Stage 3

• Trail leader
• Groom within a commercial centre
• Tour operator
• Riding holiday tour leader

View our assessment fees.

• 18+ years (Stage 3 Care award can be taken at 16 years; Stage 3 Riding Out award taken from 18 years old)
• Anyone aspiring to have a leading equestrian career in the equestrian tourism industry
• Anyone looking to work towards a senior position within a commercial equestrian centre
• Anyone aspiring to become a Stage 4 Senior Trail Yard Manager

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:

• Know the roles and responsibilities of a Stage 3 Trail Leader
• Be able to plan an extended ride with a duration of more than four hours
• Lead a ride with a dismounted break
• Be able to prepare a group of riders for an extended ride
• Be able to train an escort to ride and lead another rider
• Be able to train others to escort a ride
• Be able to assess a horse's suitability for trekking
• Evaluate own performance

Find out more about Stage 3 Riding Out here.

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.