Our British Horse Society Awards Programme
Queen Mary’s senior riders have the opportunity to complete the BHS Challenge Awards syllabus’s developing skills and knowledge on pony care and horse riding throughout the term. The BHS Challenge Award programme often leads to our Year 10-11 students taking their BHS Stage 1 qualification and BHS Riding Road Safety exam. In addition, we offer the BHSQ and BHS Achieve Award through our CLTH programme.
Our school riders can also qualify for the BHS riding school competition allows students with or without their own horse or pony to gain competition experience. In addition, we host numerous in-house competitions throughout the year where all school horse riders can compete alongside external riders.
Queen Mary's BHS Qualification Training
BHS Stage 1 Race and Care Award
The BHS Stage 1 Ride and Care Award curriculum runs throughout term time for riders aged 11 – 16 years (Years 7-11). The BHS qualification programme sessions are delivered by our team of BHS Accredited Coaches.
All British Horse Society Stage 1 Award sessions are 1.5 hours long, which includes a 45 minute group riding lesson followed by 45 minutes of stable management. Both types of lessons cost £40 +VAT per session and happen on Wednesdays between 5.45 pm and 7.15 pm.
BHS Challenge Awards
The BHS Challenge Award Programme at Queen Mary’s operates throughout term time for riders aged 11 – 16 years (Years 7-11) and is led by a team of BHS accredited coaches. During these sessions, riders will have the opportunity to learn how to care for horses while building practical, hands-on skills and taking part in everyday stable activities.
With awards available at a variety of levels, from beginner to experienced, all a rider needs to begin is enthusiasm and a passion for horses. With 24 horses stabled onsite, you also don’t need to own a horse to join in.
Progress through the awards is done at a pace that suits each rider and is tailored to what each rider is interested in. Some awards focus on horse welfare and care, while others develop riding ability and safety awareness.
All our British Horse Society Challenge Award sessions are 1.5 hours long, which includes a 45 minute group riding lesson followed by 45 minutes of stable management. Both types of lessons cost £40 +VAT per session and happen on Wednesdays between 5.45 pm and 7.15 pm.
BHS Ride Safety Award
Pupils in Years 10-11 and those within our British Horse Society Stage 1 / Challenge Awards programmes can complete sessions that prepare them for their BHS Ride Safety exam.
The programme is designed to instil confidence and knowledge in young riders and is supported by regular Hacking sessions within the school grounds which are booked separately. A recreational award for all, it is recognised in the Highway Code and is recommended as best practice when practicing general road safety. Perfect for preparing riders to meander on local bridleways, roads, trails, agricultural land, and beaches.
BHS Achieve Award Programme
Our BHS Achieve Awards scheme is delivered to riders aged 11-16 years (Years 7-11) through our ‘Changing Young Lives Through Horses’ programme. The scheme provides an accessible pathway to develop essential horse care and riding skills for all – both those within our school and external. The British Horse Society Achieve Award places a strong emphasis on personal growth, confidence, and learning in a supportive setting.
BHSQ Personal Development Qualification
Our British Horse Society Qualification in Personal Development is offered to riders aged 11-16 years (Years 7-11) through our ‘Changing Young Lives Through Horses’ programme. The award programme is designed to build the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for everyday life and concentrates on key areas that benefit everyone, such as forming positive relationships, collaborating with others, and gaining new abilities.
Our 5 Star BHS Equestrian Centre
Queen Mary’s Riding Centre is British Horse Society Accredited and is a Pony Centre Plus equestrian facility. All our lessons are taught by experienced coaches who are BHS accredited. You can choose to bring your own horse or borrow a Queen Mary’s horse, subject to availability.