Teaching qualifications

UKCC Level 2 to be an accredited trainer by the affiliated bodies, if I remember correctly!
UKCC Level 2 or have passed your BHS PTT exam as a minimum to join the BHS register of instructors.
 
Bhs ptt is the most recognised by employers, you can gain the ukcc level 2 after the ptt by completing a portfolio. You will need bhs stage 1 and 2 before you can take the ptt as well as add on courses inc ride and road safety, child protection and first aid.
 
Farma said:
Bhs ptt is the most recognised by employers, you can gain the ukcc level 2 after the ptt by completing a portfolio. You will need bhs stage 1 and 2 before you can take the ptt as well as add on courses inc ride and road safety, child protection and first aid.
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This so the process is..
Stage 1 complete
Riding and Road Safety
Stage 2 complete
PTT complete exam - successful completion means you can become registered which will provide you with insurance etc.
To join the register you will need to have a BHS First Aid or first aid at work (level 3 minimum) qualification, safeguarding and protecting children qualification and a disclosure and barring service check.
With the PTT confirmation you receive a coaching portfolio to complete in your own time and add in paperwork from the exam. Completion and submission of the portfolio means your eligible to gain your UKCC Level 2.
You can then go on to take your Stage 3 complete and the combination of the stage 3, PTT and coaching portfolio awards you as a BHS Assistant Instructor (BHSAI).
:)
 
Daisy1905 said:
Could someone tell me which qualifications I would need to start teaching please?

Many thanks
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Hi, to start teaching you need nothing but third party insurance, and to inform the tax man.

Before I am lynched I do have the BHSII, and UKCC level 3, but have found that often who the most talented teacher is does not depend on whether or not they have sat an exam.

If you need insurance have a look at Julie Andrews Insurance brokers. She does not need you to be qualified, and will quote over the phone.

Personally I am insured with BHS, but TBH her quote was not THAT different when you take into account all of the courses etc that you take.

I think a lot depends on your market. Locally the Pony Club will take unqualified people at rallys, and you are covered by their insurance. You do need to have another way of 'proving' your worth for them though, such as a successful competition record.
 
Red-1 said:
Hi, to start teaching you need nothing but third party insurance, and to inform the tax man.

Before I am lynched I do have the BHSII, and UKCC level 3, but have found that often who the most talented teacher is does not depend on whether or not they have sat an exam.

If you need insurance have a look at Julie Andrews Insurance brokers. She does not need you to be qualified, and will quote over the phone.

Personally I am insured with BHS, but TBH her quote was not THAT different when you take into account all of the courses etc that you take.

I think a lot depends on your market. Locally the Pony Club will take unqualified people at rallys, and you are covered by their insurance. You do need to have another way of 'proving' your worth for them though, such as a successful competition record.
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As far as I'm aware Pony Club coaches now need to be accredited, not necessarily have formal qualifications but have attended training days and have first aid qualification, PVG and safeguarding children certificates.
 
To be on the accredited PC Instructors list - yes and quite right too. But I do know some branches will use anyone to teach if it keeps instructor costs down.

OP - you will have a broader range of possible clients if you are starting out and have a formal qualification. You can also charge more for your services. I know there are great instructors out there with nothing more than massive personal experience and a list of recommendations as long as your arm and that is great. But being an accredited instructor gives everyone a level of assurance and peace of mind in this very litigious world.
 
Interesting, thanks everyone. It wouldn't be as a main job at a riding but teaching private riders on a freelance basis.

Do people tend to favour qualifications or show results?
 
Daisy1905 said:
Interesting, thanks everyone. It wouldn't be as a main job at a riding but teaching private riders on a freelance basis.

Do people tend to favour qualifications or show results?
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Depends very much on the ego of the person you are teaching - some just loved to be praised, especially by someone who competes successfully who sadly not all make the best coaches. Others love to be taught - to actually learn something, where praise is given as and when due.

