Island Life Magazine Ltd October/ November 2012 | Page 97
EQUESTRIAN
of equine subjects, many of them
downloadable from the website, and
the BHS staff is able to help with
enquiries. British Riding Clubs offer
great opportunities to compete, and
the Isle of Wight Riding Club is a very
active club.
Have you thought about taking a
Horse Owner’s Certificate? There
are four levels, allowing progression
as your horse care and management
knowledge and skills develop. These
certificates are ideal not only for
first time horse owners, but also for
parents of horse owners and for those
considering buying a horse. They are a
great way of checking your knowledge
before taking the plunge of ownership!
Back to those considering taking
up the reins for the first time – what
can the BHS do for you? Well the
BHS can help you find somewhere to
learn safely and effectively, through
its Approved Establishments list. Each
of the establishments on the list has
been inspected by a highly experienced
representative of the BHS, who will
have looked carefully at the level of
instruction available, the facilities
and equipment, and the standards of
safety, horse care and management.
By choosing a BHS approved centre,
you know you are choosing somewhere
that has been thoroughly scrutinised
and has met the required standards.
Did you know that horse riding, as
well as being fun, is also great exercise?
The BHS recently commissioned the
University of Brighton, in partnership
with Plumpton College, to research
the physical health, psychological and
well-being benefits of recreational
horse riding in the UK, and the results
were very positive in showing horse
riding as a moderate intensity exercise
with positive psychological benefits.
The full report can be read on the
BHS website.
There are plenty of places to ride
on the Isle of Wight, including two
BHS approved riding schools, so what
are you waiting for? If you, or your
children, dream of being the next
generation of Olympic athletes, then
visit www.bhs.org.uk to find out more
about how to get involved in this
wonderfully rewarding sport.
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