British Dressage and the Scottish Racing Academy Unite to Grow Education in Equestrianism

British Dressage has partnered with the Scottish Racing Academy to offer new education opportunities to young equestrians, with the delivery of the BD Apprenticeship now available to those aged 16 and over living and working in Scotland.

The British Dressage Apprenticeship programme offers a series of nationally recognised qualifications delivered into a vocational setting. Previously, the BD opportunity has been available exclusively in England, in partnership with providers Sport Structures; now, the programme will be accessible to those aged 16 and over, living and working in Scotland, as the Scottish Racing Academy are set to deliver first class support to learners. From January, the SRA will be the training provider for BD members in Scotland, where they will deliver the Generic Horse Care Modern Apprenticeship (incorporating Dressage).

This collaboration opens up incredible, tailored opportunities for those seeking to acquire the knowledge they need to succeed in the industry, developing their skills and achieving a qualification whilst gaining all important experience in the equestrian workplace.

Whilst the equestrian-focused qualifications are curated with dressage at their core, the opportunities are open to any with an interest in horse care, welfare and sport. British Dressage and the Scottish Racing Aacademy are aligned in the intention of providing an inclusive route into the industry, fulfilling the need for improved access for those without the means or background. 

Throughout the programme, learners will be ably supported by the knowledgeable SRA team, along with BD Professional Programmes Officer Clare Stockley, who’s dedicated to providing unique opportunities and training to support learners' knowledge and experience.

Charlotte Osborne, British Dressage Training & Education Manager, commented: “I’m delighted to see the next step made for the BD Apprenticeship programme two years on from its launch. We’re committed to providing an inclusive, accessible route into equestrian sport – unlocking these opportunities in Scotland and Wales is the next step to achieving this goal. Our team are very much looking forward to working with the Scottish Racing Academy in welcoming new pupils to the programme and supporting them on their journey.”

Fiona Rawson, Scottish Racing Academy Chief Executive said: “The Scottish Racing Academy is excited to partner with British Dressage to role out the delivery of the Modern Apprenticeship to a wider equestrian audience across Scotland. In 2024, the Scottish Racing Academy was successful in an application to Skills Development Scotland to deliver the Modern Apprenticeship in Scotland. The Generic Horse Care qualifications provide an inclusive route into the equestrian industry supported by employers. Being able to provide the qualification for the dressage community opens the door to provide more opportunities for the young and developing workforce.”

To find out more about BD Apprenticeships, please click the link below. 

BD APPRENTICESHIPS