Start Your Equestrian Coaching Pathway

The British Horse Society assessment system continues to evolve. Let me spotlight the current pathway and the ways that I can help you prepare and progress. Stage One can begin with achieving the complete Silver Challenge Award. Part of this award is the Silver Ride Safe award which can be a stand alone certificate. This training plays a vital part in helping every rider to be safe when riding in company as well as riding on the road. I am also a Ride Safe Advisor which means I can train and assess Coaches to become Ride Safe Assessors.

The entry level Coach Award is now know as Stage Two Foundation Coach in Complete Horsemanship. You will be assessed in your ability to care for horses at the level, to lunge, ride on the flat and over fences. Part of your assessment is completing your Skills Record where an approved Coach signs to show you have attained the level required. I am approved to sign off skills records for the Stage 3 in Complete Horsemanship and up to Stage IV Care.

To become an Accredited Professional Coach (APC) you need to achieve your Stage Three Coach in Complete Horsemanship. Now you can freelance and you might find it valuable to access the BHS APC Mentors through the BHS APC team. I and others in each region are on hand to support you as you take the first steps as an APC. You can also connect with us in the BHS APC Facebook Group.

On to the Stage 4 Senior Eventing Coach where you will complete assessments in management, lunging, riding and coaching for Eventing. At this point you can also choose to focus on becoming a Showjumping or Dressage Coach and Rider. 
Next comes the Performance Coaching assessments. I haven’t mentioned the discipline specific coaching certificates. In order to become recognised or Accredited check with your governing body for the up to date information. Some coach awards can contribute towards your application for example Senior Coach allows you to be a Recognised Coach with British Dressage at present. 

When you begin your freelance career it’s important to think about how you grow your client base. Think about your personal brand and the way you promote your coaching services. I’m on hand to help you market your equestrian business so do send me a message. 

Click to visit the Coach Development Hub