Aspiring eventing coaches can progress in training thanks to joint exam

Young riders can progress their start to becoming eventing coaches by taking a joint exam introduced by British Eventing and the British Horse Society.

The BHS-BE exam incorporates EQL (Equestrian Qualifications Limited) level 2 diploma in BHS horse knowledge and care (stage 2) and EQL level 3 in BHS riding horses (stage 3).

It is open to riders aged 17-21 who have completed two BE90s with a qualifying result (clear cross-country round and no more than eight penalties in the showjumping phase).

“This exam recognises the skills already achieved through the U18 and U21 programmes,” said a BE spokesman.

It allows riders to be fast-tracked directly to the EQL level 3 diploma in BHS horse knowledge and Care (Stage 3) and BHS coaching qualifications including the EQL level 3 certificate in BHS preliminary teaching of horse riding (PTT) and the EQL level 2 certificate in coaching equestrian riding (UKCC level 2).

Applicants will assessed on 26 August at Ingestre, Staffordshire.

There will be two training days at the same venue beforehand to prepare riders for the final BHS-BE assessment.

Applicants must be both BE riders and also gold junior members of the BHS.

Candidates must fill out both the EQL level 2 diploma in BHS horse knowledge and care application form and the EQL Level 3 in BHS riding horses application form and send them both with the payment of £245 to: The Education Department, The British Horse Society, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2XZ.

Cheques should be made payable to the BHS. For more information visit: www.bhs.org.uk

The training and education arm of BE was launched in 2012. Last year there were 4,575 bookings made onto BE accredited clinics, a 35% increase on 2013. The number of training opportunities was up by 18% in 2014.

Specific areas of training are funded by the BE charitable foundation which was launched at the end of last year.

These include training of riders of all ages at entry level, BE80, BE90, BE100 and BE Novice level, volunteer training and coach training up to UKCC Level 2.

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