When researching instruction from anyone for any particular discipline/sport I would first go to the person that has proved to a board of examiners that they can do the job. Then experience and personality may then decide who I get.

For me Professional qualifications mean a lot - I obtained my residency in NZ because I was a qualified riding instructor.
 
Red-1 said:
Hi, to start teaching you need nothing but third party insurance, and to inform the tax man.

Before I am lynched I do have the BHSII, and UKCC level 3, but have found that often who the most talented teacher is does not depend on whether or not they have sat an exam.

If you need insurance have a look at Julie Andrews Insurance brokers. She does not need you to be qualified, and will quote over the phone.

Personally I am insured with BHS, but TBH her quote was not THAT different when you take into account all of the courses etc that you take.

I think a lot depends on your market. Locally the Pony Club will take unqualified people at rallys, and you are covered by their insurance. You do need to have another way of 'proving' your worth for them though, such as a successful competition record.
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What would be seen as a successful record? Competed at Championships/National or trained youngsters up? Or years of going up the levels?
 
Daisy1905 said:
Interesting, thanks everyone. It wouldn't be as a main job at a riding but teaching private riders on a freelance basis.

Do people tend to favour qualifications or show results?
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One of my trainers has no qualifications. The other I have just found out does, but I've been training with him for years, so clearly not a factor in my decision to try him, or stick with him.

I generally favour those who are not qualified through the BHS, or for whom that is not now their major selling point, particularly for flatwork. Any numpty who can sit on a horse fairly sensibly can become an AI with enough effort, in my experience. Many of the AIs round here are super for teaching little kids to play ponies, or nervous adults, but wouldn't know where to start with real work - which is fine for most as they market themselves appropriately.

I'd personally rather someone who has a competitive record or who has a training record worthy of note to try them out. If they can't teach well too, I just won't return!
 
Daisy1905 said:
What would be seen as a successful record? Competed at Championships/National or trained youngsters up? Or years of going up the levels?
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It depends on where you see your target market potential clients coming from, a nervous novice will not care about your competition experience or record bringing on young horses, they will want a sympathetic trainer who can guide them through issues and "hold their hand" while doing so, if you are more interested in training competition riders then they will want proof that you can either do it yourself or that you have trained other riders successfully.

I think as you are asking these questions you probably have little experience of competing at any level or being trained by people at a higher level so probably your best bet to get started is through the BHS route where you can learn how to teach, gain the experience required and find out which direction you want to take, if I am wrong and you have competed at Nat champs then I apologise for my assumptions.
 
JFTD said:
One of my trainers has no qualifications. The other I have just found out does, but I've been training with him for years, so clearly not a factor in my decision to try him, or stick with him.

I generally favour those who are not qualified through the BHS, or for whom that is not now their major selling point, particularly for flatwork. Any numpty who can sit on a horse fairly sensibly can become an AI with enough effort, in my experience. Many of the AIs round here are super for teaching little kids to play ponies, or nervous adults, but wouldn't know where to start with real work - which is fine for most as they market themselves appropriately.

I'd personally rather someone who has a competitive record or who has a training record worthy of note to try them out. If they can't teach well too, I just won't return!
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Do remember that the AI is only the first step in the teaching ladder, of course more people will pass this level, then as they move up the ladder each will begin to specialise.

Over the decades I've found that the majority of succesful riders don't make the best coaches. Many are incapable of passing on their knowledge in a way the average rider can understand, and do remember the majority of riders are just average. Many lack empathy with riders who are struggling with their confidence. And many are too focused on their own career to wholeheartedly be involved with their students career.
 
I have had a number of different instructors. One a current 3* eventer, previously competing at 4*, who has no official qualifications--- it was awful. She couldn't get her point across and I struggled to understand what she meant. I'm a pretty competent rider & got totally lost with her so didn't go back. She had an awful attitude and made me feel small as I couldn't ride to 'her' standard.

