Qualifications explained

Accreditation

Being accredited to the BHS means that all coaches must be insured, first aid trained, received safeguarding training and have a relevant criminal record check (e.g. DBS). All APC’s commit to completing continual professional development each year. Coaches sign up to the Accredited Professional Code of Conduct to safeguard their clients and put the welfare of the horse at heart of everything they do.

Qualifications

BHS coaching qualifications are well respected throughout the equine industry, they are highly sought after both in the UK and internationally.  The qualifications are unique in that they encompass care, lungeing and riding alongside coaching, ensuring the holder has an all-round knowledge of the horse. We feel this enables our qualified coaches to put the welfare of the horse at the centre of their coaching practice.

The minimum qualification requirement to join as a BHS APC is Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship. We accept coaches holding other qualifications that meet the same requirements as this and consider coaches with level 2 coaching qualifications where they can evidence broad experience in industry and provide verification that their knowledge is at Stage 3 level.

If a coach has qualifications listed on their profile that are not BHS qualifications, please refer to the body awarding these for more information about the qualification.

All coaches without BHS qualifications have provided evidence and have been assessed to ensure they hold knowledge and skills to a minimum of Stage 3 Coach level.