Are you looking for the perfect coach for your riding journey? You might have noticed a few different acronyms when searching for qualified equestrian professionals: BHS, UKCC, CIEC, ECC, but what do they all mean?
As a qualified coach myself, I believe passionately in transparency and professionalism. I want to help you understand the landscape of equestrian coaching qualifications in the UK and explain why choosing an accredited coach makes all the difference in quality and safety.
The UK’s equestrian qualification landscape
In the UK, equestrian coaching qualifications primarily follow two major pathways, though both share a commitment to developing excellent coaches and keeping horses and riders safe.
1. The BHS Pathway: The Complete Horsemanship Approach
The British Horse Society (BHS) offers a highly respected, comprehensive pathway that covers all aspects of horsemanship: riding, horse care (stable management), and coaching theory.
- Focus: An integrated approach ensuring coaches have deep practical knowledge of horse welfare, management, and riding technique, alongside teaching skills.
- Structure: The BHS uses progressive Stages (Stage 1 through to the prestigious Fellowship). To coach independently under the BHS umbrella, a coach needs a BHS Stage 3 Coach qualification or higher.
- Recognition: Widely recognised nationally and internationally for coaches and yard managers.
2. The ECC & CIEC Pathway: The Coaching Specialist Approach
This pathway is built around the ‘craft’ of pure coaching methodology and is endorsed by British Equestrian and UK Coaching. That said, entry criteria still require candidates to demonstrate proven ability in horse care, as well as riding on the flat and over jumps.
- ECC (Equestrian Coaching Certificate): This is the umbrella term for the specific coaching qualifications.
- CIEC (Certificate in Equestrian Coaching): This is the formal, nationally regulated qualification name awarded by 1st4sport. Via this route, accreditation and formal ‘permission’ to coach independently are granted upon successful completion of Level 2.
- UKCC (UK Coaching Certificate): This is the former name for these qualifications. While the name has changed to CIEC/ECC, existing UKCC qualifications are still perfectly valid and highly valued.
- Focus: This route concentrates specifically on the science and art of teaching – planning sessions, adapting to different learning styles, feedback mechanisms, and performance analysis.
The important distinction: why qualifications matter
It’s an interesting fact that, in the UK, there is currently no statutory legal requirement for an individual to hold a formal coaching qualification to call themselves an equestrian coach and charge for lessons.
Anyone can theoretically set up a business teaching riding.
However, this is precisely why choosing a formally qualified coach is crucial for your safety and development.
Qualified coaches like myself have voluntarily undertaken rigorous training and assessment processes and we have proven that we meet national standards for:
- Effectiveness: We are assessed on our ability to help you learn and achieve your goals using proven coaching techniques.
- Knowledge: We have demonstrated a high level of technical knowledge in our chosen discipline and general horsemanship.
- Safety & welfare: We are trained in risk management, safe working practices, and fundamental horse welfare.
Beyond the assessment: the power of regulation
The commitment doesn’t stop after we pass the final exam. Holding a regulated qualification requires us to maintain our status through ongoing professional development (CPD).
Qualified coaches sign and abide by a code of conduct and are required to uphold standards in critical areas, including:
- Enhanced DBS checks: We hold current, enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
- Safeguarding: We hold up-to-date certification for working with children and adults at risk.
- First aid: We maintain current, discipline-specific first aid certification.
- CPD: This ensures we stay abreast of the latest research in coaching science, equine psychology, new training techniques, and changes in competition rules.
Choosing the right coach for you
Whether your coach holds a BHS qualification or a 1st4sport CIEC/UKCC award, the key takeaway is their commitment to professional standards. These qualifications are your assurance that you are working with a dedicated professional who prioritises your safety, the horse’s welfare, and who applies effective, modern coaching practices to their sessions.
When you hire an accredited coach, you are investing in quality, safety, and expertise.
Stay safe, and happy riding!
Ready to put theory into practice? Now that you know the ‘why’ behind the qualifications, let’s focus on the ‘how’ for your riding. I offer mobile, accredited coaching across Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire – tailored to your unique goals. View my coaching services & pricing info.