Another was a fully BHS qualified trainer--- very highly recommended, but I never felt I had any direction in my lessons. I didn't really learn anything and didn't have any enjoyment. She just took the money and barked orders at me. Spent most of the time walking and trotting in different shapes! Felt like the early days of pony club again.

Current trainer runs a small but successful riding centre as well as backing youngsters and currently competing up to BE100 with her own horses. She has trained with some well known dressage riders and has also evented to the highest level. She is amazing!! We always have a point to our lessons, she understands my horse and I. She has taught me things in a very simple way, that are actually quite complex. She is very sympathetic and is always aware of my horses 'quirks'. She is really pushing me at the minute and is always sending me progress reports via facebook with so much enthusiasm and encouragement. I feel we do a lot more complex 'real' work. I have no idea what qualifications she has & quite frankly couldn't care less. We just work together so well!!
 
Tnavas said:
Do remember that the AI is only the first step in the teaching ladder, of course more people will pass this level, then as they move up the ladder each will begin to specialise.
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Irrelevant - as far as I'm concerned, they're on the wrong ladder if that's the only thing to their name!
 
Daisy1905 said:
Could someone tell me which qualifications I would need to start teaching please?

Many thanks
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In my day stage one then 2 and then 3 which is the stable management part of the Assistant instructor, You can either be a working pupil and earn your training or pay to train ( well you did when i did my BHS exams ).

They are strict with the level of judging and if you make a simple mistake or over look something you will fail, Both trainers who come here are like me BHS and I would not have anyone not BHS qualified as it will effect our insurance, In the event of accident or injury too horse or rider, though we are not BHS approved ( too much bumph to be ) it is still run along the lines of BHS.

The only one not BHS is the carriage drive trainer but she still holds exams.

I know alot of people don't care for a qualified trainer but they are qualified for a reason, make sure you look into insurance and costs if yuour going mobile to other yards as when there are things like strangles you have to be careful.
 
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JFTD said:
Irrelevant - as far as I'm concerned, they're on the wrong ladder if that's the only thing to their name!
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Not with you on this comment - you have to start somewhere and to brand all AI's as only fit to teach beginners and nervous adults is being rather narrow minded.

I only have my AI as far as teaching qualifications go but I have taught riders who have represented New Zealand and one has passed A & H with Honours. The AI gives a good foundation for a teaching career - not everyone has the time and finances to continue their teaching training.

Would you go to the man down the road who happens to have a good medical encyclopedia for your treatment or a qualified doctor. Would you send your kids to school to be taught by people with just experience to their name - and remember that experience alone means nothing - it depends on its quality!
 
HGA-12 said:
In my day stage one then 2 and then 3 which is the stable management part of the Assistant instructor, You can either be a working pupil and earn your training or pay to train ( well you did when i did my BHS exams ).

They are strict with the level of judging and if you make a simple mistake or over look something you will fail, Both trainers who come here are like me BHS and I would not have anyone not BHS qualified as it will effect our insurance, In the event of accident or injury too horse or rider, though we are not BHS approved ( too much bumph to be ) it is still run along the lines of BHS.

The only one not BHS is the carriage drive trainer but she still holds exams.

I know alot of people don't care for a qualified trainer but they are qualified for a reason, make sure you look into insurance and costs if yuour going mobile to other yards as when there are things like strangles you have to be careful.
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HGA-12 - you don't fail an exam for one mistake! You fail if overall you do not meet the criteria. As an examiner I'm often faced with the dilemma of should a pass or fail be given. You look at all the marks the rider has achieved and decide - if this rider carried on improving along sound lines would they benefit from passing. I do fail some at times and its one of the hardest parts of the exam to do so - but it's never ever for just one thing the rider did wrong
 
