British Horse Society
Encyclopedia
The British Horse Society (BHS) is a membership-based equine charity
, with a stated vision of "a society which provides a strong voice for horses and people and which spreads awareness through support, training and education". It currently has more than 71,000 members, with a further 34,000 members affiliated through a riding club, making it the largest equine membership club in the United Kingdom
. It is one of the 16 organisations which form part of the British Equestrian Federation
.
was its president.
area approached the BHS with the idea of providing a scheme where riding clubs could become affiliated to the BHS, whilst remaining relatively autonomous, running their own affairs. Since then, the numbers have grown considerably, with more than 440 affiliated clubs, over 20 affiliated riding centres, and between 30,000 and 40,000 members, each coming within one of 23 administrative areas. Each riding club's membership is open to everyone, from those who just wish to hack out on (and care for) horses, to the dedicated competitor whose every spare moment is tied up with their equestrian activities.
The aims of the scheme are to educate and encourage those interested in riding, to improve the level of horsemanship, and to promote the welfare of horses. BRC areas organise a wide range of competitive, social and educational activities for their members, with competition finals held at some of Britain's most prestigious events, such as the Royal Windsor Horse Show, the Royal International Horse show, and the London International Horse Show (Olympia).
, are:
will take over the role from 1st June 2011. The Patron of the Society is Her Majesty The Queen.
's qualifications.
The BHS also maintains a Register of Instructors in the UK and around the world.
, Scotland
and Wales
. It is working on creating the National Bridleroute Network of long distance equestrian routes, incorporating bridleways, byways
and minor roads, which it has called "bridleroutes". This work is supported by an extensive network of national committees and regional groups. The BHS is consulted about proposed legislation, government planning guidance, Definitive Maps and road schemes, and have influenced and continue to influence legislation.
The BHS took on the BMW
car company over their decision to reassign the use of property owned by them, resulting in closure of an existing horse bridleway. The BHS challenged this decision by BMW in court and subsequently lost and were ordered to repay legal costs to BMW. The BHS refused to acknowledge the impartial legal decision of the judiciary and then sought donations from the public to pay the legal bills accumulated by BHS and those ordered to be repaid by the court to BMW. Some questioned the motives and ethics of BHS management in applying limited financial resources to causes of an indeterminate nature. The BHS's lack of recognition of the decision of the judiciary has also exposed the organisation to questions of competent business practices and ethics. The good intent of the BHS was recognised by many, as the continued loss of bridleways across the country has eroded the freedom of those participating in horseriding activities.
The BHS attempted to mount a campaign to contest the freedom of general walkers and their dogs in the countryside and on common land where horse riding activities occur. To date this has not resulted in any definitive action, but the intent of the organisation has been well publicised.
Education of motorists and riders is a high priority. The Riding and Road Safety test is taken by more than 4,000 candidates every year. This helps to educate riders in road safety and to minimise the risks involved when riding on the road.
The great experience of BHS Welfare volunteers enables the Society to respond in an informed and sympathetic manner to reports of equine suffering and neglect, giving advice and guidance to horse owners on a wide range of topics. The majority of cases that our volunteers respond to relate to neglect rather than cruelty. Most cases can be resolved by educating horse owners.
As well as responding to welfare concerns, BHS Welfare lobbies government on a number of welfare-related issues; runs campaigns including the Ragwort
Awareness Campaign; promotes responsible breeding through its close link with the BHS Horse and Pony Breeds Committee; works closely with other welfare organisations, and monitors the horses and ponies on the BHS's Re-home Scheme.
To help fund its vital work, BHS Welfare organises and runs Challenge Rides to Peru
, Jordan
, Iceland
and Inner Mongolia
.
for actions taken to improve the safety for horse riders in areas of the country used for low flight level aircraft training. The M.O.D. had previously been found directly responsible for the death of a novice horse rider and had been ordered to address their low flying policies as a result.
