British Horse Society facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | BHS |
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| Founded | 5 November 1947 |
| Type | Charitable organisation |
| Registration no. | England and Wales: 210504 Scotland: SC038516 |
| Focus | Equine |
| Location |
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Area served
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United Kingdom |
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Members
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Over 110,000 |
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Key people
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James Hick (CEO), Martin Clunes (President) |
| Publication | British Horse magazine |
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Employees
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87 (average full-time equivalent) (2018) |
The British Horse Society, also known as the BHS, is a charity in the United Kingdom that focuses on horses. A charity is a group that works to help others, not to make a profit. The BHS wants to be a strong voice for both horses and people, helping everyone learn more about these amazing animals through training and education.
With over 110,000 members, plus another 34,000 in its riding clubs, the BHS is the biggest horse-related membership group in the UK. It is also one of 19 groups that make up the British Equestrian Federation, which is the main organisation for horse sports in the country.
Contents
History of the BHS
The British Horse Society was created on November 5, 1947. It was formed when two older groups, the Institute of the Horse and Pony Club and the National Horse Association of Great Britain, decided to join together. The society's first president was a woman named Mary Colvin.
What are the goals of the BHS?
The BHS has several important goals, all focused on horses and the people who love them.
- Education and Safety: To teach people how to be safe around horses and how to care for them properly.
- Horse Welfare: To look after the well-being, health, and safety of all horses.
- Healthy Fun: To encourage people to enjoy healthy activities with horses, like riding.
- Protecting Horses: To prevent cruelty and neglect to horses and to rescue and care for those in need.
- Riding Paths: To protect and create safe paths, called bridleways, where people can ride and drive horses.
British Riding Clubs
The British Riding Clubs (BRC) are a big part of the BHS. Over 50 years ago, some riding clubs in the south east of England asked to join the BHS. This allowed them to be part of a national organisation while still running their own local events.
Today, there are over 440 clubs and more than 34,000 members. These clubs are for everyone, from people who ride for fun to those who love to compete. The clubs organise competitions, training sessions, and fun social events. Their biggest championships are held at famous horse shows like the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the London International Horse Show.
Who runs the BHS?
The BHS has some famous supporters. The actor Martin Clunes is the society's president. Its official patron was Queen Elizabeth II, and Princess Anne is the vice patron. A patron is a well-known person who supports a charity and helps bring attention to its work.
What does the BHS do?
The BHS is involved in many activities to help horses and riders across the UK.
Training and Education
The BHS is known around the world for its excellent training courses and qualifications. It offers exams for horse owners who want to learn more about caring for their animals. It also has advanced qualifications for people who want to become professional riding instructors or grooms. The BHS keeps a list of approved coaches that people can trust.
Protecting Riding Trails
The BHS works hard to protect and expand the network of bridleways in England, Scotland, and Wales. These are paths and trails where it is safe to ride horses. The society has even created a 'National Bridleroute Network' of long-distance riding routes.
Sometimes, the BHS has to stand up for riders' rights. For example, it once challenged a company's decision to close a popular bridleway. Even though the BHS didn't win that legal case, many people supported their effort to protect riding trails from being lost.
Keeping Riders Safe
The BHS Safety Department works to make horse riding safer for everyone. A big part of this is campaigning for safer conditions for riders on roads.
The BHS offers a 'Riding and Road Safety' test, which over 4,000 people take each year. This test teaches riders how to stay safe when riding near traffic. The society also runs a website where people can report accidents involving horses. This information helps the BHS push for better safety measures for riders.
Caring for Horses' Welfare
The BHS Welfare team works to prevent horse cruelty and neglect. They do this by educating horse owners and having a network of volunteers who can check on reports of horses in trouble. These volunteers can offer advice and support to help owners take better care of their animals.
The team also works with the government on laws related to animal welfare. They run campaigns like 'Think Before You Breed' to encourage responsible breeding. To raise money for their work, the BHS organises 'Challenge Rides' in amazing places like Peru, Iceland, and Mongolia.
Successful Campaigns
Dead Slow Campaign
In 2016, the BHS started its 'Dead Slow' campaign. It was created to teach drivers how to pass horses safely on the road. The main message is for drivers to slow down to 15 miles per hour and give the horse plenty of space. The campaign was featured on TV and radio and was even discussed in the UK Parliament.
The BHS Headquarters
In 2010, the BHS moved into a new, eco-friendly headquarters in Warwickshire. The building was specially designed to have a small impact on the surrounding countryside.
It is a single-story building that circles around a large, old oak tree. The building is made from natural stone and oak wood. It also has a "green roof" covered with special plants called sedum. This roof helps keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It also helps the building blend in with the natural landscape.
Hall of Fame
The British Horse Society Equestrian Hall of Fame is a special award that honours people and horses who have made amazing contributions to the world of horse riding.