Anyone starting to teach should remember that these are litigious days and that the most important thing is to have insurance. Although it is possible to get insurance without qualifications it seems to me that there is an arrogance that no one needs to learn coaching technique, have child protection and safeguarding skills, have CRB (or whatever it's now called) or otherwise attend CPD during their working time.
I taught without qualifications, starting as a PC instructor and at quite a late stage did UKCC coaching cert.
Although the level we were working at teaching was quite low, the tips, hints, techniques I learnt have certainly stood me in good stead. It's like taking my HGV after thirty years of driving, it certainly brought me up short on some bad habits.
The BHS (and I don't have formal BHS quals) is the national body for coaching qualifications in this country. You couldn't set up as an accountant without your skills being checked by the governing body, so what makes people think they can do a good job with a person, a horse and possibly a cross country course without going through a few relatively simple procedures themselves?
If I was starting again I would certainly do my levels, probably through the disciplines or through the BHS, simply because I think you owe it to your clients to be as good as you can, as up to date as possible, and to be safety aware without being risk averse.
After nearly fifty years I have seen wonderful teaching from young, non-qualified enthusiastic teachers and some dreadful coaching from Olympic riders. Because you CAN do it doesn' t mean necessarily you can teach it.
One thing that is certainly lacking in the competitive world today, and you can see it at every level, is a lack of basic training. There are some wonderful riders but there is also some awful riding at quite high levels in all disciplines.
There is also a lack of basic horsecare training in many areas. How many horses are broken by lack of knowledge of basic fittening, balance, competition care?
Coaching, teaching, instructing, call it what you will, there is no room for ignorance or arrogance wherever you're coming from. Being prepared to sit exams, be criticised, being self aware, self evaluating, planning - some may think it rubbish. I don't.
 
interesting thread as I have just done BHS exams.

why did I choose them?
so it goes back a couple of years. I have ridden all my life and competed to a high level (represented my country many moons ago at SJ before moving to Eventing - and evented up to Intermediate/CCI1*). As a personal goal last year I decided that it would be fun, challenging and interesting to gain some horse related qualifications, so after looking into it I decided on doing my BHS stages.

Last March to August I sat my stage 1-3. I received no feedback each time but passed all completely on first attempt.
Honestly I thought I would fail the lunging of the stage 3, but I controlled the horse well and did what I do with my own horses. I have a lot of experience which I think made the whole process better.

Since sitting my Stage 3, I now have the bug to continue and plan to sit my Stage 4 later this year (and it would be amazing to pass on first attempt but I suspect I won't! anyone any advice?)

to add to this I then also decided to aim for my PTT, I have been teaching at the local PC, and I also passed this on first attempt last week (I am super thrilled by this!) so I am now eligible to register as an instructor.

Having been through this experience I think it is a bit narrow minded to brand everyone as being rubbish if you only have your BHS and no other qualifications! Its a really good learning experience doing them, Yes you can't guarantee that all instructors are good instructors, but that is not related to the exam itself - that is the same in any walk of life. Some mechanics are good, others aren't.

What I am trying to say is that experience counts, but having qualifications will open many more doors. I was contacted after completing my first 1* to be asked if I gave lessons (one person in the last year), and since my PTT I have been contacted (in the last week) by a couple of people asking for lessons purely from posting on my facebook page that I am now qualified (not yet registered)!

Its probably not a useful post this!
 
I think it's very useful. I do think I'm a much better coach for my experience, and also because I'm not now trying to be a competitor as well. I can give all my attention to my pupils and take time with them.
When I was competing I always had at the back of my mind that I needed to get stuff done with my own horses. It was also too easy to just get on things and ride them, rather than work out strategies and techniques for the rider to use.
Of course it's useful to get on a horse sometimes, but really, if you can't see what the problems are from close observation you really do need to learn a bit more.
I do wonder sometimes that those who rubbish BHS qualifications (and that includes some PC top brass!), how they would cope under exam conditions, with a lesson plan to work out and stick to, unwilling riding school horses in some cases, and then at the end of it give evaluation of the lesson.
Sometimes you need to stand back and say, I didn't do/explain that very well!
Being prepared to do BHS/UKCC etc shows a willingness to accept certain discipline, take some criticism, and to work hard towards it.
That you were not given feedback is bad, I think now it's much more important. Certainly as an assessor a great deal of my teaching observation from those on high involves how the feedback is given and the quality of it.
Good luck with your teaching. I think it's one of the most rewarding things I've done, certainly beats winning a few rosettes and thinking I'm the dog's wotsits!
 
