
The new Bill introduces several significant changes that will impact equestrian businesses, including working arrangements and employee protections.
To help equestrian employers prepare, EEA have created a clear and easy-to-read summary that highlights the most relevant provisions, along with the timeframe for their introduction.
We are thrilled to release the dates for our CIEC Courses for 2025, some are already fully booked so if that was the location of interest please get in touch with the office to register interest for future courses.
We’re hoping to announce additional Level 1 courses soon, and a final Level 2 for this year at Four Winds is in the pipeline… Stay tuned and follow us on social media for the latest updates!
The Equestrian Coaching Certificate pathway endorsed by UK Coaching and provided by 1st4Sport is a standardized approach across equestrian disciplines and focuses on the coaching craft in the context of equestrianism.
It usually contains a course with a taught element – both in the classroom and practically alongside the development of a coach portfolio based on clients you are coaching – and an assessment which looks at the your coaching skills (whilst coaching elements from the technical syllabus at each level) and also requires the submission of a portfolio.
It does not assess knowledge or expertise in relation to horse care and welfare albeit demonstration of an appreciation of equine health and welfare is necessary as a requirement to register for these qualifications either demonstrated through experience or previous qualifications.
Applicable to all licenced equestrian premises, by becoming an ABRS+ approved riding school, trekking centre or equestrian centre allows your clients to be satisfied that you offer the highest standards of instruction, and that the equines receive a high level of care. Being ABRS+ approved has many benefits for your riding establishment including membership of the EEA and professional development.
Becoming a certified or approved livery yard allows your clients to be satisfied that you offer the highest standards of care and welfare to your clients equines, that you meet best practice industry recommendations for the services you provide, and can help develop and promote your yard and vacancies through partnerships with the EEA and LiveryList, plus a whole host of other benefits.
Becoming an approved Equine Assisted Service Provider with the ABRS+ signals a riding school’s commitment to safe, ethical, and impactful practice. It offers credibility and reassurance to clients, families, and funders, demonstrating that services meet robust standards in welfare, safeguarding, and professional delivery. Approval also connects schools to a respected network of practitioners, unlocking access to training, resources, and sector-wide advocacy. For schools offering therapeutic, educational, or wellbeing programmes, ABRS+ recognition strengthens their profile, supports sustainable growth, and reinforces their role in inclusive, community-focused equestrianism. It’s a mark of trust, quality, and shared values in equine-assisted work.
Are you looking at setting up a riding school, trekking centre or equestrian centre that requires a Council Licence but don’t know where to start? Flying Start Membership will give you access to a huge bank of resources covering horse welfare, client and employee management, and health and safety – all geared around meeting your legal obligations. These resources will reduce the time and effort needed to create the documents, systems and processes required to achieve the Council Licencing, and will increase your probability of passing the inspection first time and in short order.
Click the button below to use our interactive member search to find a certified or approved establishment in your area.
By choosing an ABRS+ approved riding school, or certified or approved livery yard you can have confidence of a high level of care and welfare, as well as a professional client experience enabling you to develop your own experience, knowledge and enjoyment of equines.
ABRS+ members have access to a wide range of information, support and resources to help manage and develop all aspects of their equestrian premises. These can all be found in the dedicated member area where you can also find full details of all member benefits as well as other member information.
The Association of British Riding Schools
Blenheim Business Centre, Smithers Hill, Shipley, West Sussex RH13 8PP