases of registered coaches, but how can a rider pick from 80-odd names? And how do you know what kind of style will suit you?

1. “Speak to people, watch how the trainer rides, and how their clients ride,” suggests grand prix rider and coach Sharon Edwards.

2. “Attend shows, and see whose riding style you like — then do some research,” advises dressage rider and coach David Rumsey. “Talk to those riders after the show and see if they are someone you’d like to work with. Possibly even ask to visit their yard to watch them teach so that you can gain an insight into their methods. I certainly have no objection to this”

3. “Word of mouth works well,” says eventer and Lucy Thompson, “as you will listen to the people who know you best, who are likely to suggest someone who will suit you.”

4. When it comes to finding the right style of coach, Sharon adds: “I can happily take being pushed hard or quietly, I am so interested in the process the style doesn’t worry me. I find I have a huge variety in my teaching style. I love working out the best way for each individual rider and horse. Some people need that rocket behind them; others blossom with a more gentle approach.”

5. “I don’t like being shouted at,” says David. “Sometimes I train people and they say, ‘you can shout at me, I can take it’. I don’t believe in this. If I need to shout I feel I’ve already failed to notice something way before in the session. This doesn’t mean I’m soft. I just feel communication where the rider remains calm and open to learning is key.”

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6. “Ask yourself how you learn best,” says Lucy. “Do you need pushing, or are you quick to lose confidence? We learn better when at ease and when we fully trust the person guiding us. A good teacher will recognise this and adapt their style accordingly. Reading and adapting to horses’ and riders’ reactions is what makes training so fascinating for me.”

Read the full feature about how to find the perfect coach for you in this week’s bumper SHOW GUIDE issue of Horse & Hound magazine (23 February 2017)

New £250,000 scholarship scheme for talented riding instructors

Rachael Turner — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 06:21:50 +0000

The British Horse Society (BHS) is investing £250,000 in a new scholarship scheme to encourage the best instructors across the UK.

It is also hoped to boost the number of qualified BHS assistant instructors (AI) by helping with the costs of training, BHS Stage Three and Preliminary Teaching Test examinations and the first year on the BHS register of instructors.

There are plans to expand across other levels in the future.

“As the largest provider of equestrian education and qualifications in the UK, we feel that it is our duty to do all that we can to inspire those individuals who will truly make a difference to the future of our industry,” said a BHS spokesman.

“We understand that it can be financially difficult to reach the level of qualification required when aspiring to develop a career in equestrianism. This is often the stumbling block for many talented individuals and we have taken steps to invest in this area to remove these barriers.

“It is our intention that the scholarship will enable the individuals to train and gain industry experience to ensure that they become well-rounded and knowledgeable instructors.”

Each year the BHS will contribute significant funds to support the costs of training, examinations and the first year’s membership of the BHS register of instructors as a newly qualified BHSAI.

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“At the heart of this scholarship, we celebrate the life and the legacy of Margot Tiffany BHSI and feel honoured to have received a legacy for this scholarship in her name in addition to further funds supported by many of Margot’s friends and family,” the spokesman added.

“The Margot Tiffany Legacy Fund contributes to the significant BHS fund being directed to support our future generation through this scholarship scheme.”

Margot was a BHS trustee and esteemed instructor who died last year (9 April).

Successful applicants will be selected by a panel of BHS centre proprietors, BHS staff and industry experts.

For more details visit: www.bhs.org.uk/scholarships

5 tips for being a top coach

Pippa Roome — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 17:20:05 +0000

David Kearney is a teaching professional and mentor to many professional and amateur golfers, as well as being a showjumper’s cousin. He gave a talk at the International Eventing Forum (1 February 2016) at Hartpury on the five important essentials of “The helpful coach”.

1. Values and vision

A strong coach must have a vision of what good looks like. And an athlete at whatever level must have a vision of where they want to go. It’s important an athlete finds a coach who aligns with their values.

A way of looking at this is in this statement: “I want to do this (vision) and I want do to it like this (values).”

If you are running a programme — or a yard — the people in it have to sign up to your values and vision, or it’s better for them to move on. In a high performance programme, the coaches and athletes write the vision and values together and talk about them often.

2. Interest

Clearly define what the interest levels are around the coaching space and work out where the interest lies. 80% of motivation comes from interest. Don’t assume interest or disinterest in relationships. It’s really important we don’t push away from interest. There are many ways to do lots of sports, so put your interest to the front.

Continued below…

riding lessons , jumping lesson, horse riding lesson in safe arena, instructor looking on as rider moves around arena, riders wearing body protectors (Image credit: David Miller)

8 things your trainer will never tell you, but you really need to know

If you want to establish the best possible relationship with your trainer, here are some useful tips to help

3. Autonomy

As a coach you have to get the athletes to buy-in and allow people to make mistakes. Athletes should be involved in the decisions a coach makes. You may feel that as a coach you need to tell people what to do, but by doing this you are preventing the athlete from making decisions. Allow the athlete to have a choice from early on. Teaching isn’t telling, listening isn’t learning. Get the athlete to reflect on what went wrong and why. Was it controllable? Would you do it differently next time? Me coming up with the answers has a short-term effect; if the athlete comes up with the answers you open Pandora’s Box. Allowing autonomy is harder with your own children because you want to do it for them.

