Nelson Park Riding Centre Ltd regularly hold BHS Riding & Road Safety courses, please see our schedule of events for 2008

The BHS Riding and Road Safety Test is taken by over 4,000 candidates a year and helps to educate riders in road safety in order to minimise the risk involved when riding on the roads. Training is available to all riders from 12 years of age and the test is supported by the DETR. It is the only test that any rider will undertake that has the potential to save not only their own life but that of their horse as well.

It is not essential to own a horse in order to take the test as many riding schools and centres organize them for their pupils. Similarly, you do not have to attend a centre in order to take the test and training. Although the published dates refer mainly to tests being held at centres, if a group of 8 or more people can get together, many trainers and examiners are happy, subject to a satisfactory risk assessment, to come to them. This obviates the need for your own transport.

As from the 1st August 2005 any grievance arising as a result of a Riding and Road Safety Test will be dealt with by an independent moderator. All grievances must be made in writing to The British Horse Society, Stoneleigh Deer Park, Kenilworth CV8 2XZ and accompanied by a fee of £40 (please check with the BHS), which will be refunded if upheld.

Grievances must be received within four weeks of the date of the examination.

BHS Stage 1 Exam

Candidates taking the BHS Stage 1 Examination are required to be Gold or Junior Gold members of the society.  The minimum age for the Stage 1 Exam is 14 years.  It is envisaged that candidates under the age of 15 years may not have accrued the required skills/knowledge for this professional qualification.

The Stage examinations include a Riding and Stable Management section, which can be taken together on the same day or separately. The complete qualification will not be awarded until both sections have been successfully achieved.

The examinations are taken at specially selected BHS Examination centres around the UK and abroad. The team of examiners that attend the exam are professional, qualified and current.

The candidate must understand the basic principles of horse care and working under supervision, he/she must show some knowledge and practice of looking after a well-mannered horse in the stable and at grass. He/She must be capable of riding a quiet, experienced horse or pony in an enclosed space.  The syllabus will provide candidates with full details of the examination content.

The BHS Examinations are professional qualifications and it is therefore important that candidates dress appropriately.

Candidates wishing to apply for the examination will be required to complete an application form and return it to the BHS Examinations Office, Stoneleigh Deer Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2XZ