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So You Want To Work With Horses?

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Thursday, April 10th, 2025

Posted in British Horse Society,Horse Knowledge,Riding | Posted by Tracy O'Beirne

Your children may be dreaming of a career working with horses, but there are a few things to consider before jumping into it.

The British Horse Society’s advice to all young people is that GCSEs and A-Levels, or their equivalent, are just as important in the equestrian industry as they are anywhere else.

They show determination and hard work. If you know that working in the equestrian industry is something they want you could consider looking at some of the BHS qualifications, whilst undertaking school studies to get ready for the equestrian world.

These qualifications are also great to improve horsey knowledge generally and improve their skills and safety around horses as they learn. 

Where could these qualifications take you?

There are three main elements to a career with horses. Many jobs will include all three elements, whereas some may focus on one element more predominantly than the others.

Groom. Groom’s look after and care for horses, work may include; mucking out, feeding, grooming, clipping, plaiting, and assisting at shows. Work may also include exercising horses, ridden and from the ground (e.g. lungeing). Jobs can be at competition yards, studs, riding schools and livery yards.

Instructor/Coach. This career involves coaching riders. This could be in a riding school where clients range from beginner riders to experienced rides. You could also become a freelance coach and work with private clients at their own yards.

Rider. This may involve breaking in and schooling horses, exercising horses and competing. You could offer this as a freelance service, but it may also be included in your work at a competition yard, livery yard or riding school. 

Related Occupations. The equine industry is diverse and there are many jobs that relate to and involve work with horses, these include; vets, vet nurses, farriers, equine dentists, equine physiotherapy, saddler, equine therapists and many more. 

The British Horse Society exams are amongst the best in the world, they provide a foundation of knowledge that could take you into the equestrian industry. These qualifications are respected worldwide, so undertaking them could lead to a career anywhere you want! Here are a few to consider to get you started.   

Essential Horse Knowledge Certificates (EHKC)

The Essential Horse Knowledge certificates are aimed at the first-time horse owner or carer, parents of horse owners or riders, potential horse owners or anyone else interested in the care and welfare of horses. The certificates are open to any age, but the BHS recommends a minimum age of 12 years. 

If you want to own your first horse this is a great way to learn about how to care for them and will show you what to expect of the day to day activities. It’s also fantastic for horsey or non-horsey parents to take the qualification as well so you can supervise or care for a horse. The EHKC is a great way to strengthen your base knowledge of equestrianism and will enable progression on towards other BHS exams. 

The BHS Progressive Riding Tests

All six tests have riding and stable management sections. Each section has a number of elements that need to be signed off by the instructor. These tests are a great way to put all your theoretical knowledge into action. Each test will be held at your local BHS approved centre and will be with a BHS Registered Instructor. The completion of all six tests is equivalent to your BHS stage 1. You can take either the Progressive Riding Tests or BHS Stage 1 to progress onto Stage 2.   

Stage 1 – Horse Knowledge Care and Riding

To complete BHS Stage 1 you must be at least 14 years old. Taking the test will develop a basic knowledge and practice of looking after a well-mannered horse in the stable and at grass. You will also be capable of riding and experienced horse or pony in an enclosed space. 

Level 1 Horse Knowledge and Care is split into three units. Each unit can be taken individually or all on the same day.

UNIT 1 – Brushing off horses including putting on and taking off equipment

UNIT 2 – Horse Husbandry, Identification and Handling

UNIT 3 – The Principles of Caring for Horses

To undertake this qualification, the candidate must be a BHS Gold or Gold Junior member. After taking Stage 1 you can look into taking further BHS exams, but don’t rush! Take your time; enjoy it, BHS qualifications are a great place to make new friends and to get to know more about the equestrian community.    

The starting age for Stage 2 is 16 years old and both stage 1 and 2 will be a good start to get prepared for a job in the equestrian world or enjoy horses at a more advanced level.

Riding and Road Safety

Riding out on the road can be dangerous and you may face situations you haven’t been in before. Most riders will have to ride out on the road at some point so be prepared by taking the BHS Riding and Road Safety Test. This test is taken by more than 4,000 people a year and is a great way to minimise the risks of riding on the roads. 

There are three parts to the test. 

  1. The Theory Test. This is a written part of the test. You will answer questions on the Highway Code, the Riding and Roadcraft Manual, and the rules of riding on the roads. 
  2. The Simulated Road Route. This takes part off the road in a riding school or centre. You will practice observations, signalling, manoeuvring and negotiating hazards that you may come across whilst riding on the road.
  3. The Road Route. Once you have demonstrated a good understanding of road safety you will be tested on how you ride out on a road. You must be able to demonstrate everything you have learnt so far to pass the test. 

Not sure where to start?

Getting your first horse or developing your horse skills is exciting but also quite daunting so it is best to be as prepared as possible.If you are a first time horse owner or looking to get more involved and are unsure about which qualifications are best to start with the BHS recommends starting with the Essential Horse Knowledge Certificate. It’s a great and fun way to test basic knowledge about horse care and feeds straight into the Stage 1 exam. 

There are a lot of options to consider, contact the BHS Education Team to have a chat about which exam is right for you or your children: 02476 840508.

Children and teenagers can also get some hands on experience. Offering to help out at your local yard or riding school on evenings and weekends is a great way to get this. Employers will be looking for someone who has the knowledge as well as experience working in an equine environment. 

BHS Junior Membership 

Are you a British Horse Society member? If not, take advantage of the BHS Gold Junior membership. Available to those under 21 years old, it costs only £87 a year and comes with a bundle of goodies. 

If you are taking any BHS exams you will get a £5 discount on your BHS membership. There are also discounts for family memberships and payments by direct debit. 

What you get with your membership:

  • British Horse magazine delivered to your door 
  • A welcome pack and membership card
  • Special offers throughout the year
  • Access to world-renowned education and examinations
  • Public Liability Insurance up to £30 million
  • Personal Accident Insurance up to £10,000
  • Access to free helplines for all legal, VAT and tax queries
  • Free expert advice and guidance on a wide range of equestrian matters
  • Be part of a thriving local equestrian community with many local activities and events to enjoy
  • Campaigning on national and local issues important to you

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