As experts in equitation and horsemanship, BHS Fellows are globally recognised thought leaders who are making valuable contributions to the development and improvement of the equine industry.
BHS Fellows are consultants, mentors and advice givers to equestrians, businesses and organisations all over the world. An inspiration for many, a BHS Fellow is a coveted professional, coaching horses and riders from grassroots level up to world class competition riders. BHS Fellows are awarded life membership of the BHS and are eligible to become members of the BHS Fellows Association.
Do you:
- Want to do the best for horses throughout their life and be committed to the continued development of health, safety and welfare within the industry?
- Help safeguard the equine industry by promoting and providing ethical care and training to make sure the industry is viewed favourably and accepted by wider stakeholders and the general public?
- Feel passionate about sharing your knowledge to improve the practice of others and inspire the next generation of equestrians?
- Have a desire to continuously learn, develop and improve your perspective and approach to your work?
- Analyse, interpret and evaluate concepts, perspectives and ideas, challenging them where necessary to change or improve practice?
- Stay ahead of the curve with new research, developments and innovations in the equine industry?
If this sounds like where you want to take your career, then the Fellowship is for you.
Join a list of talented equestrians who strive for excellence, empathy and respect in all aspects of interacting and working with horses.
Hear from our Fellows
Sam York, BHS Fellow:
“You can change lives through coaching, and I have been lucky enough to witness it. I hope that it inspires others to believe that this journey through the BHS system is one that changes lives, and that anyone who dedicates themselves to the mission and works hard can achieve their ambitions and dreams. I hope I can do a lot more in the future.”
Becoming a Fellow
We offer four options to achieve the Fellowship qualification.
Fellowship - General
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- Coach Dressage to Prix St Georges, with a clear idea of the pathway for future development
- Coach Show jumping to 1.25 metres with a clear idea of the pathway for future development
- Coach Eventing to CCI 3* with a clear idea of the pathway for future development
- Train and develop coaches to BHS Performance Coach BHSI.
Entry Requirements
- A minimum age of 25 years old
- BHSI
- Competition history to the levels above in at least two disciplines.
Download the syllabus for further details.
Fellowship – Dressage
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- Candidates will coach confidently to Grand Prix with a clear understanding of the pathway to develop towards championships and team selection.
Entry Requirements
- A minimum age of 25 years old
- BHSI
- Successfully produced horses and competed internationally in dressage competitions up to and including Grand Prix
- Experienced in coaching riders up to Grand Prix.
Download the syllabus for further details.
Fellowship – Show Jumping
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- Candidates will coach confidently to 1.45 metres with a clear understanding of the pathway to develop towards championships and team selection.
Entry Requirements
- A minimum age of 25 years old
- BHSI
- Successfully produced horses and competed internationally in show jumping competitions up to and including Grade A
- Experienced in coaching riders up to Grade A.
Download the syllabus for further details
Fellowship – Eventing
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- Candidates will coach confidently to 4* with a clear understanding of the pathway to develop towards championships and team selection
Entry Requirements
- A minimum age of 25 years old
- BHSI
- Successfully produced horses and competed in Eventing competitions up to and including FEI 5*
- Experienced in coaching riders up to FEI 5*.
Download the syllabus for further details.
The assessment
Firstly, you will deliver a practical presentation to an audience on a date prior to the final assessment. This will be arranged by yourself in conjunction with the Education Team. You must pass the practical presentation assessment to go forward to the final assessment. If required, a reassessment of the practical presentation can be arranged. The candidate covers all assessment costs.
The final assessment takes place over two days, during which candidates are assessed on coaching and riding skills, lunge, jumping and theoretical knowledge covering all aspects of equitation, stable management, the history of equitation and current affairs.
Assessment dates
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The General Fellowship assessment is held every 12 to 18 months. A minimum of three candidates are required to run the assessment and there will be six places available.
Applications for 2024 assessment are now closed.
Please check back for future assessment date announcements.
How to apply
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If you are a Performance Coach BHSI and have the skills, knowledge and passion to become a BHS Fellow then we welcome your application.
The application is a two-step process.
Step 1: A CV and cover letter, to include:
- Previous and present occupations
- Academic qualifications
- Equestrian qualifications
- Other equestrian work
- Competition experience
- Teaching/coaching experience
- Details of regular trainers used, and study undertaken.
Further information can be found in the syllabus and guidelines.
Step 2: If your CV is accepted you will be invited to apply for the practical assessments. If you do not feel ready to apply this time, your CV will not need to be resubmitted for reapproval as long as the Fellowship syllabus remains current, or if the syllabus is amended within this time, a minimum of 3 years from the date of submission.
Assessment fees
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- CV submission: £150
- Two-day assessment: £1400*
- Practical presentation to an audience: no fee to the BHS for this assessment. The candidate is responsible for any cost for facility hire, equipment, demonstration riders, and so on.
*If you are a BHS Accredited Professional, we are pleased to be able to offer a 25% discount to the two-day assessment fee.
What support can we offer you?
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If you feel you would like additional support at an assessment please follow our Access Arrangements guidance.
We encourage you to find a Fellow to mentor you through the process. If you do not know any Fellows in your area, please contact the BHS Education team and we will be happy to help. Get in touch by phone (02476 840508) or use our enquiry form.
Training for your assessment
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The BHS offer training events and advertises external training events.
Find a training event or course.
We also have a dedicated closed Facebook group for people requesting or advertising training for BHS assessments.
Other information you need to know
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Polices and procedures
Our qualifications are delivered to the highest standards possible. We have policies and procedures that we follow before, during and after the assessment. This ensures that our assessments are fair and offer you the best quality and service we can provide. We encourage you (or your parent or carer) to be familiar with our policies and our assessment terms and conditions. These explain what you can expect from us and what we expect from you as a candidate at a BHS assessment. Your experience and satisfaction is very important to us. If at any point you feel disappointed in the service we provide the information below will also inform how you can let us know.
BHS Assessment terms and conditions
IGEQ Equestrian Passport
A BHS Fellow can apply for an IGEQ International Expert Equestrian Passport.
The Equestrian Passport offers easy to carry confirmation of educator qualifications. It enables educators to have their qualifications recognised and accepted in IGEQ member countries, thus easing the difficulties of teaching in other parts of the world (subject to national legal requirements).
Fellows and Instructors Association
A BHS Fellow is welcome to join the Association of Fellows and Instructors of the BHS – an established peer group training and discussion body supporting your career and development.