If you are an aspiring or current equestrian professional, obtaining recognised equestrian qualifications and completing accredited CPD courses can support the development of your equine career and business.
At Ravenhall Rural, we work in partnership with The Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS+) to encourage equine businesses to maintain high standards of horse and client care. By attaining relevant ABRS+ equine qualifications, professionals gain industry-recognised accreditation, which may also provide access to certain insurance benefits through our partnership.
In this article, we outline some of the benefits of the ABRS+ Certificate in Equestrian Coaching courses, along with more information about the courses, who they are designed for, and why they can be valuable for those working in the equine sector.
Why the ABRS+ courses may benefit the equine industry
Some certifications and training can be important for meeting insurance requirements or keeping pace with evolving UK regulations in the equine industry.
The benefits of gaining ABRS+ accreditation and participating in continued professional development courses from this recognised equine education provider can be wide-ranging — for your career, your team, and your business.
Here are some of the potential benefits ABRS+ training courses may provide to you, your business, and the equine industry:
- Professional credibility – Obtaining ABRS+ equestrian qualifications and demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development may enhance your reputation and help you appear more credible, trustworthy, and safety-focused.
- Improved skills and knowledge – Courses can help ensure you and your staff are applying current best practices in high-quality care and services for horses and clients.
- Improved risk management – ABRS+ courses emphasise safety and welfare for both horses and people, supporting staff such as riding instructors and assistants to perform their roles safely, inclusively, and responsibly.
- Opportunity to develop a professional portfolio – Building a portfolio through these courses showcases your work and supports ongoing career development. For example, it may help demonstrate the skills needed to progress from coaching to managing a yard.
- Support with regulatory compliance – As the equine industry becomes more regulated, training can help staff gain knowledge aligned with industry standards and expectations.
About the Certificate in Equestrian Coaching (CIEC)
The Certificate in Equestrian Coaching (CIEC), formerly known as the United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC), is a nationally recognised equine qualification provided by 1st4Sport and endorsed by UK Coaching. It is designed with a standardised approach across equestrian disciplines, with a focus on coaching for general riding rather than being restricted to a specific discipline.
CIEC qualifications are widely regarded as one of the primary pathways for equestrians seeking to become UK based, qualified horse riding instructors. They are recognised by many riding schools and are often requested for employed and freelance instructors and assistants, as they demonstrate training to a high standard in coaching, safeguarding, and first aid.
Through ABRS+, participants have the opportunity to work towards Level 1 and Level 2 CIEC qualifications.
Who is the Certificate in Equestrian Coaching Courses for?
Level 1 Certificate in Equestrian Coaching
The Level 1 Certificate in Equestrian Coaching (CIEC) is often considered the starting point for those pursuing a career as a horse riding instructor. It is recognised across the UK equestrian industry and provides the foundation for working as an assistant riding instructor.
Completing the Level 1 CIEC demonstrates that you have developed the skills to support coaching teams in preparing, delivering, and evaluating safe and effective riding lessons as an assistant equestrian coach.
Level 2 Certificate in Equestrian Coaching
The Level 2 CIEC builds on the foundation of Level 1 and is designed for those who wish to coach independently. It enables participants to plan, deliver, and evaluate lessons to help riders develop their skills.
This course expands knowledge and practical ability across key areas of the coaching role, including technical coaching requirements for general riding, responsibilities as a coach, and creating safe, inclusive, and progressive horse‑riding lessons within a chosen equestrian discipline.
Who is the CIEC designed for?
Aspiring coaches – individuals who want to begin their career with a structured training programme that provides an industry-recognised qualification.
Riding instructors – those who wish to gain formal coaching credentials.
Riding school staff – employees who already assist with lessons but want to upskill and support career progression.
Volunteers or part-time coaches – people working in equestrian centres, clubs, community programmes, or special events who want or need to gain a formal qualification.
Participants may also be eligible for funding support for their CIEC, depending on circumstances and available programmes.
British Equestrian, in partnership with ABRS+ and other member organisations, offers the British Equestrian Coach Bursary Scheme to support new and developing coaches in gaining their CIEC and other qualifications. Successful applicants may be eligible for up to 50% support towards course and/or assessment fees.
Further details about the scheme, including eligibility requirements and application processes, are available on the ABRS+ and British Equestrian websites.
Why insurers favour equestrian businesses with CIECs and other professional qualifications
Having a CIEC qualification is more than just training to teach horse riding. It represents an investment in safety, risk management, and professionalism within your equine role. It can add credibility to your business operations and may be viewed positively by insurance providers when assessing equine business insurance quotes.
Equestrian business insurance providers often look for evidence of competence and professionalism that indicates a business is operating to high safety standards and managing risk effectively. This also relates to ensuring staff are appropriately trained and qualified for their roles.
CIEC-qualified equine coaches and assistant coaches demonstrate to insurers that their team is committed to industry best practices, follows regulated coaching practices, has the skills to plan safe riding sessions, understands how to manage horse rider risks, and has clear emergency response plans in place.
These are factors insurers may take into account, and in some cases, this could contribute to more favourable equestrian insurance quotes, as a CIEC-qualified team may help reduce the likelihood of claims and overall risk exposure.
So whether you run a riding school or equestrian centre, work as a freelance riding instructor, provide therapeutic riding sessions or equine-assisted learning, run seasonal horse riding camps, attend events, or offer guided trail rides, it may be worth considering an accredited and industry-recognised equestrian coaching course.
For more information, contact ABRS+ or speak with specialist equine insurance brokers at Ravenhall Rural for tailored guidance.