4. ‘Get adolescents’

Successful coaches “get” (or understand) adolescents. Most people tend to forget that they were once there too. Understand that they are not just winding us up. Studies have shown that adolescents’ melatonin (sleep hormone) actually kicks in later in the evenings than adults’, which is why they don’t want to go to bed, but are then tired in the mornings as they have not had enough sleep. Let teenagers decide what time to go to bed and what time coaching starts and that you both understand the phrase: “It’s your career, not mine.” Telling them what to do only works in the short-term. Empowering them to make decisions is easier long-term. If athletes skip practice, return to the vision and values. Look after young people — it’s not as easy as you think it is for them a lot of the time.

5. Perspective

Are you coaching the whole person or just the performance? Understand the difference between excellence and obsession. We’re not long (keen) on obsession. You should balance technical coaching with the ability to coach the whole person. In a coaching persona, I might be aggressive towards performance, towards the controllables. But also, let it happen. You can push too hard.

Exciting opportunity for equestrian trainers

Horse & Hound — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 12:21:57 +0000

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has opened applications for this year’s United Kingdom Coaching Certficate Level 4 programme (UKCC).

The programme, set up in 2012, is a joint venture run by the BEF, British Rowing and the University of Gloucestershire.

Candidates can gain the both the UKCC Level 4 qualification and a postgraduate diploma in professional practice in sport coaching (PG Dip).

The qualification is aimed at coaches working from grassroots level up to individuals supporting Championship teams.

Candidates must hold a UKCC Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification and have their application endorsed by their member body to be admitted.

Coaches that register an expression of interest form by the 10 May will be invited to a candidate information day held on the 12 May.

Pauline Brimson, current UKCC Level 4 candidate, head coach and founder of Fallowbrook Western Riding Club said: “This course allows us to develop relationships across the various equestrian sports. It is a real step up from the Level 3 in terms of both reflection and self-evaluation as a coach.”

For an initial interest form contact Chris Shaw at chris.shaw@bef.co.uk

Farewell to… a renowned instructor and hunter livery yard proprietor

Horse & Hound — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:50:06 +0000

The renowned instructor and hunter livery yard proprietor Bill Pettigrew died on 15 January, aged 81.

Bill established Pittern Hill Stables in Warwickshire and, later, Ettington Park.

His immaculately turned out liveries were delivered to packs throughout the centre of England and he encouraged many inexperienced riders into the field for the first time.

He retired to his native Scotland 10 years ago with his wife Flora, who died in 2011.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (28 February 2013)

BHS can now help overseas trainers wanting to work in UK

Horse & Hound — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:20:35 +0000

Top equestrian trainers may find it easier to work in the UK after the British Horse Society (BHS) was given “endorsement status” by the UK Border Agency.

This means the BHS can support a top-level equestrian, who lives outside the UK, on their visa to enter the country.

The BHS will have already verified they meet the specific requirements set out by the UK Border Agency, increasing their chances of getting a visa quickly.

A BHS spokesman said: “This has huge benefits for British equestrianism, making the way easier for internationally established trainers at the highest level in the sport to come to the UK and pass on their skills and knowledge.

“BHS approved training centres and other registered equestrian centres around the country will be able to supplement their already excellent training provision and attract world class trainers to teach their students – the rising talent of tomorrow.”

Parents call for compulsory riding instructor qualifications

Charlotte White — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:17:06 +0000

The parents of an eight-year-old boy who died in a riding accident in the US are appalled to learn that UK riding instructors do not, by law, require formal qualifications.

Christine Moss and Terry Wilcox’s son Hugh Moss-Wilcox, known as Ted, died in hospital on 14 April, after an accident while riding on holiday with his father and siblings Jack and Amy in Missouri.

“When you take your child to a riding school you assume the instructor is trained,” said Mr Wilcox, of Wimborne, Dorset.

An inquest at Chelmsford, Essex, on 27 July, was told that their horses spooked and Ted’s saddle became dislodged. He slipped sideways, his hat fell off and he was kicked in the head as he hung from the saddle by a plastic stirrup.

Ms Moss said: “They [the centre] knew the children had not ridden before. They asked if we wanted helmets, but left it up to us to fit them — I thought his [Ted’s] was a bit loose, but thought it would be OK.”

She said the instructor fell off and the other horses panicked.

The family is taking legal action, but Ms Moss fears similar safety failings occur in the UK. It is not known what qualifications the US instructor holds.

By law UK riding centres are inspected annually by a council officer and vet but the person running the stables needs only to “have experience in the management of horses”.

Some local authorities such as Luton Borough Council require the manager to hold a qualification. And British Horse Society (BHS) or Association of British Riding Schools accredited riding centres must have a trained instructor.

Chris Doran of the BHS said: “All BHS-accredited yards have to have at least one member of staff at AI level. It would be a big step forward if this was the case for all centres.”

A Defra spokesman said it had no plans at present to change the law on this.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (18 August, 2011)

Riding instructors told to declare their earnings

Horse & Hound — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:44:58 +0000

Riding instructors who do not declare their earnings have been given an ultimatum — to put their affairs in order or be fined.

HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) latest “tax cheat campaign”, announced on 13 June, targets private tutors, including riding instructors who give private lessons.

HMRC says it will use various intelligence sources to pinpoint offenders, including a sophisticated web “robot” — which scours the internet for anomalies in bank interest and lifestyle indicators.

