It is time to step outside the confines of an arena and begin to explore the countryside on horseback! Whether you dream of meandering along your local bridleways, relaxing on long peaceful hacks or cantering along a beach, we will help you develop the knowledge and skills to ride out safely in all environments.
play-circle
Watch
Are you ride safe ready?
When you sign up to any Challenge Award you will receive the accompanying information booklet from your coach to help support your learning. With the Ride Safe Silver Challenge Award, this includes the Ride Safe guide, providing practical examples, tips and guidance to help you stay safe when riding in all situations including:
- Riding safely on the road, along rights of way, across agricultural land, at the beach and when warming up at competitions
- Negotiating hazards
- Understanding common signs
- Dealing with conflict or difficult situations when riding out
- Negotiating obstacles
The Ride Safe Silver Challenge Award is required to be completed as part of some of our Career Pathways:
Ride Safe is a topic within the BHS Challenge Awards with four levels; Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Bronze Award
chevron-down
chevron-up
By completing this award, you will find out:
- How to ride out with a ride leader
- The importance of high visibility (conspicuous) clothing
- The types of hazards you may encounter on a ride
- How to communicate with other road users
Silver Award
chevron-down
chevron-up
Gain the confidence and skills to ride safely on roads and when out and about. Know how to plan routes and prepare yourself and your horse to enjoy the countryside.
- How to ride in an enclosed arena with other riders
- How to ride with the reins in one hand
- Checks to make before setting off
- How to ask other road users to slow down or stop
- Riding out on a road
Gold Award
chevron-down
chevron-up
The focus of the Ride Safe gold award is to use the skills you have learnt riding on the road to ride out confidently in open country on bridleways and across fields with your friends. Riding in a group is a great way to socialise and have fun. The gold award will increase your awareness of your responsibilities when riding out.
You will find out about:
- Regulations for riding out in the UK
- Considerations before riding out
- Riding as a group
- Obstacles or hazards you may come across riding out
Platinum award
chevron-down
chevron-up
You will learn about:
- How to prepare you and your horse
- What to expect on an organised ride
- Hazards you may come across out hacking
- How to ride and lead
How to get involved
Challenge awards are open to anyone who would like to improve their horse knowledge or skills; you do not have to be a BHS member to take part.
If you have your own horse
chevron-down
chevron-up
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
chevron-down
chevron-up
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.
Assessment details
This award can be signed off on an ongoing basis by your Ride Safe Trainer as you progress through your training.
The BHS do not organise assessment days for Challenge Awards; speak to your Ride Safe Trainer who can advise further.
Costs
The final cost will be determined by your Ride Safe Trainer.
Cost will include:
- Ride Safe information booklet to support your practical training and allows for bite-size learning with mastered skills and knowledge signed off by your trainer
- Ride Safe Guide (Ride Safe Silver Award only)
- Expert training and support throughout
- Certificate of completion