Equestrian Tourism Qualifications

Helvellyn horses on ridge

These qualifications were especially developed to provide industry relevant, recognised standards at three levels for those working in equestrian tourism – Assistant Ride Leader, Ride Leader and Riding Holiday Centre Manager.

Please note candidates must hold their Riding & Road Safety examination BEFORE they can enter for and take any of the British Equestrian Tourism Examinations.

Next Exams for the BET Assistant and Ride Leaders Exams are on the 20 March 2012 and 19 June 2012. Phone for details

Assistant Ride Leader Qualification

Candidates must be capable of demonstrating the correct procedure and best practice involving a group of riders on the road.  Certificates will be awarded on successful examination results plus production of a current Health & Safety First Aid at Work Certificate or Equine Specific First Aid Certificate or appropriate national equivalent, and BHS Riding & Road Safety Certificate. The minimum age for this exam is 16 years.  If you hold the BHS Stage 2 exam, you can turn this success into an Assistant Ride Leader qualification.  Please ask us about conversion.

Description

Designed for those working full or part time in the industry. The holder of this certificate is competent to take out a ride, a short trek or a hack of no more than two hours duration (provided that staff to client ratio does not exceed 1 to 6) or to assist a Ride Leader on longer rides. An assistant should be a sensible, safe person who is able to communicate with and help first time riders as well as assisting in the basic day to day running of a tourism/trekking/riding holiday centre.

Ride Leader Qualification

Entry requirements

Candidates must be 18 years of age or over, have a current Health & Safety First Aid at Work Certificate, Equine Specific First Aid Certificate or appropriate national equivalent, and hold a British Equestrian Tourism, or TRSS Assistant Ride Leader Certificate.

Direct Entry

All candidates must hold First Aid at Work Certificate, Equine Specific First Aid Certificate or appropriate national equivalent, and must have worked at an approved centre for a minimum of two seasons (All such applications should be accompanied by a written statement from their present or a past employer stating that they have experience in ALL skills on the syllabus INCLUDING assisting a qualified Ride Leader on treks or hacks) or hold a BHSAI, Pony Club ‘A’ Test, ICES.

or

be more than 21 years of age and have, under supervision, managed a centre for a minimum of 1 year, hold a current Health & Safety First Aid at Work certificate, Equine Specific First Aid Certificate or appropriate national equivalent.

Description

A Ride Leader is someone who is able to take sole charge of first time riders or more experienced riders. He or she must have a sound knowledge and awareness of safety, of looking after groups of horses and clients in the yard and out on a ride. He or she should be capable of taking charge of a centre in the owner’s absence for a temporary period not exceeding one month.