For me, experience and proven in the competition area i am aiming at/competing at is far more important than any BHS exam.
I don't think out RC uses any BHS qualified instructors yet all our trainers are brilliant and our teams do very well. All the clinics are well supported too.
 
Of course, there are brilliant coaches unqualfied. However, it is, as I pointed out, a litigious age, and coaches who are not properly covered may find themselves with a big bill.
There is no reason nowadays, with UKCC through the disciplines, the ABRS, the BHS, for anyone to be unqualified. Of course it costs money. I gave up competing for some time to pay for mine.
And, again, proven competition experience does not necessarily make a good coach. Of course it helps to know how a fence should be ridden or a dressage movement to be carried out. You also have to be able to communicate this.
Looking at top coaches, Yogi Breisner, Ian Stark, Caroline Moore - they all have BHS qualifications after their name. It's good enough for them.
 
Tnavas said:
Not with you on this comment - you have to start somewhere and to brand all AI's as only fit to teach beginners and nervous adults is being rather narrow minded.

I only have my AI as far as teaching qualifications go but I have taught riders who have represented New Zealand and one has passed A & H with Honours. The AI gives a good foundation for a teaching career - not everyone has the time and finances to continue their teaching training.

Would you go to the man down the road who happens to have a good medical encyclopedia for your treatment or a qualified doctor. Would you send your kids to school to be taught by people with just experience to their name - and remember that experience alone means nothing - it depends on its quality!
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Actually, if you read my comment, I said that if the AI qualification (or further down that line) is all they have to their name, I'm not interested. I don't believe the BHS standards are particularly "good" and I'm certainly not going to pick an instructor based on them.

All the AI tells me is that you can ride a safe horse in basic paces and over a few small fences, pass a theory exam (where some of the theory is wrong) and can jump through their teaching hoops. That's great - but on its own, it really only does qualify you to teach people who want to learn how to do rising trot or canter a circle.

If you've competed successfully to Advanced and have your AI, great. But equally, I'll try them without the AI, and see for myself if they can teach, because it's not the AI I'm interested in.

Tnavas, you speak of teaching like it is a "one size fits all" skill. It isn't - people learn in different ways, and very few teachers suit all students. You cannot presume that someone who has a teaching qualification will suit your style anyway - it's a question of trying them out and seeing how they feel. In which case, why limit myself who have jumped through the BHS hoops?

I've ridden with AIs who I feel have as much to offer as my dog sitting by the fence. I know people who are AIs, IIs and Is, who are incredible riders and trainers - but to me, their value largely is in their extra-BHS training.

I'd say the AI is the man with the medical encyclopaedia actually. The doctor is the (wo)man who has proved themselves in the real world. And I would send any kids of mine to a school with unqualified teachers who are good at what they do, and who know their stuff. I actually have a massive issue with the precedence given to teaching qualifications over actual knowledge of the subject - and I am in a position to judge this in my field and current line of work. Given the choice of a science teacher who really knows the content because they've done it, or the one who knows the text book and aced their teaching course, I'll take the former - because you can't teach something you don't actually understand yourself.

Ultimately, we're not going to agree on this. As far as I'm concerned, you are perfectly entitled to think the BHS are the best thing since sliced bread. You are not entitled to shout down other opinions though, and I'm perfectly entitled to think the BHS qualifications are not the mark of a good instructor.
 
