The British Horse Society's Horse Owner's Certificate

The British Horse Society was founded in 1947 in the amalgamation of two organisations - the Institute of the Horse and Pony Club, and the National Horse Association of Great Britain.

Our primary objectives, as published in the Memorandum of Association, are:

1.  To promote the interests of horse and pony breeding and to encourage the use and protection of horses and ponies. (Horses and ponies includes any mare, gelding, foal, colt, filly or stallion and also any ass, mule or jennet.)

2.  To promote and facilitate the acquisition and distribution of the knowledge of the various arts and sciences connected with the horse and pony and the use and management thereof.

BHS Examinations are internationally recognised qualifications. There are a number of BHS examinations and qualifications you could work for depending upon whether you have professional or recreational aspirations. 

The Horse Owners Certificates are offered to all persons who are interested in expanding their knowledge of horse care and management. These are offered at four levels and achieved via a short course and written paper.

Horse Owners Certificate

The Horse Owner’s Certificates are offered at four levels of knowledge with regard to the care and management of the horse and are specifically aimed at the first time horse owner, parent of horse owners or potential owners. Each level will be assessed in the form of a written paper, which should be completed under examination conditions with an adjudicator present.

Courses may be held anywhere but the person who takes overall responsibility for the training and the course must be a member of the BHS Register of Instructors. During the course the instructor will follow the syllabus appropriate for each of the levels. Candidates can also purchase books to accompany the course through The BHS bookshop.

The examination papers will be set and marked by the registered instructor in charge of the course. The pass mark for each Level is 60% and successful candidates will receive a certificate for each level attained. All certificates will be sent to the instructor, who will forward them on.

Here is an idea of the syllabus for Level One:

Knowledge of horse types, uses, colours and markings.

Elementary stable management.

Knowledge of care and maintenance required to keep a horse healthy and comfortable

in a stable.

Stable routine and safety in the stable. Safe handling of both the horse and equipment

necessary for his well-being. A knowledge of substances in common use which require

particular care and/or storage.

Identification of items of tack in common use and naming of the parts.

Basic care of tack. Ability to take to pieces, inspect for safety, clean and re-assemble.

Reasons and principles of grooming. Knowledge of the items in a grooming kit and

their use.

Basic knowledge of shoeing and care of the foot.

Louise Jordan-Beam BHSAI (H) is the only Registered BHS Instructor in the United States who has been given permission to run these courses.  If you are interested in getting more information, you can go to the British Horse Society's website at www.bhs.org.uk or from Louise at thornbec@ptd.net