The British Horse Society (BHS) has teamed up with The Pony Club to support and endorse the advancement of equine learning, and skills, with a new educational route to a career with horses.
Under revised entry guidance, participants who hold a Pony Club C+ Test can now apply for a direct entry route into the BHS Stage 2 qualifications. This path will provide another route of progression and knowledge to help young people kick start their equine career.
This comes at a time when the industry’s riding schools and livery yards are continuing to face challenging times and need skilled employees to support their businesses.
The BHS Career Transition Fund is available to help those individuals who choose to take this educational route. The fund is aimed at those who want to progress to their BHS Stage 2 and Stage 3 qualifications. Candidates can apply for the fund through a simple online form and could receive a voucher valued up to £200 for Stage 2 and £250 for Stage 3.
“We are really pleased to be working closely with The Pony Club to deliver an exciting route for equestrians,” said Tracy Casstles, Director of Education at The British Horse Society. “Creating a robust workforce is more important than ever, and we’re proud to be working together to attract even more people into an equine career.
“We recognise that there is not always one way of doing things and certainly not one approach to take in equestrianism. We hope that by introducing a new pathway to the industry, even more people will be able to receive the qualifications, skills and knowledge they need to go for that dream role.”
Marcus Capel, CEO of The Pony Club, said he was “delighted” that the Pony Club pathway of tests continue to offer a potential career route for its members.
“Working together with the BHS, we are proud that our accessible C+ test has been added to the list of tests accepted for direct entry into the BHS stage assessments,” he said. “This significant step forward will widen the opportunities available to our Members and strengthens the relationship between the two organisations.”
Former Pony Club member, Alex van Randwyck said she enjoyed being part of The Pony Club and working through their qualification pathway, achieving the A Test in 2019.
“The Direct Entry link with the BHS has allowed me to continue working towards professional qualifications, achieving the Stage 4 Management in 2022 and currently working toward the BHS Performance Centre Manager,” she said. “It has been a very user-friendly process. I hope that raising awareness of this opportunity will encourage others to continue to expand their equine knowledge through qualifications.”
Lead image from Your Horse Library
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