The HMRC’s Mike Wells said: “It will be more expensive if we come and find people, so I urge them to come forward and disclose voluntarily.”

Stephen Barratt, a director in private client and rural business at accountancy firm James Cowper LLP in Newbury, warned riding instructors “not to ignore this clampdown”.

“Equine tax affairs are notoriously complicated — the dividing line between hobby and business can be difficult to draw.

“The best thing is to maintain records,” he added.

The HMRC is urging people to come forward if they believe they owe tax and thereby avoid a penalty surcharge of around 10-20% of the amount due.

The deadline to do so will be late this year or early in 2012.

When H&H polled several riding instructors, most were not worried by the clampdown.

“It’s the same in any business where you can be paid in cash, so I can see why [HMRC] is doing this,” said one. “Many of us have an accountant to sort the financial side out.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (7 July, 2011)

British Horse Society changes exam structure of ‘stages’

Horse & Hound — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:23:35 +0000

The British Horse Society (BHS) exam structure is being updated this year to offer students a more flexible education.

Units will be introduced for stages one, two, three and preliminary teaching tests. Other qualifications will follow suit in the future.

Each unit can be taken separately and “banked” until full qualification is achieved, allowing students to progress at their own pace.

For candidates doing the whole syllabus at once, should they fail a section, they will only have to retake that unit.

“The idea behind the new structure is to make the exam system more accessible and flexible for the individual,” said Alison Coleman, BHS press officer.

Units will be given a credit rating. Each credit equals 10 hours of work, including practical, theory, homework and revision.

This rating is designed to help the candidate and their tutor assess how much study is involved and to plan achievable goals.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (10 March, 2011)

BHS crowns its coach of the year — Tom Gawler from Talland

Horse & Hound — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:12:30 +0000

Talland-based Tom Gawler has been crowned BHS Coach of the Year following a hard-fought final, which took place recently at Warwickshire College.

Tom, from Cirencester, Gloucestershire, is already a BHS intermediate instructor and he teaches pupils from all disciplines from beginners to advanced. He was also a finalist in the 2009 competition.

Alison le Fevre, senior executive (BHS training) said: “We were fortunate to have once again secured three of the equestrian industry’s leading professionals to judge the competition.

“Gill Watson, Corinne Bracken and William Micklem provided immeasurable support and guidance to the candidates on the day.”

Finalists were judged on their performance while teaching an individual jump lesson, a flat lesson and stable management.

Ireland’s William Anderson finished second, while Tracey Garside from North Yorkshire was third.

Showjumper Peter Murphy to lead BHS coaching convention

Charlotte White — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:15:03 +0000

Showjumper and trainer Peter Murphy will lead the British Horse Society’s (BHS) National Spring Coaching Convention.

The convention days, which involve practical demonstrations from a highly respected rider or trainer, will be spread over two dates — at Merrist Wood, Guildford, Surrey on 13 April and Blackdyke Farm Riding Centre, Cumbria on 11 May.

Peter has competed on more than 10 Nations Cup teams and was part of the gold medal winning junior European team in 1983.

Based in Lancashire, he is also an accredited British Showjumping coach and a British Eventing team coach, working with the team towards the 2012 Olympics.

The event is open to all and the BHS training department would like to welcome everybody, from experienced competitors and coaches to those with a general interest in equestrianism.

These days count as continual professional development update days for BHS registered instructors.

Tickets are priced at £35 for BHS registered instructors and £40 all others attendees.

Contact Alison Le Fevre on 01926 707820 or email a.lefevre@bhs.org.uk

New £1,000 prize on offer for British Horse Society instructors

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:07:25 +0000

A £1,000 prize is on offer for British Horse Society (BHS) riding instructors.

The Instructors’ Challenge is a new combined training event and open to all registered BHS instructors.

The finalists will go on to compete for prize money of £1,000 at the Royal Windsor Horse Show (13-17 May).

Qualifiers will be held in all regions and will be run according to British Dressage combined training rules at novice level.

Competitors must not have ridden internationally in the past 10 years.

For more information visit: www.bhs.org.uk

Corinne Bracken on Women of the Future award shortlist

Horse & Hound — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:28:20 +0000

The British Show Jumping Association’s (BSJA) international and junior team trainer, Corinne Bracken, has been shortlisted for an award at the national Women of the Future awards. The awards celebrate high-achieving women under 35.

Corinne is the BSJA-accredited coach of the year and is in the running for the mentor of the year award at the ceremony in London on 6 November.

A BSJA spokesman said: “Corinne is extremely dedicated and works hard to promote training for the BSJA. Everyone wishes her the best of luck.”

Women of the Future awards website

BHS is on the lookout for talented young riding instructors

Horse & Hound — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:38:22 +0000

The British Horse Society is inviting applicants to come forward for the Young Instructor of the Year 2008

Are you an ambitious young riding instructor looking to increase your skills?

The British Horse Society has this week launched its search to find the Young Instructor of the Year 2008. This competition, now in its third year, has been developed to offer aspiring young coaches an opportunity to display and develop their skills.

The Young Instructor of the Year competition is open to anyone who is 30 years of age or under on 1 January 2008, who holds a minimum of the BHS preliminary teaching test and is actively involved in the equine industry.

