Understand how to look after horses by developing your knowledge of basic anatomy and feeding. Know why they need to be fit and healthy for the activities you do together.
Bronze Award
By completing this award you will find out:
- The various colours and markings horses can have
- The names for different parts of the horse
- How to recognise signs of good and poor health
- How to keep your horse healthy
- The rules of feeding and watering horses
- Why a ridden horse should be fit and how to recognise an unfit horse
Silver Award
By completing this award you will find out:
- Common breeds of horses
- How to measure your horse’s height
- Where your horse’s major organs are and their functions
- The basic welfare needs of your horse and how to ensure these are met
- How to look after your horse’s health
- Some common feeds available for horses and how to prepare them
- Why you should cool down your horse
Gold Award
By completing this award you will find out:
- Methods to identify horses
- Where the major bones are located
- How to identify signs of ill health such as lameness or colic
- How to put on stable bandages
- How to weigh your horse
- The content of different mixed feeds
- How to improve your horse’s fitness
Platinum Award
In this award you will learn:
- The anatomy of the lower leg
- About your horse’s teeth
- How to recognise common illnesses and ailments that affect horses
- Nutrients your horse requires
- How to improve your horse’s fitness
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
If you have your own horse, courses are delivered by an Accredited Professional Coach. Your coach can come to your livery yard or British Riding Club grounds.
If you do not own your own horse, or you’re not sure if they would be suitable, don’t worry. There are BHS Approved Riding Centres throughout the UK that deliver challenge awards with their facilities and horses.
You can achieve the challenge awards at your local Approved Centre where they will match you to a horse to ensure your lessons are suitable to your experience.
BHS MEMBERSHIP
You are required to join the BHS to participate in the Challenge Awards. Membership starts from as little as £3.66 a month for Silver membership, and we hope you will want to support our charity and enjoy the benefits that come with membership.
Find out more about BHS membership
