You are able to study Stage 1 and 2 and if you are
good enough go on to Stage 3 of the BHS Horse Society Assistant
Instructors Certificate. At the same time, if you wish and you can fit it in, you are
able to study for the Equestrian Horse Care NVQ Level 1, then
go onto Level 2 and, if you are good enough, go onto the Horse Care and Management -
Level 3. You could alternatively study BHSAI & the highly regarded BTEC National Diploma in Horse Management.
British Horse Society equitation, care and teaching qualifications are the goal of a growing number of horse lovers. For young people, planning a life-long career with horses, they are a 'must have'. No other qualifications have the same degree of respect with employers or paying customers.
A much greater circle of equestrians (or potential equestrians) are motivated to seek BHS qualifications for a number of different reasons: - to provide a solid base of practice, theory and experience, before venturing into one of the competitive disciplines; to supplement other qualifications gained mainly in the classroom; to provide an opportunity to work and earn in other parts of the world where BHS qualifications enjoy international recognition; to start a second, more rewarding career - or to satisfy a thirst for more skill and knowledge.
Many who take BHS examinations do so to build confidence in their own ability, with no intention of coaching others. The BHS examination ladder makes choice a simple matter since there are no short cuts and examinations have to be taken in sequence. Though not a 'passport' to a job, these certificates play an invaluable part in opening doors for students wishing to enter the horse industry. There are a wide spectrum of opportunities in (for example) equestrian centres, competition yards, stud management, freelance work and in fields such as racing, saddlery, equestrian clothing and feedstuffs. The Royal Court Equestrian Centre is in a position to offer a combined BHS/NVQ programme to students. Students may 'opt out' of the NVQ process, if they wish.
The continuous assessment system of the NVQ process allows students to gain feedback about their progress on a regular basis. Their assignments, projects and practical work are monitored by qualified BHS tutors and instructors and our team of NVQ internal assessors and verifiers. The BHS Assistant Instructors Certificate is the first Instructor's exam on the ladder of the Education and Training system of the BHS. We have had great success with our students who have taken this Option. To be awarded the Certificate students must work through all of the stage's exams, including Stage 1, 2 and 3.
Once all the above tests are passed the candidate becomes a BHSPI (British Horse Society Preliminary Instructor) and will then have to accrue a log of 500 hours teaching in an approved establishment to become a fully fledged British Horse Society Assistant Instructor. Since we are an Approved Training Establishment, every hour of teaching practice at the College counts for two hours towards the 500 total. Students wishing to become Veterinary Nurses may wish to consider also taking the Biology A - level.
