BHS Qualifications The British Horse Society examination system has an International reputation within the Equine industry. BHS examinations are vocational examinations designed for and aimed at, persons wishing to either pursue teaching as a career or who simply wish to explore the extent of their equestrian knowledge.  BHS qualifications and awards are awarded through Equestrian Qualifications GB Limited, a subsidary of the BHS but stands alone in its remit to award equestrian qualifications.  Apart from the new Awarding Body name all systems, procedures and quality assurance remains the same. All candidates wishing to take BHS examinations must be members of the Society. BHS examinations are currently available from Stage 1 Horse Knowledge, Care and Riding to Stage 4, Horse Knowledge, Care and Riding. All of the Stage examinations are divided into two sections – Horse Care and Riding. These sections can be taken separately but to achieve the complete qualification, candidates must pass both sections of the examination. If a candidate achieves the Care section of Stage 3 examination, they are awarded the Groom’s Certificate and likewise, if a candidate successfully achieves the Care section of the Stage 4 examination, they are awarded the Intermediate Stable Manager’s Certificate.

Horse Owners Certificate The Horse Owner’s Certificates are offered at four levels of knowledge with regard to the care and management of the horse and are specifically aimed at the first time horse owner, parent of horse owners or potential owners. Each level will be assessed in the form of a written paper, which should be completed under examination conditions with an adjudicator present. Courses may be held anywhere but the person who takes overall responsibility for the training and the course must be a member of the BHS Register of Instructors. During the course the instructor will follow the syllabus appropriate for each of the levels. Candidates can also purchase books to accompany the course through our bookshop. The examination papers will be set and marked by the registered instructor in charge of the course. The pass mark for each Level is 60% and successful candidates will receive a certificate for each level attained. All certificates will be sent to the instructor, who will forward them on. If you are interested in taking the Horse Owner’s Certificates you can contact an instructor who is on the Register of Instructors, those running courses are prefixed by (H). You can also contact a BHS Approved Centre, a local agricultural college, riding centre or local education authority to see if they are running an evening course. A candidates information pack is available from the Examinations Office on request

BHS Stage 1 Exam Candidates taking the BHS Stage 1 Examination are required to be Gold or Junior Gold members of the society.  The minimum age for the Stage 1 Exam is 14 years.  It is envisaged that candidates under the age of 15 years may not have accrued the required skills/knowledge for this professional qualification. The Stage examinations include a Riding and Stable Management section, which can be taken together on the same day or separately. The complete qualification will not be awarded until both sections have been successfully achieved. The examinations are taken at specially selected Examination centres around the UK and abroad. The team of assessors that attend the exam are professional, qualified and current. The candidate must understand the basic principles of horse care and working under supervision, he/she must show some knowledge and practice of looking after a well-mannered horse in the stable and at grass. He/She must be capable of riding a quiet, experienced horse or pony in an enclosed space.  The syllabus will provide candidates with full details of the examination content. The BHS Examinations are professional qualifications and it is therefore important that candidates dress appropriately. Candidates wishing to apply for the examination will be required to complete an application form and return it to the Examinations Office, EQL, Stoneleigh Deer Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2XZ.

BHS Stage 2 Exam Candidates taking the BHS Stage 2 examination are required to be Gold or Junior Gold members of the society.  They must have attained the BHS Stage 1 examination (complete, or the appropriate section for Riding or Care), the Riding and Road Safety and be a minimum age of 16 years. The Stage examinations include a Riding and Stable Management section, which can be taken together on the same day or separately. The complete qualification will not be awarded until both sections have been successfully achieved. Before entering the Riding section of this exam, the candidate must have passed the BHS Riding and Road Safety Test.  Please note: Stage 2 exam candidates need to plan well ahead for their Riding and Road Safety Test, particularly in the winter months when not so many take place. The BHS Stage examinations are professional qualifications and it is therefore important that candidates dress appropriately. The candidate must understand the general management and requirements of horses for their health and well-being. Working under regular but not constant supervision, the candidate should be able to carry out the care of stabled and grass kept horses during all seasons of the year. He/She must have an understanding of how the horse adjusts his balance to carry a rider. The candidate must be capable of riding a quiet, experienced horse or pony in the countryside and on the public highway as well as in a manege, or indoor school. The syllabus will provide candidates with the full content of the examination. Candidates wishing to apply for the examination are required to complete an application form and return it to the Examinations Office, EQL, Stoneleigh Deer Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2XZ.