Professional equestrian tourism qualifications available through British Horse Society Approved stables in Scotland

British Equestrian Tourism (BET) qualifications offer a recognised standard of competence when attracting clients to the tourism industry and will benefit any establishment offering trekking and/or horse riding as a facility. BET examinations are being held in Scotland on 4 and 11 March at the British Horse Society Approved Strathearn Stables, Crieff in Perthshire, with optional pre-examination training available in the run-up. Child Protection and First Aid courses are also catered for.

The examinations are set at three levels and will test the candidates' competence in taking out a ride and treks, either as an assistant or in charge, their ability to communicate and advise novice riders, their knowledge of health and safety issues and experience in assisting in running a tourism/trekking centre.

Assistant Ride Leader - designed for those working full or part time in the industry. The holder of this certificate is competent to take out a ride, a short trek or a hack of no more than two hours duration (provided the staff to client ration does not exceed 1:6) or to assist a Ride Leader on longer rides. An assistant should be a sensible, safe person who is able to communicate with and help first time riders as well as assisting in the basic day to day running of a tourism/ trekking /riding holiday centre.

Ride Leader - A ride leader is someone who is able to take sole charge of first time riders or more experienced riders. He or she must have a sound knowledge and awareness of safety, of looking after groups of horses and clients in the yard and out on a ride. He or she should be capable of taking charge of a centre in the owner's absence for a temporary period not exceeding one month.

Holiday Centre Manager - This is someone who is able to operate, as either manger or owner, a riding holiday centre both from the practical as well as financial aspects. He or she is an expert to whom others, including tourist organisations, can turn to for advice.

Anyone interested in taking part in the BET examinations should contact Chris Doran in the BHS Approvals Office on (tel: 01926 707794). For pre-examination training contact Strethearn Stables, Crieff Hydro Ltd on (tel: 01764 651616). Information on Riding & Road Safety tests, Equine Specific First Aid, Child Protection and other courses in Scotland should contact BHS Scotland Development Officer Helene Mauchlen on (tel: 01764 656334) or email: H.Mauchlen@bhs.org.uk <mailto:H.Mauchlen@bhs.org.uk>

.