New £250,000 scholarship scheme for talented riding instructors
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
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.