A Bit of Research

Well, I'd have lessons from either a BHS qualified person, OR someone competing at a decent level, although there is no guarantee that either will teach well....some folk who can ride, can't teach, and vice versa.
BHS quals are a good safeguard in some ways - esp. for children and novices; you know they should be safe lessons, the instructor can't be a paedo, and, if registered is insured to protect you in the event of an accident, as well as having H & S quals.
Of course, a professional rider should also have the above.
I'm just a bit wary as I know one too many folk who call themselves 'eventers' or 'showjumpers' and in reality jump 2'3 when they're feeling brave....they are uninsured, don't have first aid, aren't CRB checked. Their riding is too bad to pass even BHS Stage 1 (and that's bad!) so having failed 4 times, they declare themselves 'I do dressage, I don't believe in the BHS' and start teaching...scary.
The best advice I'd say - is to do careful background research on anyone you intend having lessons from - insurance, first aid (could save your life) check up on BHS quals, and on comp records.....
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ETA - I'm not meaning that your son (if that's who this is about) is a failed BHS Stage 1er lol...or a paedo! But I'm sure you've met the cowboys too....
 
Had another thought (it's a good day
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Wouldn't it be good if the BHS had a simple accreditation scheme...where anyone competing above a certain level could be a 'dressage trainer' or 'event trainer' without the need for exams - and a cheap CRB reg and insurance package arranged?
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I think some form of qualification is important, but it does not have to be BHS. To me competition experience counts, either personal or from their students. The good thing about the BHS is that you do know they have had some form of basic training in how to teach and have covered the safety aspects of teaching as Shilasdair points out. This is why insurance companies look for it.

If you are looking for training to ride in a particular discipline then experience in that area is most important.

I find it quite sad that a lot of you say you wouldn't even consider BHS qualified people as a lot of very good trainers just happen to have them, and there are many very good ones.

If you are a beginner or novice just wanting to improve then BHS quals give you something to go on.
 
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Cor, you could probably take the rest of the day off after an idea like that.

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I was quite proud of it, myself.
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It would have a few advantages - cheaper insurance arranged with a company, H&S courses arranged, CRB checks done (cos you can't do your own) and your level of competition ascertained....separating the wheat from the chaff of the ones who call themselves 'professional riders'.
Would work for Freshman's son...if costs kept minimal - and insurance discounted.
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BD accredited trainers already have to have insurance and first aid( and CRB and Child Protection if teaching under 18s). Mind you getting on the first aid is a bit of a pain. They cancelled mine and then didn't have one locally for nearly a year.
 
I'd rather go with the instructor not the qualification or lack of it.

As it happens both instructors we use regularly ARE BHS trained and both of them, if doing any work towards tests, will say "this is the BHS way of doing it which you need to know if you are going to take your exams, and this is the way we do it in the real world".

Did I know they were BHS trained before I went with them on their reputation - no. Am I happy with the results they produce - yes, very.
 
I have found that the best teachers are those that teach through experience....

however, I like teaching and have found that I cannot get clients without some form of accreditation... thus I am paying out alot of money for the BHS stages

You are right about some BHS instructors that have only jumped in their stages exam.... at one point I would have said that I classed into this... but my OH had a point of "if you can't do it how do you expect to teach someone how to" so I have endeaveoured to correct my failings
 
Thanks everyone for giving me your thoughts. The reason I posted is because my son is being asked to teach more these days. We do have full insurance & CRB (as some are under 16 & competing on ponies) The Insurance Companies just load the premiums though because he has not got a formal qualification. We have been trying to get on the BSJA trainee accredited coach system for a long time. They tend to feel you should be older!!!!!!I believe they used the term more life experience. For me that means carry on for a few years & pick up bad habits, then you can get on the list. It's really frustrating
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Thanks everyone for giving me your thoughts. The reason I posted is because my son is being asked to teach more these days. We do have full insurance & CRB (as some are under 16 & competing on ponies) The Insurance Companies just load the premiums though because he has not got a formal qualification. We have been trying to get on the BSJA trainee accredited coach system for a long time. They tend to feel you should be older!!!!!!I believe they used the term more life experience. For me that means carry on for a few years & pick up bad habits, then you can get on the list. It's really frustrating
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Maybe it would work out cheaper to do the BHS exams for the insurance purposes, even if he doesn't want to? Is he over 18yrs? If so, is that not age discrimination, which is now illegal?
Glad he's getting insured, CRB checked, first aid etc - also advise him never to be in a situation alone with younger female/male pupils if he can help it, to avoid any accusations.
It's sad, but you can't be too careful to protect your reputation, especiall young males who may be the focus of (unwanted) attention.
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There is no pulling the wool over your eyes Lou.
I just can not understand the Insurance Companies point of view. Yet they ask me if he is going to train for a BHS qualification? Why would he for gods sake.
PS (not knocking BHS or it's Instructors) Boy do they slap you on the Insurance
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If it means getting cheaper insuranc is it worth registering as a student with the BHS, but never sitting or studying for an exam?

I have lessons with someone who as far as I am aware has no formal qualifications - I've never asked her.
 
Personally I am happy to be trained by anyone I have ' bought into' whether they have qualifications or not, one thing I have noticed is that more instructors seem unwilling to ride and that for me is a no no.

An advantage of being registered or affiliated to a recognised body is that people often refer to these lists when looking for an instructor and there is still a school of thought that a qualified person is a better person, especially for someone new to riding.
 
I have hired two BHS instructors recently. One was a nightmare - all book knowledge and naff all experience plus her manner with clients was appalling.They don't teach that in BHS qualifications do they? But the other one was ace. She did not advertise her qualifications, but has been an eventer (as was her mum) for years. Go on your gut - the qualifications mean not a lot.
 
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