The ABRS+ has long been at the forefront of supporting riding schools and promoting high standards in equine education and welfare, and has developed its membership offering by launching a new approval tier for equestrian establishments.
Over the last 12 months, the ABRS+ has placed equine wellbeing and the future sustainability of riding schools at the heart of its initiatives, most notably through the ABRS+ Conference 2025: Equine Wellbeing at the Heart of Riding Schools and the ongoing Riding School Futures Project.
In response to evolving industry needs, ABRS+ has now introduced a new tier of membership for Equine Assisted Services (EAS). This category is designed to support riding schools and equestrian centres that are either already delivering or transitioning into equine-assisted work, providing access to resources, guidance, and a new range of rosettes to help recognise and celebrate achievement in this growing area.
ABRS+ already offers memberships for riding schools, equestrian centres, and livery yards, providing a framework to promote best practice and industry compliance. Through these memberships, centres gain access to guidance on welfare standards, health and safety, staff training, and operational support, helping them maintain high-quality services while meeting regulatory requirements. Membership also offers recognition within the industry, giving clients and visitors confidence that the yard or school adheres to professional standards.
There are many reasons riding schools are embracing this new EAS membership. For some, EAS provides a way to give horses a new role while generating an income stream that benefits children and adults facing a wide range of challenges. For others, it represents a strategic shift as horses and ponies reach retirement age and centre owners look to evolve their businesses while maintaining a strong focus on horse welfare.
ABRS+ is actively supporting schools through this transition, offering guidance on best practice, understanding regulatory and welfare requirements, and helping schools maximise the opportunities that equine-assisted work can provide. Riding schools interested in exploring this new membership and learning how ABRS+ can support their development are encouraged to get in touch to find out more.
With this new initiative, ABRS+ continues to champion equine wellbeing, support sustainable business models for riding schools, and help schools innovate for the future while keeping horses at the heart of everything they do.
Find out more about the ABRS+ membership options here