HRH The Princess Royal observed several workshops with the future generation of equestrians.
Equine charity, The British Horse Society (BHS) was honoured to welcome their Vice-Patron, HRH The Princess Royal to BHS Approved Ingestre Stables last week, to recognise our future equestrian coaches and the important role they play in the long-term sustainability of the industry.
This comes at a critical time, with riding schools across the UK struggling to attract the staff they need to be able to run at full capacity.
Ingestre Stables offers training and guidance to equestrians from all backgrounds and at all experience levels. The centre consistently produces staff with the highest level of skills, with many achieving top qualifications in coaching and yard management.
Set in a beautiful Grade 2 listed stable yard, Ingestre Stables is unique in its coaching calibre. As BHS Fellows, which is recognised as the highest equestrian qualification in the world, proprietors Rob Lovatt and Tim Downes both bring their own experience and knowledge to support the next generation of equestrians.
To showcase the work the team at Ingestre Stables and the BHS does to support the future of the equestrian industry, HRH The Princess Royal observed demonstrations from those working towards their BHS qualifications.
Many of them have benefited from the BHS’s Career Transition Fund which has been put in place by the equine charity to protect and support the future of riding schools and livery yards, as well as develop those who would like a professional career in equestrianism.
The fund aims to provide financial support to students training for their BHS qualifications at stage 2, 3 and 4, opening doors to a world of opportunities. So far, 1,300 people have benefited from this fund.
Ingestre Stables themselves continue to train and develop key equine skills, funded by the Career Transition Fund, as well as hold several insight days around the BHS coaching qualifications and how they can guide people through their journey with horses.
HRH The Princess Royal was also introduced to employees and neighbours of Ingestre Stables, as well as all those participants who’ve had the opportunity to experience the true joy of horses.
James Hick, Chief Executive Officer at The British Horse Society said: “It was a real privilege to introduce our Vice Patron HRH The Princess Royal to Ingestre Stables, and to showcase the great work and time that is being invested into developing key skills across their community. We are privileged to have such a remarkable centre, with brilliant horses, that trains the next generation to the highest of standards.
Supporting the next generation of equestrians is particularly important as the riding industry and UK’s centres continue to face staff shortages. Whether our qualifications are being used to start an equestrian career or to take a career to the next level, we’re honoured to play a part in this journey and to be by the side of those who care as greatly for horses as we do.”
Tim Downes, BHS Fellow and Ingestre Stables Proprietor said: “We are honoured to have received a visit from HRH The Princess Royal. As great advocates of The British Horse Society’s education system, it has been a great pleasure for our coaches and students to showcase their talents.
This week, we are celebrating another of our coaches achieving her Performance Coach BHSI, which is the second highest qualification the BHS offers, meaning that we now employ the most BHS performance coaches of any riding school in the UK.”
HRH The Princess Royal was invited to unveil a plaque at Ingestre Stables to commemorate the visit.
To learn more about the BHS’s qualification offerings, their Career Transition Fund and how you can launchpad a thriving career in the equine industry, visit: bhs.org.uk/pathways
You can discover more about Ingestre Stables and the work they do to make horses accessible to all here ingestre.com
