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Stable Management & Riding Qualifications

ABRS Preliminary Horse Care and Riding Certificate

These examinations are open to all persons 16 years and over who are in full time training or work with horses and have completed the requirements of the syllabus. The holder of these Certificates is fundamentally employable but needs to work under supervision.  Level 1: The holder has the basic ability to carry out simple routine tasks.  Level 2: The holder has the ability to perform most common tasks with underpinning knowledge and understanding of any tasks carried out.

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ABRS Grooms Certificate

This Certificate is intended to provide a guide for employers in the selection of competent grooms, who, whilst capable of basically working on their own, still require some supervision.  This examination is for candidates who have a reasonable practical experience in the handling and care of a variety of horses - this experience at least through the four seasons of the year.

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ABRS Grooms Diploma

This Examination is intended for those who have a wide knowledge of, and experience with, a great variety of horses - fit and stabled, grass kept, young stock, competition horses and ponies, hunters and so on. All tasks and routines must be carried out to a high standard. The holders of this Diploma would be expected to take sole charge of a yard - competition or otherwise - and work entirely unsupervised. Depending on the size of the yard, the Diploma holder must be capable of organising and supervising other staff. Candidates must hold the ABRS Grooms Certificate and a current First Aid Certificate as pre-requisites for this Examination.

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Teaching Qualifications

ABRS Initial Teaching Award

This is a foundation qualification. The holder of this Award is capable of teaching basic levels in a riding school. This examination is open to candidates who have sufficient training and teaching experience to show their capability and competence in carrying out the requirements of the syllabus.
The Initial Teaching Award is a qualification in its own right.

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ABRS Teaching Certificate

This examination is for the teacher with more experience - minimum age 20. The candidate is encouraged to show his/her individual expertise in assessing and teaching whatever he/she thinks the riders require to improve their posture and general riding ability while making the lesson interesting, enjoyable, progressive and safe; at the same time showing an awareness of the horses' correct way of going.  These are practical examinations, to be taken away from the candidates' normal place of work or training. The riders used are regular riding school clients.  Lectures are to be prepared beforehand, so that candidates may show their lecturing ability to the best advantage.

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ABRS Advanced Teaching Diploma

This examination is open to persons who ride and teach to a high level and who also have the ability, knowledge, experience and understanding to train young, spoilt or problem horses.  A resume of experience in riding and teaching is to be submitted and will be scrutinised by an adjudicating panel to ensure that the candidate is to the standard expected for the examination.  A holder of this Diploma will have demonstrated a high level of competence and comprehension of the principles of Classical Equitation and show ability to promote harmony between horse and rider in all disciplines.

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ABRS Principal's Diploma

A highly regarded and as the title implies, is for Riding School Proprietors and Principals only. The holder of this Diploma will have been a principal for more than 5 years, be a member of the Association of British Riding Schools and will have demonstrated a good standard of horsemanship and horsemastership and a sound knowledge and experience of aspects of equitation theory, business and management and practical equitation.  For information and a syllabus for this Diploma please contact the ABRS Office.

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