BHS director of standards Margaret Linington-Payne said: “This competition is ideal for young coaches and instructors who wish to highlight and improve their existing coaching work within the equine industry.”

Tom Searle BHSII from Gloucestershire won last year’s title aged just 24. Tom, who runs a small private yard and is a freelance instructor and eventer, said he found the competition very worthwhile.

“I think the competition gives much needed direction to people like myself,” he said, adding: “I am delighted to have won it.”

The competition is split into ten regional qualifiers across the country. Each qualifier is used as a training day for selected applicants and allows them the opportunity to question, discuss and debate coaching and teaching skills with a Fellow of the BHS.

All qualifiers still have limited places available. If you are interested in applying, contact the BHS training department for further details and an application pack on 01926 707820.

BHS names its Young Instructor of the Year

Horse & Hound — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:47:51 +0000

Gloucestershire-based riding teacher Tom Searle has been crowned the British Horse Society’s Young Instructor of the Year 2008.

BHSII-qualified Tom, 24, beat off nine other finalists at Warwickshire College yesterday to win the title. He also won a £500 bursary to spend on BHS training and examinations, and a free place on the BHS register of instructors for 12 months.

The nine finalists were assessed yesterday at Warwickshire College by two BHS Fellows, Jane Goldsmith, Jennie Loriston-Clarke, as well as the BHS director of standards, Margaret Linington-Payne.

The finalists were assessed while teaching private lessons, lasting 30min each, in both dressage and show jumping. They also had to deliver a practical stable management lecture to a group of three students.

Second-placed was Gemma Rawlings, winning a £300 bursary, and third-placed was Mark Cunclisse, winning £200. The other finalists won £100 bursaries to put towards BHS training.

Tom said: “I think the BHS Young Instructor of the Year competition gives much-needed direction to people like myself, and I am delighted to have won it.”

The BHS Young Instructor of the Year competition, sponsored by South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB), begins each spring. It is open to instructors holding a minimum of the BHS Preliminary Teaching Test, aged under 30. Regional qualifying competitions are held at BHS approved centres throughout the year, with the final in October.

Top eventing trainer Gill Watson on the move

Horse & Hound — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 12:21:49 +0000

Successful trainer and former Burghley winner Gill Watson is moving to Quainton Stud, near Aylesbury, at the end of October.

Gill has been based at Hyde Farm West, Great Missenden, for 18 years, and will continue to train the junior and young rider eventing teams once she moves to Quainton Stud.

“I hope to be fully up and running by next February at half term,” said Gill. “Moving is always difficult but Quainton Stud has fantastic facilities and looks a really nice venue to be moving to.”

Gill has been team trainer to the juniors and young riders for many years, winning numerous medals, including double gold and individual bronze for the juniors this year, plus team gold and individual silver and bronze for the young riders.

New qualification to boost equestrian coaching

Horse & Hound — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:39:52 +0000

A new coaching certificate designed to raise the quality of equestrian coaching has been launched by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).

The United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) has been produced by the 16 member bodies of the BEF, with funding provided by UK Sport.

It forms part of a government initiative to create recognised standards of coaching across all sports, and equestrianism is one of the first 21 to be involved.

Head of sports development at the BEF Suzanne Genery said the basic aim of the UKCC was to improve education programmes for coaches and to support the development of coaching as a profession.

She said the system was “designed to enhance the existing systems and structures” of qualifications other organisations such as the British Horse Society (BHS) already have in place.

Director of standards at the BHS Margaret Linington-Payne welcomes the move.

“It can only help to make coaching better, with a more rider-centred emphasis. It should mean we move away from the traditional military style of teaching,” she said.

She explained that over the past year the BHS has been adapting its Preliminary Teaching Test (PTT) so that it can form part of the UKCC Level 2.

She stressed that the UKCC is not in itself a riding or stable management qualification, adding: “To become an Assistant Instructor [BHSAI] a candidate must have completed the BHS Stage 3 horse knowledge, care and riding exams as well as the PTT and portfolio. If a candidate registers for UKCC Level 2, they would also receive that qualification.”

Those who already hold the BHSAI qualification will be able to incorporate UKCC qualifications by attending a short course.

Coaching development officer for the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) Duncan Brown said the ABRS was completely behind the UKCC.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to get coaching recognition,” he said, adding that the certificate may replace the ABRS instructional exams. Those who already hold a teaching qualification would not necessarily have to do everything again, he pointed out.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (13 September, ’07)

Working as a freelance instructor: claiming benefits

Horse & Hound — Tue, 29 May 2007 15:23:08 +0000

Q: I am a freelance BHSAI, and am also employed on a short-term contract at a land research centre. I was seriously injured after a bad fall from a horse last November and needed to stay in hospital for a week, along with five weeks’ bed rest at home. I applied for income support when I was well enough to go to the job centre, six weeks after my accident. However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) would not backdate my income support. Is there anything I can do? GG

A: Your case highlights the problems associated with claiming benefit as a freelance worker within the equestrian industry.

If you do not have enough national insurance credits to claim incapacity benefit (which is a contributions-based payment), after an accident you are entitled to income support. This is non-contribution based and available to claimants aged 16 to 59 who do not receive statutory sick pay, such as the self-employed or employees on short-term contracts.

Many people do not realise that it is possible to claim income support over the phone or that a family member can, in some cases, claim on your behalf. The payment can be paid directly into a claimant’s account.

