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.
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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.
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