BDS Education Leaflet.
Working with Horses in Harness

BDS Education Programme

This is an important message to all LHHIs, BDS Preliminary Teachers, BDS approved Training Centres/Yards, and anyone who wishes to apply for BDS approval as a Harness Horse Training Centre/Yard.

In December 2007, the BDS became an Awarding Body for qualifications recognised by the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority (QCA).  QCA is the Government organisation responsible for regulating all qualifications in the UK.  Since January 2008, the BDS Awards Board have been working on developing BDS qualifications into the new Qualifications and Curriculum Framework (QCF).  The QCF will replace GCSE ‘O’ levels, ‘A’ levels and NVQs.  We are also preparing to make the BDS Training and Qualification programme available to schools, from 14 – 19 years and colleges.

This will mean changes to BDS exams, as we develop them into the new National Curriculum, and will also mean that we can offer BDS qualifications nationally within the schools and college framework. 

In order to be able to offer the teaching which will lead to Assessment and qualification, we urgently need to up-date our information on what facilities BDS approved Training Centres/Yards are able to offer.  We also need to increase the number of BDS approved Training Centres/Yards throughout the UK.

BDS approval of a Training Centre/Yard is free, but does require inspection by a Member of the BDS Training Board.  Centres/Yards will be approved to offer one or more of the following : 

·         Teaching and training for 14 – 19 year olds from schools and colleges.  This may be day-release training, or residential course training ( similar to a Junior Whip Camp), or a combination of both. 

·         Teaching and training for adults.  This may be a series of one hour, half day or full day driving lessons, and/or residential courses ( where the learner(s) stay on site or in the area for more than one day to have driving lessons), or a combination of both.

Our outline plan of provision is being received with great interest, and we have already been approached by a number of schools and colleges who would like to put students through the BDS Education Programme.

If you are already a BDS-Approved Training Centre/Yard, we need you to update the information we have about the facilities you can offer.

If you would like to become a BDS-Approved Training Centre/Yard, we need you to tell us what facilities you can offer.

We are also able to assist you to join Lantra’s Training Providers Club, which is a free, national database of all land-based/equestrian training providers in the UK.  This will provide your contact details and an outline of what training facilities for BDS qualifications you can offer to all schools and colleges.

Please fill in the following form, and either e-mail it to the BDS Office – email@britishdrivingsociety.co.uk or post it to Tessa Styles, BDS Training Board, BDS Office, 83, New Road, Helmingham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6EA. 

Please complete the information form: Microsoft Word Format
                                                                        or PDF format

If you have any queries, or would like any help filling in the form, please contact either

Tessa Styles            tel: 01473 892 001    e-mail: email@britishdrivingsociety.co.uk,  or
Stephanie Evans       tel: 01379 384 496    e-mail: bdseducation@aol.com

For more information about tests, please contact the BDS Secretary - click for numbers and addresses.

The syllabi for the above tests are available from the BDS - click

BDS TESTS FOR DISABLED DRIVERS

The examinations in carriage driving competence detailed above are not suitable for disabled drivers but the British Driving Society has produced four tests for them which have been specially written by Sallie Walrond. These are: Preliminary, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced, which must be taken in that order. There are also tests designed for people who are blind.

Each syllabus itemises in detail the requirements for the relevant test. These range from naming the parts and uses of a set of grooming kit and directing the putting on of a set of single harness (preliminary), to detailing the complete fitness programme required for a horse driving trial, directing the assembling of a set of pair harness and driving a specially written dressage test with a single (advanced). Trainers may wish to use these test syllabi to give a sense of purpose to their weekly group training sessions.

Test days will be arranged as required throughout the country and successful candidates will receive certificates.

Miss Sarah Wildy, New House, Ledgemoor, Weobley, Herefordshire. Tel: 01544 318606 will undertake organisation of test days.

Sets of test cards with full syllabi details are available from the BDS Office @ £1.75.

Duty of Care & Accident Preventionfor the BDS guidelines.

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