H&H Article on ‘Unfit for Purpose’ Licensing System

Posted on 4th March 2022

Weekly equestrian publication Horse and Hound this week published an article on the ‘national crisis’ facing inconsistencies in licensing for riding schools and other licensed equestrian establishments. 

Mirroring the findings of this week’s ABRS+ forum on licensing changes, it is in agreement that licensing changes are needed, and it is hoped that these can be reflected in the upcoming 2023 review of the licensing process and regulations.

Paula Leverton, longstanding ABRS+ Trustee and owner of Four Winds Equestrian Centre is an advocate for change, and quoted in the article “A big issue is inconsistency.It’s how the guidelines are interpreted,” she said. “There seems to be no consistency in the documents people are asked to produce, and there’s so much documentation.”

It is commented in the article that it would be an advantage for licensing issuing and inspections to return to the ABRS+, and the BHS (British Horse Society) as it was previously before the regulations changed. However, as pointed out in the article by George Baber, ABRS+ Director of Member Operations, the switch back to this system would be timely and costly, as well as needing relevant legislation to be amended, which he said is unlikely. A huge aspect of the ABRS+ supporting its members is to help them navigate the regulations and achieve [licensing] in the best way they can”

You can read the full article here

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