The Citizens Advice Bureau tells us you have a right to appeal against this decision, as the DWP states that income support may be backdated if the claimant has a legitimate reason for claiming late. Claimants have one month after the negative decision letter is sent out to ask for the claim to be reconsidered by a DWP decision-maker.

If your original claim is upheld for a second time, you can then ask for your appeal to be heard by an independent tribunal, when the case is heard by a special panel. You can request a paper hearing, when the case is decided based on written evidence, or an oral hearing, whereby you or your representative attend.

How to make a claim

You can make a benefit claim by contacting your local Jobcentre Plus in person or by phone, or by downloading a form from the DWP at www.dwp.gov.uk

As soon as you are incapacitated, get in touch with your local Jobcentre Plus, or visit the government’s services website www.direct.gov.uk for further benefit information.

If you disagree with any decisions made by the DWP and want advice on your situation, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) for free, independent and confidential advice. Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk or look in your local telephone directory to find your nearest office.

Ask your local Jobcentre Plus offices about obtaining National Insurance Credits while you are off work and incapacitated.

This Q&A was first published in Horse & Hound (12 April, ’07)

BHS competition for young riding instructors

Horse & Hound — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 11:34:52 +0000

The British Horse Society (BHS) will be staging 10 regional qualifying days around the UK as part of its Young Instructor of the Year 2007 competition.

The winner of each qualifier will head to the grand final at Warwickshire College on 25 October.

Sponsored by South Essex Insurance Brokers, the competition is designed to develop and refine the skills of aspiring instructors and coaches, and aid their professional development.

Entrants must have been 30 or under on 1 January 2007 and hold a minimum qualification of the BHS Preliminary Teaching Test.

To apply, contact the training department, BHS, Stoneleigh Deer Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (15 March, ’07)

Cole crowned Young Instructor 2006

Horse & Hound — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 12:45:09 +0000

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Helen Cole has been named BHS Young Instructor of the Year 2006, following a rigorous selection procedure. Eight talented coaches representing different regions made it through to the final at Warwickshire College last Thursday (26 October), but in the end it was Wiltshire-based Cole who took home the £500 winner’s prize.

Cole currently holds the BHS Intermediate Instructors’ qualification and is a BHS Registered Instructor. “I was extremely proud to have been awarded such an accolade from the BHS,” she said afterwards, adding that she intends to continue teaching freelance and will put her £500 training voucher prize towards completing the BHS Instructors’ Certificate qualification.

Having been selected from hundreds of entries, the eight finalists all displayed a multitude of strengths but Cole’s natural flair and rapport with the students left a marked impression on the judges. “Helen had a strong lesson plan and within the 30 minute period had clearly improved both the horse and rider,” explained Judy Harvey FBHS, who assessed the flatwork throughout the day. Jane Goldsmith FBHS who assessed the jumping lessons added: “Helen clearly thought about what she was teaching and quickly identified the area she wanted to improve.”

Both judges agreed the overall standard of instruction was extremely high and are keen to encourage other promising instructors keen to develop and refine their coaching skills to enter next year’s competition. “We are extremely pleased to have organised this event to encourage a greater number of instructors to come forward and progress their teaching career,” said Robert Pickles, Chairman of the BHS Training and Education Advisory Group.

Entries for next year’s competition will be taken early in 2007. Details will be available in February.

Looking for a job? Check out the latest vacancies >>

Sheffield spotlight on young riders

Carol Phillips — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 10:07:18 +0000

The British Open Show Jumping Championships will host the British Young Riders Under 23 Championship, supported by the British Equestrian Federation’s World Class Start & Potential Programme, next month.

Twenty riders will go forward to the British Young Riders Under 23 Classic on Friday 7 April, with the final taking place the following day at Sheffield’s Hallam FM Arena. The riders have qualified at competitions held around the country during the past three months.

With over £2,000 worth of prize money on offer, plus training vouchers valued at £1,450, this competition signifies the commitment of the World Class Start & Potential Programme to develop young talent within British show jumping.

Vikki Underwood, World Class Start & Potential Managers says: “We have again been delighted with the interest that the British Young Riders U23 Classic has generated among the best young show jumping riders.”

Mike Gill of the British Open organisers Grandstand Media says: “The British Open offers these young riders the perfect opportunity to compete in a top class international environment facing similar challenges of their elder counterparts. These young riders are the future of the sport and we look forward to seeing them competing for the British Open Championship in the future.”

The British Open, now in its fourth year, continues to attract some of the biggest names in British show jumping, who are invited to battle with a number of top class foreign riders for the title of British Open Champion 2006.

For more information and tickets contact the box office (tel: 0114 256 5656) or visit: www.britishopenshowjumping.com

Support for future eventing stars

Witan Investment Trust is supporting the British Eventing British Young Rider Programme, which has helped produce many senior eventing stars including Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt and Zara Phillips.

Witan is using the sponsorship to promote its “Jump – the Savings Fund for Children” brand – a low cost scheme for investing in the financial future of children and young adults. The Jump British Young Rider Programme 2006 got underway last weekend at Aldon and Lincoln with the first two of six nominated trials where selectors enjoyed their first glimpse at this year’s potential squad members.

