How do I become a BHS Riding Instructor?

One of the questions I get asked most often, especially by people returning to horses in the middle of their life is “How do I train to become a BHS Riding Instructor?”.

Qualified instructors, especially those with an engaging personality are the back bone of the riding school industry. They are crucial in developing a life long love of horses in new riders of all ages.

Additionally, qualified instructors are always sought out by riding schools, pony clubs, riding clubs and equestrian organisations. In my experience (and as someone always seeking reliable and enthusiastic instructors for my riding school), investing in your BHS Coaching qualifications is something that always pays off.

Becoming a riding instructor involves four key steps.

1) BHS Stage 1 (Ride and Care) and Ride Safe Silver Challenge (in old school times, known as the “ride and road safety”)

2) BHS Stage 2 (Ride, Lunge, Care)

3) BHS Stage 2 Teach (An Integrated group lesson i.e. flat and jump, a lead rein lesson, a lunge lesson and an oral presentation).

4) BHS Stage 3 & Stage 3 Teach

Doing the first three exams (Up to Stage 2 Teach) will enable you to teach under someone who has their BHS Teach 3 or above. So this will allow you for example to teach in a riding school where there is a higher level of instructor present.

Taking and passing your Stage 3 complete horsemanship - which means taking your Stage 3 and your Stage 3 Teach, will bring you to the next level. This is the equivalent to the old “BHSAI”. This level allows you to be a freelance instructor and to join the BHS as an Accredited Professional Coach. (* you will also need Garda Vetting, First Aid Responder and Child protection).

BHS Stage 3 includes riding, care and lunging modules. BHS Teach 3 includes an arena cross country lesson and dressage lesson.

Equivialency and prior qualifications

If you have prior qualifications, these may entitle you to direct entry to BHS exams. For example, having your pony club B or A tests will allow you direct entry to BHS Teach 2.

More details on this subject can be found here - https://www.bhs.org.uk/careers-recreational-awards/assessments-information/direct-entry-guidance/

Whether or not you have prior qualifications, your journey will begin with you joining the BHS and working with a BHS APC or above.

I provide coaching and guidance on all levels of the BHS and have years of experience training pupils to achieve their BHS teaching qualifications. Prior pupils have gone on to work in riding schools and to coach in pony club, riding club and interschools.

If this is a journey you are interested in starting, feel free to get in touch.

Ross 0862222440