I would judge a coach by their pupils, rather than by their own achievements. After all, is Federer coached by a better tennis player than himself?
 
Interesting thread, I am a freelance instructor, I fell into it as more and more people asked for my help. I did my stages 1 and 2 when i was 16/17yrs old, and I have to admit they really didnt engage me, and I certainly didnt feel inspired to progress any further within the BHS, this is not to say there are not great BHS instructors, but it wasnt for me. I did however want to have some qualifications, and I did my UKCC level 2, and this i really enjoyed, I also have insurance (essential) i keep my first aid qualifications up to date, and I also have my child protection course. I really think the first aid and insurance aspect is vital for anyone who teaches. But my clients come to me because of my experience and results, not for my qualifications, but I do think both aspects are important.
 
Tnavas said:
HGA-12 - you don't fail an exam for one mistake! You fail if overall you do not meet the criteria. As an examiner I'm often faced with the dilemma of should a pass or fail be given. You look at all the marks the rider has achieved and decide - if this rider carried on improving along sound lines would they benefit from passing. I do fail some at times and its one of the hardest parts of the exam to do so - but it's never ever for just one thing the rider did wrong
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Depends on examiner and what mistake(s) it is

one girl on our course failed as
she failed not noticing another candidate put brushing boots on back to front and she stood behind to brush the tail and also knelt down.

I am with you though if I was a parent I would not want to send my child or family memember to someone and pay them good money if they have no knowledge to back it up. Some say it means nothing but it means you can get a job as a proper qualified teacher at a riding school or otherwise, as you see many establishments asking for AI or above. You never see them say * wanted * unknown person with no reference of being qualified to come to our riding school and teach.

Not sure how it is in NZ Tnavas but our BHS also taught you some first aid, well did in my time. How does it work over there if say someone who is not qualified to teach does teach etc, how do they get insurance etc. I mean surely the insurance company want to know the person they are insuraing is capable of the job.
 
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JFTD said:
All the AI tells me is that you can ride a safe horse in basic paces and over a few small fences, pass a theory exam
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OMG!!!! what rubbish!!!!! Our horses at Park farm were far from plods, some were x race horses which would bolt, AND we had to jump courses of 3.9 and above and cross country without saddles also jump over a grid crossing our stirrups and un crossing as we went through ther 8 jumps. One of the worst was going though the grid without a saddle and touching the toes throughout, very easy to judge when you have not ever been trained on the BHS course you do not know the half f what we have been through
 
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Tnavas said:
Depends very much on the ego of the person you are teaching - some just loved to be praised, especially by someone who competes successfully who sadly not all make the best coaches. Others love to be taught - to actually learn something, where praise is given as and when due.

When researching instruction from anyone for any particular discipline/sport I would first go to the person that has proved to a board of examiners that they can do the job. Then experience and personality may then decide who I get.

For me Professional qualifications mean a lot - I obtained my residency in NZ because I was a qualified riding instructor.
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Judging by previous photos Tnavas Their position speaks for itself lol
 
HGA-12 said:
OMG!!!! what rubbish!!!!! Our horses at Park farm were far from plods, some were x race horses which would bolt, AND we had to jump courses of 3.9 and above and cross country without saddles also jump over a grid crossing our stirrups and un crossing as we went through ther 8 jumps. One of the worst was going though the grid without a saddle and touching the toes throughout, very easy to judge when you have not ever been trained on the BHS course you do not know the half f what we have been through
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Well none of that is on the syllabus for s3 which requires only SJ to a metre and XC to 90cm, so I'd say your experiences are completely irrelevant to my point - you might wish to read the syllabus for the current s3 before calling "rubbish" on something you clearly aren't familiar with in its current form. The flatwork syllabus for s3 is, to my mind, incredibly basic.

FWIW, I used to jump down bounce grids taking my jacket off and hanging on the fence, then picking it up and putting it back on the other way. I don't think wee tricks like that are remotely relevant to teaching skills.
 
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