The European Championships this year take place at the home of the world famous steeplechase, Pardubice in the Czech Republic, 3 – 6 August. Witan will also support the British Under 21 Championship at Weston Park 5 – 8 October.

Calling Welsh young instructors

BHS Cymru is giving £100 to each of the eight instructors in the Welsh qualifier of the Young Instructor of the Year Competition to help with their costs. The Welsh qualifier will take place on Tuesday, 11 July, at Liege Manor Farm Equestrian Centre in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Applicants must be aged under 30 on 31 December 2006 and hold a minimum of the Preliminary Teaching Certificate. They must also be on the BHS Register of Instructors.

Application forms are available from Jan Roche (tel: 01656 724700) or J.Roche@bhs.org.uk or from the BHS Training Department (tel: 01926 707799) or training@bhs.org.uk . Forms can also be downloaded from www.bhs.org.uk .

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Role of riding trainers re-examined

Horse & Hound — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 16:45:19 +0000

In a bid to ensure Britain’s equestrian teams win plenty of medals at London 2012, the role of riding trainers is to be assessed.

Sports Coach UK is conducting a UK-wide consultation on coaches and coaching, across all sports to develop a definitive action plan. The main aims of the survey are to ascertain the best possible role for coaches and coaching in the UK, and to work out how the action plan should be supported by the various agencies over the next three, seven and 11 years.

The consultation aims to identify the specific role to be played by Sports Coach UK, the government-designated agency for coaching. “We are encouraging everyone – all organisations and individuals associated with equestrian sports to take part in the consultation process,” says Suzanne Genery, Consultant Coaching Manager for the British Equestrian Federation.

Coaching will play a key role in the development of equestrianism over the period ahead, providing rewarding pathways for many young people and adults, as well as helping elite riders to attain their full potential. Sports Coach UK has assured the BEF that it will do its utmost to ensure that the necessary coaching infrastructure is in place to ensure this can happen.

The consultation questionnaire is at www.sportscoachuk.org/UKAPCConsultation.htm and the deadline for responses is 8 March 2006.

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Criminal record checks for new instructors

Horse & Hound — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 16:19:50 +0000

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks are now compulsory for new British Horse Society (BHS) registered instructors.

From 1 January 2006, all new BHS Register applicants are required to produce an enhanced CRB disclosure. Within the next two years the BHS intends to carry out CRB checks on all BHS registered instructors.

Linda Haworth of the BHS Examinations department said: “The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and all its member groups are aware of the importance of child protection issues within sport.”

A CRB disclosure application, Disclosure Scotland application or Department of Health for N.I. disclosure application form will be sent out with the 2006 Register of Instructors application form. This information will then be matched against the CRB database.

The checks will take at least 28 days to be carried out. “If there is any information on the CRB database we will consider what it is and decide whether to accept them,” Haworth confirmed. “Children and young people are the future of the horse industry and any child who participates should be able to do so in a fun, safe environment and be protected from harm.”

At the moment this is a requirement for new BHS registered instructors only. However, instructors who allow their registration to lapse by more than 12 months will be required to produce a disclosure if they wish to renew membership to the register. “We will eventually introduce the new system to everyone but we have to start somewhere,” says Haworth, “With 2,500 accredited instructors it is going to take some time.”

The CRB checks are not yet a legal requirement but the BHS is one of many sports societies to introduce them. “The BHS is committed to devising and implementing policies and procedures to ensure all those involved comply with the Code of Good Practice,” Haworth concluded.

For more details on how the horse world is getting ahead on the issue of child protection , see this Thursday’s Horse & Hound (12 January, ’05)

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BHS supports assistant instructors

Horse & Hound — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 16:13:18 +0000

The British Horse Society (BHS) has awarded training bursaries, worth £2,500 in total, to six assistant instructors.

The bursary scheme aims to encourage registered BHSAIs to achieve the Intermediate Instructor Certificate. Fees for the Horse Knowledge and Care, Riding Stage 4 examinations and the BHS Intermediate Teaching Test will all be paid for by the BHS.

The BHS Director of Standards Margaret Linington-Payne said: “I am delighted to offer this opportunity for hardworking AIs to progress. We had a large number of applicants which made the choice difficult and we hope to repeat this in years to come.”

BHS registered instructors holding full BHSAI Certificates are eligible for the scheme. This year’s applicants submitted an up-to-date CV and covering letter and nominated two referees, one of whom had to be the proprietor of a BHS Approved Riding Centre.

The recipients of this year’s bursaries are :

Rachel Wilson, West Sussex
Kay Livesey, Lancashire
Louise Emma Pearson, West Yorkshire
Vicky Gladwin, Cornwall
Jo Williams, Wiltshire
Claire Greenan, Co. Fermanagh

Meanwhile, the BHS has welcomed a new Fellow into its elite group of top trainers. Elizabeth Winter, who is more commonly know as Lizzel, has become one of the societies youngest Fellows at the age of 38. Her qualification brings the total number of BHS Fellows worldwide to 59.

The British Horse Society’s Chairman and Fellow Patrick Print said: “We are delighted to have Elizabeth as a new Fellow and send our congratulations to her. She is young and has fantastic knowledge of and enthusiasm for equestrianism, coupled with being a first-class coach.”

Winter is proprietor and chief instructor of the Severn Vale Equestrian Centre, in Chepstow, Gwent. She had to undertake two gruelling days of intense examination, in which she had to show her commitment to the training and education of the horse and rider in all spheres of equestrianism.

