BHS approved? Or ABRS approved? Or both?

[Nemo19]

I'm finding it hard to understand the difference between ABRS approved and BHS approved?

Is there a preference when choosing a riding school?

Or should they really be both?

 

[Wizpop]

I would suggest going for a look round and getting a “feel” for the place, rather than relying on BHS, ABRS. Watch some lessons too if possible.

 

[Janetop]

I'm finding it hard to understand the difference between ABRS approved and BHS approved?

Is there a preference when choosing a riding school?

Or should they really be both?

I actually work at an ABRS approved riding school. We have instructors that are ABRS qualified and BHS qualified! I would look at the riding school as a whole rather than which qual they’re under x

 

[teapot]

I'm finding it hard to understand the difference between ABRS approved and BHS approved?

Is there a preference when choosing a riding school?

Or should they really be both?

Having been invovled with both, in theory ABRS is the less substantial cheaper approvals system compared to the BHS, and can be viewed here: https://cdn.yello.link/abrs/files/2021/06/ABRS-Criteria-2019.pdf. Whereas the BHS will inspect and approve on facilities, coaching, horses, grazing, client experience, tack, working practices and a number of other things. It's extremely comprehensive these days, and the BHS provides so much more than the ABRS, simply because it's a far bigger, better charity. Of the three biggest centres in the UK - Talland, Wellington, and Ingestre, only one has ABRS approval alongside their BHS one - interpret that how you want.

I'd second the go and get a feel for places suggestion, but if a centre is approved, it in theory means there's a basic standard somewhere.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Definitely go and visit to have a feel of the place, if possible.

Do the horse's seem happy? Do the staff seem happy? Is there a high turnover of staff? Does the tack look clean & comfortable for the horse's? Are the horses in good condition - and good condition doesn't necessarily mean sparkling clean, especially in winter! How big are there stables? Are they regularly turned out?

Whats the style of teaching like? Is it kind and horse-centric or more aggressive in the 'Kick it, pull it and make it do it' approach ...? How are the riders encouraged to interact with the horses?

Also, consider what you want to do. Is general riding or dressage, jumping or hacking important to you - some RS may be more set up for one thing or another.

All would be things that would be more important to me than simply the registration.

It's akin to Ofsted IME - there's so much more to it than just the overall rating. An outstanding school may not be the best choice for a child and a highly commended BHS RS may not be the best choice or fit either.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Neither will mean you have the better place to have lessons at. The first thing you need to consider is the licensing star rating the premise has achieved at inspection.

Many schools are finding the cost of BHS and ABRS too prohibitive in addition to the licence fees and ever increasing insurance. But not having approvals certainly does not mean the school is sub standard.