Some felt the award was ethically improper; particularly so since the BHS had used the name of the accident victim in promotional material without the consent of the family members.
, severely criticised the BHS for failing to fulfill its fundamental aims; that of recruitment of the existing horse riding community to the organisation and positive promotion of the activity to potential new participants. The Chairman of the BHS, Patrick Print, attempted to mitigate Mr. Edmonds statements by quoting some recent activities the BHS had participated in - however, some of these activities were later found to be in themselves controversial; particularly the low flying campaign known as Operation Brighteyes. Noel Edmonds resigned from his position at the BHS a few months later.
procedure (otherwise known as LDR or Hyperflection) debate. The BHS received letters of complaint from its membership and online petitions were created that expressed anger for the BHS' apparent lack of concern for the welfare of horses subject to the physically painful manoeuvre. Some individuals called for the resignation of the senior management of the BHS for bringing the organisations name into disrepute by promoting the activity. The BHS responded with dismissive and confrontational comments that angered the complaining members.
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
, with a stated vision of "a society which provides a strong voice for horses and people and which spreads awareness through support, training and education". It currently has more than 71,000 members, with a further 34,000 members affiliated through a riding club, making it the largest equine membership club in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. It is one of the 16 organisations which form part of the British Equestrian Federation
British Equestrian Federation
The British Equestrian Federation is the national governing body of equestrian sport in Great Britain and represents the country at the International Federation for Equestrian Sports .-Purpose:...
.
History
The BHS was founded in 1947 in the amalgamation of two organisations - the Institute of the Horse and Pony Club, and the National Horse Association of Great Britain. Mary ColvinMary Colvin
Brigadier Dame Mary Colvin, DBE, TD was a director of the British Army Women's Royal Army Corps and president of the British Horse Society.-Family:...
was its president.
British Riding Clubs
The British Riding Clubs movement became affiliated to the British Horse Society over fifty years ago, when several riding clubs from the South East EnglandSouth East England
South East England is one of the nine official regions of England, designated in 1994 and adopted for statistical purposes in 1999. It consists of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and West Sussex...
area approached the BHS with the idea of providing a scheme where riding clubs could become affiliated to the BHS, whilst remaining relatively autonomous, running their own affairs. Since then, the numbers have grown considerably, with more than 440 affiliated clubs, over 20 affiliated riding centres, and between 30,000 and 40,000 members, each coming within one of 23 administrative areas. Each riding club's membership is open to everyone, from those who just wish to hack out on (and care for) horses, to the dedicated competitor whose every spare moment is tied up with their equestrian activities.
The aims of the scheme are to educate and encourage those interested in riding, to improve the level of horsemanship, and to promote the welfare of horses. BRC areas organise a wide range of competitive, social and educational activities for their members, with competition finals held at some of Britain's most prestigious events, such as the Royal Windsor Horse Show, the Royal International Horse show, and the London International Horse Show (Olympia).
Aims
The primary objectives of the BHS, as published in its Memorandum of AssociationMemorandum of Association
The memorandum of association of a company, often simply called the memorandum , is the document that governs the relationship between the company and the outside...
, are:
- To promote the interests of horseHorseThe horse is one of two extant subspecies of Equus ferus, or the wild horse. It is a single-hooved mammal belonging to the taxonomic family Equidae. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed animal of today...
and ponyPonyA pony is a small horse . Depending on context, a pony may be a horse that is under an approximate or exact height at the withers, or a small horse with a specific conformation and temperament. There are many different breeds...
breeding and to encourage the use and protection of horses and ponies. (Horses and ponies includes any mareMare (horse)A mare is an adult female horse or other equine.In most cases, a mare is a female horse over the age of three, and a filly is a female horse age three and younger. However, in Thoroughbred horse racing, a mare is defined as a female horse more than four years old; in harness racing a mare is a...