She said afterwards: “I am over the moon. Now I have passed, I plan to play a full part in the Fellows’ Association. I am passionate about riding schools and the BHS riding system.”

The BHS is asking individuals who are considering taking part in the prestigious BHS Fellows exam in 2006 to contact the examinations office (tel: 01926 707783)

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Background checks law for Scottish instructors

Horse & Hound — Fri, 25 Feb 2005 11:35:05 +0000

The British Horse Society (Scotland) is now carrying out disclosure checks on registered instructors and volunteers in childcare positions on behalf of equestrian businesses.

A disclosure check is a referral to a list, held by the Scottish Criminal Records Office or the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) in England and Wales, of people unsuitable and therefore disqualified from working with children aged under 18 or vulnerable adults.

In England and Wales, anyone seeking work in a school is thoroughly vetted beforehand, but disclosure checks are not required by law for people running sporting and leisure activities for children. In Scotland, checks have been law since 10 January for anyone coming into contact with children — including those working in the equestrian industry. Scottish organisations have until 11 April to set up checking systems for new employees and volunteers.

“This is also available to those already operating in the industry, as retrospective checking [even for those have worked with children for years] will soon be required,” says Helene Mauchlen, development officer for BHS (Scotland).

The Scottish Equestrian Association (SEA), the governing body of equestrian sports in Scotland, is also authorised to do disclosure checks for anyone working with children among its member bodies. SEA secretary Muriel Colquhoun says that the organisation has the policies in place to ensure volunteers with multiple SEA organisations are checked only once.

Although not yet law in England and Wales, there will soon be an announcement on disclosure checks for the equestrian industry from the BHS, on behalf of the British Equestrian Federation, according to Pat Gaywood, BHS (England) development officer.

The Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) currently relies on self-certification by new employees; the Pony Club has run a CRB check on all volunteers since 2001.

The check costs £13.60 in Scotland for professionals but is free for volunteers.

Anyone unsure as to whether their work constitutes a childcare position can contact BHS (Scotland) (tel: 01764 656334) or the SEA (tel: 01475 540687) for advice.

This story was first published in Horse & Hound (24 February, ’05)

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7 ways to get the most out of a clinic (plus 4 things not to do)

1. Check out and follow any instructions you are sent in advance. If you’re asked to warm-up before your session start time, make sure you arrive in time to do so. Which leads us on to point two…

2. Be on time. There’s nothing more annoying than a whole group having to stand around waiting while a late arrival catches up. If you do end up being late (and we all know sometimes it’s unavoidable), apologise and try to get with the programme as quickly as possible.

3. Respect other riders’ space. Know and follow the etiquette for riding in a group in an arena, such as passing left to left and circling away if you get too close. Don’t stand your horse right on top of someone else’s while you’re awaiting your turn.

4. If you need to dismount and take off your coat or adjust your tack, try to time it while someone else is taking a turn at the exercise rather than when it’s your go.

5. Be realistic about your own and your horse’s experience and skills so you book a group at the right level for you. If you underestimate yourself you’ll be frustrated, if you overestimate yourself you’ll be frightened and probably hold the whole group up.

6. Respect the yard where the clinic is being held. Use the designated arenas for warming up, don’t muck out your lorry onto the car park, don’t go wandering around in the stables and tack room or assume you can borrow their washing off kit. And clear up after your dog!

DON’T…

1. Be greedy. We’d all like to do a few more jumps or have a bit of extra time with the instructor, but do what you are asked and don’t start jumping random extra fences or involve the instructor in a lengthy discussion about all your individual problems.

2. Think you know best. You’ve booked this lesson to learn, so follow instructions, even if you feel like spending 30 minutes doing trotting poles or perfecting your outline in walk is a waste of time.

4. Let your horse get cold standing still between turns at an exercise. If it’s a chilly day, keep him walking around. But make sure you’re not walking in front of a fence someone else is about to jump!

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6. Vauxhall City Farm

7. Dulwich Riding School

8. London Equestrian Centre

9. Ealing Riding School

10. Docklands Equestrian Centre and Newham Riding School

11. Trent Park Equestrian Centre

12. Deen City Farm

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‘Coaching for change’: trainers asked to come together to support mental health

A Riders Minds spokesman said the new campaign, which coincides with World Mental Health Day on 10 October, will also raise awareness of the importance of speaking about mental health, and the support available through the charity’s website, text line and free confidential phone service.

“We are incredibly proud of the work that Riders Minds has done so far, but we know that there are still some equestrians who either don’t know about us, or feel that they can’t reach out,” he said.

“Coaches are quite often a centre point in their own community, and with their help we can continue to and let even more people know about the resources that are available to all.”

The charity asks that coaches are fully insured – and the sessions can take place at any point during October, ridden, on the ground, or via online learning, in any equestrian sphere.

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Warning to unlicensed coaches over offering ‘schoolmaster’ lessons on their own horses

“Failure to do so could lead to a fine or even imprisonment,” said BHS chief operating officer Sarah Phillips. “They may also be disqualified from holding such a licence for such time as the court thinks fit.”

“Riding schools are struggling and the situation is not helped by people doing this. I don’t see why we should have to go through all the hoops to have a licence and insurance when somebody else doesn’t bother,” she said.

