British Horse Society Launches Brand New Ride Safe Award
Posted on Wednesday 6th September 2017 in All Road Users, Education and Training
Issued on behalf of the British Horse Society (BHS).
Following the launch of The British Horse Society’s (BHS) Dead or Dead Slow campaign, which highlights the dangers that riders face every day on Britain’s roads, the Society (17 July) has launched its Ride Safe Award.
Ride Safe has been designed to help riders feel safer and more confident when riding out on the road and beyond. The award is the equivalent of the cycling industry’s Bikeablity certificate, and has been endorsed by The Department for Transport’s Think campaign which helps vulnerable road users.
To officially launch the new award, Sports Broadcaster, Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes and 18-year-old International Dressage Champion, Phoebe Peters took part in a Ride Safe demonstration to show the importance of being confident when riding out.
The British Horse Society’s Director of Safety, Alan Hiscox said, “Ride Safe is the foundation of the BHS’ new Equine Excellence Pathway, aimed at all riders, of any age and ability. Just like the Bikeablity certificate, we want to encourage all horse riders to take the award before they go out on the road”.
The BHS is highly regarded for their extensive equestrian qualifications that have been running for over 30 years, and Ride Safe is the foundation stage of the relaunched Equine Excellence Pathway.
The BHS Equine Excellence Pathway is not just for riders – whether it’s a career to become a successful groom, stable manager or a specialist coach, there’s a pathway to choose from.
Phoebe Peters said,”Ride Safe and the new Equine Excellence Pathway are designed to benefit equine enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, whether you want to enjoy hacking safely or succeed at the top levels of horse sport as a rider or groom or coach”.
Many famous equestrians have gone through the BHS Equine Excellence Pathway including BHS Fellow Yogi Breisner MBE. Yogi, also present at the event, took Phoebe through a coaching session to highlight the importance of using a qualified coach.
Today in the UK, there are more than 1.3 million recreational riders, and the equestrian industry is worth £8 billion. With fewer bridleways for equestrians to access and more cars on the road, the new Ride Safe Award is a welcomed approach by industry groups.