, geldingGeldingA gelding is a castrated horse or other equine such as a donkey or a mule. Castration, and the elimination of hormonally driven behavior associated with a stallion, allows a male horse to be calmer and better-behaved, making the animal quieter, gentler and potentially more suitable as an everyday...
, foalFoalA foal is an equine, particularly a horse, that is one year old or younger. More specific terms are colt for a male foal and filly for a female foal, but these terms are used until the horse is age three or four. When the foal is nursing from its dam , it may also be called a suckling...
, coltColt (horse)A colt is a young male horse, under the age of four. The term "colt" is often confused with foal, which refers to a horse of either sex under one year of age....
, fillyFillyA filly is a young female horse too young to be called a mare. There are several specific definitions in use.*In most cases filly is a female horse under the age of four years old....
or stallionStallionA Stallion is a male horse.Stallion may also refer to:* Stallion , an American pop rock group* Stallion , a figure in the Gobot toyline* Stallion , a character in the console role-playing game series...
and also any assDonkeyThe donkey or ass, Equus africanus asinus, is a domesticated member of the Equidae or horse family. The wild ancestor of the donkey is the African Wild Ass, E...
, muleMuleA mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Horses and donkeys are different species, with different numbers of chromosomes. Of the two F1 hybrids between these two species, a mule is easier to obtain than a hinny...
or jennetJennetA Jennet or Spanish Jennet was a small Spanish horse. It was noted for a smooth naturally ambling gait, compact and well-muscled build, and a good disposition...
.) - To promote and facilitate the acquisition and distribution of the knowledge of the various arts and sciences connected with the horse and pony and the use and management thereof.
Governance
The President of the Society is Desi Dillingham. Martin ClunesMartin Clunes
Alexander Martin Clunes is an English actor and comedian. Clunes is perhaps best known for his roles as Gary Strang in Men Behaving Badly, Doctor Martin Ellingham in Doc Martin and the title character in Reggie Perrin....
will take over the role from 1st June 2011. The Patron of the Society is Her Majesty The Queen.
BHS Exams
The BHS has an extensive and world-renowned system of examinations, including the Horse Owner's Certificates and Progressive Riding Tests (PRTs) which are aimed at the leisure rider, and the Stages exams which lead to various riding instructorRiding instructor
A riding instructor is a person whose job it is to teach methods of horse riding to beginners and improve the intermediate and advanced rider's style and technique. A riding instructor may also serve as a coach for a rider in competition. Some instructors may work out of their own riding...
's qualifications.
The BHS also maintains a Register of Instructors in the UK and around the world.
Access and Rights of Way
The BHS Access and Rights of Way department works to improve the bridleways network throughout EnglandEngland
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
and Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
. It is working on creating the National Bridleroute Network of long distance equestrian routes, incorporating bridleways, byways
Byway (road)
A byway in the United Kingdom is a minor secondary or tertiary road. In 2000 the legal term 'restricted byway' was introduced to cover roads on which it is possible to travel by any mode but not using 'mechanically propelled vehicles'.-Byway Open to All Traffic :In England & Wales, a Byway Open to...
and minor roads, which it has called "bridleroutes". This work is supported by an extensive network of national committees and regional groups. The BHS is consulted about proposed legislation, government planning guidance, Definitive Maps and road schemes, and have influenced and continue to influence legislation.
The BHS took on the BMW
BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. It also owns and produces the Mini marque, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands...
car company over their decision to reassign the use of property owned by them, resulting in closure of an existing horse bridleway. The BHS challenged this decision by BMW in court and subsequently lost and were ordered to repay legal costs to BMW. The BHS refused to acknowledge the impartial legal decision of the judiciary and then sought donations from the public to pay the legal bills accumulated by BHS and those ordered to be repaid by the court to BMW. Some questioned the motives and ethics of BHS management in applying limited financial resources to causes of an indeterminate nature. The BHS's lack of recognition of the decision of the judiciary has also exposed the organisation to questions of competent business practices and ethics. The good intent of the BHS was recognised by many, as the continued loss of bridleways across the country has eroded the freedom of those participating in horseriding activities.
