The BHS Approved Centre Scheme, which recognises and celebrates yard owners’ commitment to high standards of care and welfare for horses around the Nations, has been running for many years.
With no licensing for livery currently in place, the scheme offers horse owners the confidence that their BHS Approved livery yard runs to a high standard and is checked regularly by an industry professional, offering a unique outside perspective.
In more recent years the BHS have introduced a Business Support team, a team of friendly, experienced managers there to support BHS Centres in all areas. From supporting with business rates, to effective use of social media and everything in between. The team can help livery yards put policies and procedure in place, offering protection through our inspections, should the worst ever happen.
But instead of the BHS telling you about the value of being part of our community BHS Approved Centres, they asked some of our livery yards what being BHS Approved means to them.
‘Being BHS Approved means should an issue arise; I have the support of the largest and most influential equestrian charity in the UK’. – Jo Swain, Swallowfield Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire.
‘Being BHS Approved means always receiving quality support and maintaining the highest standards within our Centre’ – Karen Norris, Eccleston Equestrian Centre, Lancashire.
‘Being BHS Approved means clients can have full confidence in my yard, knowing their horse or pony will receive the highest level of care and that the horse’s welfare is a top priority. It is also means we stand out as a yard that adheres to the high standard set by the BHS’. Lauren Clements, Best Haaf Livery, Wiltshire.
‘Being BHS Approved means having support from a team of Equestrian Professionals with in depth knowledge of the industry’ – David and Patricia Butterworth, Hacton Park Corner Farm, Greater London.
‘Being BHS Approved means being an advocate for horse welfare standards. I truly believe it starts with the requirement for all livery yards to become licensed, audited and insured. We believe that BHS approval is not just a badge, but a fundamental commitment to equine welfare and industry-wide excellence. In our unregulated industry, the BHS provides an essential framework for all yards and the annual BHS checks are invaluable. They offer an objective, professional eye, ensuring that even when we believe we are doing everything correctly, potential areas for improvement are identified and addressed. This proactive oversight is crucial for maintaining genuine welfare standards, which are in no way difficult to implement or maintain.
If every equine livery yard were to achieve BHS approval, the entire industry would benefit from a consistent, elevated standard of care. This would create an environment where no horse should needlessly suffer due to inconsistent practices or a lack of accountability. Being a BHS Approved Centre isn’t just about meeting standards, it’s about continuously striving for the best possible standards for the horses in our care, and fostering a truly responsible equestrian community’ Lizzie Wray, Shadowmere Equine retirement livery, Lincolnshire.
If you’d like to know more about our support, please do get in touch with us. Sarah.dale@bhs.org.uk