Tim Downes, BHS Fellow and co-owner of Ingestre Stables shared Pammy’s concerns and told H&H the situation is getting worse.

“There are more and more people that have got older schoolmasters, they’re struggling to afford to keep them and if they can earn a few pounds every week by giving the odd lesson on them, two or three lessons pays for the keep of that horse,” he said.

“They tend to teach people they know on the basis that if those riders had an accident, they wouldn’t sue them – so therefore think it’s OK. There needs to be much more awareness about this and the fact it’s illegal.”

“On the other hand, if the coach did not mention giving lessons on their own horse(s) and a policy was issued, insurers could consider this to be a breach of the duty of fair presentation and consequently reduce the amount paid on a claim, or even seek to avoid a claim completely,” he said.

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‘Think the unthinkable’: concerns raised over uninsured coaches

Ms Bradley added that it is also important to check that the policy is held with a reputable insurer, the sum insured is “sufficient” and the coach is operating within the terms of the policy.

“A professional may hold insurance up to a cap of £1m – that may seem like a lot of money, but if a rider suffers from catastrophic or life-changing injuries, and they will require care and support on a long-term basis, that may not be sufficient,” she said.

“If a coach has insurance to teach only certain types of riding, and they breach that term, their insurance will be invalid. IIt is also important to note an insurance policy will only provide coverage if the trainer, and their actions have caused the loss.”

“If the coach booked the venue, we would expect the yard owner to request proof of insurance as a key part of the booking process,” said the spokesman.

“It is possible that if the rider booked the venue, they may assume that the visiting coach will be covered by the yard’s insurance. This further underlines why yard owners need to maintain tight control of all those coming and going at their business premises.”

BHSI performance coach Jen Morris told H&H she believes all coaches should hold insurance, and riders and venues should feel comfortable asking the coach if they are insured.

“Insurance provides security for the coach, and for the client. We are all trying to enhance best practice, and injuries can happen. As a coach, being asked to see insurance details should be normal, but it isn’t,” she said.

“It would be helpful for coaches to display their insurance certificates on their social media pages or websites so people get used to seeing this. If everyone shows it, then it might make people more comfortable asking if this is in place, when it’s not on display.”

“Your personal assets could be at risk if you are legally liable for an accident to a third party, as compensation claims and associated legal costs can sometimes run into millions. No one wants to think about the unthinkable, but you need a plan – and cover – in place,” she said.

“When learning to ride or looking to improve your riding skills, choosing a BHS-accredited professional coach who has recognised qualifications, is first-aid trained, meets safeguarding requirements and is fully insured will give peace of mind you are in the safest of hands.”

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‘Without staff, we have no business’: change needed to ensure a sustainable workforce

A second survey of workers, to which 160 people responded, asked what they looked for in an employer.

“Fundamentally, we’re going to have to reconfigure how we work to be able to align requirements, so people will come into the sector.”

Alison Window, owner of Mount Mascal Stables in Kent, said the skills shortage is across the board.

“The workforce makes the business possible; without it, we have no business.”

Ms Window said she has seen people come into the industry who are not “work ready”, qualified on paper but without the necessary skills.

“The demand for riding is there; there’s increased interest, which is great, but without the people to teach them, where do we go?” she said.

Coach Ben Mitchell Winter, manager of Littlebourne EC near London, thanked the BHS for a scholarship that allowed him to achieve his BHS stage four but added that the industry needs to make British riding schools more attractive places to work.

“The HMRC has identified our sector as one of non-compliance,” she said.

In a recent EEA survey, 71% of employers said they do not think their businesses will cope with this and next year’s increases in the minimum wage. The 6.6% 2022 rise will mean an annual pay rise of £1,380.60 for a groom working 45-hour week.

Ms Katan said she is concerned there will be an increase in sub-standard employment, and especially false self-employment, adding that many grooms who leave the industry do so owing to their experiences of bad employment.

“We must have good employment for a sustainable workforce,” she said. “There are excellent employers, and I believe they’re increasing but our research shows, again and again, they’re not the norm.”

“Could a more flexible approach work, without compromising horse welfare?” she asked. “Do the horses have to be mucked out at 7am, or would round school hours work?

“Maybe it’s time to accept that what we’ve done in the past is not viable. The key to a sustainable workforce is good employment, which can be achieved through good business management.

“Together, we have the ability to shape the future.”

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Major fund launched to boost equestrian skills and workforce

The scheme will offer training grants to people who have completed their BHS stage one, to allow them to progress to stages two and three, which the BHS hopes will fill a skills gap and improve the situation for staff and employers.

Mr Hick said the BHS conducted a survey at the end of January, to which 170 employers responded. This found that more than half the vacancies they had advertised in the past year, offering an average salary of £24,000 and crucial to running a successful equestrian business, went unfilled.

There were 160 respondents to this second survey, asking what they looked for in an employer.

“Fundamentally, we’re going to have to reconfigure how we work to be able to align requirements, so people will come into the sector.”

Mr Hick said a positive thing is that since Covid, the number of people wanting to start or return to riding has increased, and many schools have waiting lists.

“That’s the great news, but the bad news is that there aren’t the qualified staff to meet the demand,” he said. “That’s a serious profitability issue, and we think we’ve got a responsibility to support the sector in addressing the shortage.”