Professional equestrian tourism qualifications available
through British Horse Society Approved stables in Scotland
British Equestrian Tourism (BET) qualifications offer a recognised
standard of competence when attracting clients to the tourism
industry and will benefit any establishment offering trekking
and/or horse riding as a facility. BET examinations are being
held in Scotland on 4 and 11 March at the British Horse Society
Approved Strathearn Stables, Crieff in Perthshire, with optional
pre-examination training available in the run-up. Child Protection
and First Aid courses are also catered for.
The examinations are set at three levels and will test the
candidates’ competence in taking out a ride and treks,
either as an assistant or in charge, their ability to communicate
and advise novice riders, their knowledge of health and safety
issues and experience in assisting in running a tourism/trekking
centre.
Assistant Ride Leader – 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 the staff to client
ration does not exceed 1:6) 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 – 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.
Holiday Centre Manager – This is someone who is able
to operate, as either manger or owner, a riding holiday centre
both from the practical as well as financial aspects. He or
she is an expert to whom others, including tourist organisations,
can turn to for advice.
Anyone interested in taking part in the BET examinations
should contact Chris Doran in the BHS Approvals Office on
(tel: 01926 707794). For pre-examination training contact
Strethearn Stables, Crieff Hydro Ltd on (tel: 01764 651616).
Information on Riding & Road Safety tests, Equine Specific
First Aid, Child Protection and other courses in Scotland
should contact BHS Scotland Development Officer Helene Mauchlen
on (tel: 01764 656334) or email: H.Mauchlen@bhs.org.uk
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