BD Youth Horse Care programme announced

British Dressage is proud to introduce a brand new programme for youth riders, the BD Youth Horse Care programme, sponsored by Dengie. Focusing on four key areas - nutrition, grooming, wellbeing, and tack and dress - the programme is designed to help youth riders develop and improve their horse care know-how.

Starting with the Introductory Horse Care Certificate, progressing through to the Advanced Horse Care Certificate, the five tiers are linked to the BD Youth squadding levels, with a fast-track to the appropriate level for those already holding a certificate in horse care, such as Pony Club or BHS exams.

The Sport England-funded course is carried out via an online learning platform, with practical assessments commencing from summer 2020, and riders need to have begun in order to be eligible for regional teams in 2020.

Our BD Youth riders continually demonstrate great commitment to providing the very best care for their horses and ponies, and as a national governing body we want to facilitate the continued development of their horse management skills.

“After many months of planning, we are delighted to implement a horse care course to the BD Youth system,” commented BD Youth Director, Claire Moir.

“Our BD Youth riders continually demonstrate great commitment to providing the very best care for their horses and ponies, and as a national governing body we want to facilitate the continued development of their horse management skills.”

BD Training and Education Manager, Charlotte Osborne said: “The provision of the BD Youth Horse Care programme - which covers everything from the fundamentals of horse care to ensuring horses are in peak condition, both physically and mentally – will give riders the tools they need to ensure their horses are training and competition-ready.

“Since well-being and meticulous management of horses and ponies go hand-in-hand with training for successful and happy partnerships, this is an exciting development for BD Youth and we look forward to welcoming riders onto the programme.” she added.

As a company devoted to supporting young riders, Dengie Horse Feeds will sponsor the programme as part of their sponsorship of the BD Youth training programmes. “Dengie is proud to support BD Youth. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to be involved with the Horse Care programme, helping to impart our nutritional support, guidance and expertise on educating our future dressage stars,” says Dengie Marketing Manager, Lisa Wilson.

Find out more and register today

If you already hold a certificate in horse care (such as the Pony Club or BHS exams) please contact your Regional Development Officer or Youth Development Officer, Hannah James.