The BHS attempted to mount a campaign to contest the freedom of general walkers and their dogs in the countryside and on common land where horse riding activities occur. To date this has not resulted in any definitive action, but the intent of the organisation has been well publicised.
Safety
The BHS Safety Department promotes the ongoing improvement of horse and rider safety. This includes campaigning for recognition and safe conditions for riders on Britain's roads.Education of motorists and riders is a high priority. The Riding and Road Safety test is taken by more than 4,000 candidates every year. This helps to educate riders in road safety and to minimise the risks involved when riding on the road.
Welfare
BHS Welfare aims to prevent cases of cruelty and neglect through education. This is achieved through its network of welfare volunteers, advisory literature, and a team of experienced and dedicated staff who handle all your enquiries.The great experience of BHS Welfare volunteers enables the Society to respond in an informed and sympathetic manner to reports of equine suffering and neglect, giving advice and guidance to horse owners on a wide range of topics. The majority of cases that our volunteers respond to relate to neglect rather than cruelty. Most cases can be resolved by educating horse owners.
As well as responding to welfare concerns, BHS Welfare lobbies government on a number of welfare-related issues; runs campaigns including the Ragwort
Senecio
Senecio is a genus of the daisy family that includes ragworts and groundsels. The flower heads are normally rayed, completely yellow, and the heads are borne in branched clusters...
Awareness Campaign; promotes responsible breeding through its close link with the BHS Horse and Pony Breeds Committee; works closely with other welfare organisations, and monitors the horses and ponies on the BHS's Re-home Scheme.
To help fund its vital work, BHS Welfare organises and runs Challenge Rides to Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
, Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
, Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
and Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China, located in the northern region of the country. Inner Mongolia shares an international border with the countries of Mongolia and the Russian Federation...
.
Ministry of Defence
The BHS caused controversy in November 2006, by issuing an award to the U.K. Ministry of DefenceMinistry of Defence (United Kingdom)
The Ministry of Defence is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces....
for actions taken to improve the safety for horse riders in areas of the country used for low flight level aircraft training. The M.O.D. had previously been found directly responsible for the death of a novice horse rider and had been ordered to address their low flying policies as a result.
Some felt the award was ethically improper; particularly so since the BHS had used the name of the accident victim in promotional material without the consent of the family members.
Noel Edmonds
In June 2006, the then President of the BHS, celebrity Noel EdmondsNoel Edmonds
Noel Ernest Edmonds, is an English broadcaster and executive, who made his name as a DJ on BBC Radio 1 in the UK. He has presented many light entertainment television programmes, including Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, Top of the Pops, The Late, Late Breakfast Show, Telly Addicts, Noel's Saturday...
, severely criticised the BHS for failing to fulfill its fundamental aims; that of recruitment of the existing horse riding community to the organisation and positive promotion of the activity to potential new participants. The Chairman of the BHS, Patrick Print, attempted to mitigate Mr. Edmonds statements by quoting some recent activities the BHS had participated in - however, some of these activities were later found to be in themselves controversial; particularly the low flying campaign known as Operation Brighteyes. Noel Edmonds resigned from his position at the BHS a few months later.
Rollkur
Recent issues of a BHS publication have carried articles on the controversial rollkurRollkur
Rollkur or hyperflexion of the horse's neck is a practice in equestrianism defined as "flexion of the horse's neck achieved through aggressive force" and is banned by the world governing body, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports...
procedure (otherwise known as LDR or Hyperflection) debate. The BHS received letters of complaint from its membership and online petitions were created that expressed anger for the BHS' apparent lack of concern for the welfare of horses subject to the physically painful manoeuvre. Some individuals called for the resignation of the senior management of the BHS for bringing the organisations name into disrepute by promoting the activity. The BHS responded with dismissive and confrontational comments that angered the complaining members.