BHSQ Level 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship

• Riding School coach working with individuals and groups
• BHS Approved Centre coach working with individuals and groups
• Freelance coach working with individuals on their own horses
• Discipline specific coach
• Riding and stable management coach for clubs such as British Riding Clubs and Pony Club

View our assessment fees.

• 18+ years (you can take Unit 1: Stage 3 Care, Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge, Unit 3: Stage 3 Ride Dressage and Unit 4: Stage 3 Ride Jump at 16 years)
• Anyone aspiring to become a freelance coach
• Anyone looking to become a BHS Accredited Professional Coach 

We recognise those following a career in Complete Horsemanship may wish to focus their riding in dressage or jumping. We are pleased to be able to certify the Coach in Complete Horsemanship Pathway to those only taking jump or dressage awards as a BHSQ Level 3 Coach - Dressage Ride (Stage 3)/BHSQ Level 3 Coach - Jump Ride (Stage 3).

• A Level 3 Coach - Dressage Ride (Stage 3) will certify those who take the dressage only option at Stage 3 Ride (Unit 3: Stage 3 Ride Dressage)
• A Level 3 Coach - Jump Ride (Stage 3) will certify those who take the jump only option at Stage 3 Ride (Unit 4: Stage 3 Ride Jump)

BHS Qualifications (BHSQ) is an awarding organisation recognised and regulated by the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, SQA Accreditation in Scotland, Qualifications Wales (QW) and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland. BHSQ works in partnership with a variety of organisations to develop and award qualifications for the equestrian industry. This ensures BHSQ qualifications are fit for purpose for the sector.

As the awarding organisation, BHSQ is responsible for the processes through which learners seek and obtain certification for their achievements. BHSQ is responsible for verifying that assessment practice in approved centres is conducted systematically, effectively, securely and to national standards specified within the qualification.

The British Horse Society (BHS) is approved as a centre to deliver qualifications regulated by BHSQ. BHSQ and the BHS developed these qualifications in line with feedback received from extensive industry consultation.

Learners taking BHSQ Level 3 (Stage 3) qualifications will either be seeking employment in the industry or will already be employed with a desire to progress their career by advancing their skills and knowledge. It is essential that these qualifications meet the needs of employers and learners. To satisfy these requirements, the qualifications have been developed in collaboration with employers, colleges, coaches, students, and expert groups.

You will be assessed on the following learning outcomes:

• Understand the roles, rights and responsibilities of a groom
• Be able to use equipment for flatwork and jumping
• Be able to use studs
• Understand the use of bits
• Understand the nutritional requirements of a horse
• Understand how to improve a horse’s fitness
• Understand horse anatomy and physiology
• Be able to manage the health of a horse
• Understand undesirable horse behaviour
• Understand how to manage a turnout area
• Be able to assess a horse’s conformation

Find out more about Stage 3 Care here.

You will be assessed on the following learning outcomes:

• Understand how lungeing contributes to a horse’s training
• Be able to lunge a horse

Find out more about Stage 3 Lunge here.

You will be assessed on the following learning outcomes:

• Understand how to maintain a horse’s training for dressage
• Be able to ride horses to maintain their training

Find out more about Stage 3 Ride Dressage here.

You will be assessed on the following learning outcomes:

• Understand how to maintain a horse's training for jumping
• Be able to ride a horse over showjumps
• Be able to ride a horse over a cross country course

Find out more about Stage 3 Ride Jump here.

You will be assessed on the following learning outcomes:

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of a coach
• Be able to coach safely
• Be able to demonstrate lesson management skills
• Be able to coach a flatwork lesson (30 min teaching + 20 min discussion with assessor)
• Be able to coach a simulated cross country lesson (40 min teaching + 10 min discussion with assessor)
• Understand how to develop own skills

Find out more about Stage 3 Coaching here.

Download the full qualification specification to review the learning outcomes in more detail.

Find an assessment near you and then contact the Education team to book.

Please ensure you book in plenty of time. The assessment will close for bookings two weeks prior to taking place.

We will always do our best to accommodate your preference for an assessment. However, the venue and date are not confirmed until payment is taken and you have received your written confirmation.

Re-sitting your assessment

If you have been unsuccessful on your first assessment, we encourage you to call us to book a re-sit.

Of course, we will also answer any questions you may have and provide you with feedback at this stage. You may have been successful against some, but not all of the assessment criteria, in which case we can just assess you on the sections on which you were not so strong.

All applicants are encouraged to undertake practical training at a BHS Approved Centre or with a BHS Accredited Professional Coach to ensure you are ready for your assessment.

Find your nearest BHS Approved Centre.

Find a BHS Accredited Professional Coach near you.