Comprehensive Equine Curriculum

Guided by World-Class Experts

BHS Certification: Your Passport to a Global Equestrian Career

At Horse Academy Ireland, we follow the prestigious British Horse Society (BHS) framework—recognized in 28 countries worldwide. From foundational Stage 1 to the pinnacle of BHS Stage 5 Instructor qualifications, our programs are structured to help you master every facet of horsemanship, stable management, and professional coaching. Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with top professionals in the global horse industry.

  • Practical Experience
    Gain hands-on practice in stable management, riding, and equine health

  • Global Recognition
    Make worldwide connections with top professionals and be able to work at all levels

This training program for the BHS Stage 1 exam (care/ride) will include a mix of practical training and practice, workshops, events and lectures with revision and study sessions. Along with continuous stable management and hands on experience, feeding, cleaning, mucking out, bedding, tacking up and riding. This program will give every student during the three weeks intensive program a full equine and stage 1 test experience and exam.

The Curriculum for Horsemanship Includes:

  • Origin of the horse

  • Anatomy of the horse

  • Different horse breeds

  • Horse nutrition and supplements

  • Importance of a proper feeding program designed for your horse’s activities

  • Barn management, stable care and hygiene

  • How to clean a stall properly plus cleaniless and tidiness around the yard

  • How to bandage a leg and the different types of bandaging

  • Blanketing for different weather conditions

  • Horse behavior and communication

  • Human and horse connection

  • Riding disciplines

  • Q&A with 2024 Road to the Horse Champion Tik Maynard

  • Basic tack, proper fit and how to take care of and clean tack properly

  • Imortance of proper and safe horse transportation

  • Veterinary lecture

  • The importance of vaccinations and keeping medical records

  • How to treat a wound and know when to call a vet

  • Protocol for a colic

  • Basic horse health, wellness signs, power of observation

  • Medication, anti-inflammatory, sedation & pain relief

  • Dental lecture and demonstration

  • The importance of proper routine dental care by a recognized Horse Dentist

  • Farrier lecture and demonstration

  • Horse conformation and what to look for in good and bad conformation

  • The important of proper hoof care, removing shoes and basic trimming

◆ Introduction to Coaching Certificate by Horse Sport Ireland ◆

◆ Silver Challenge Award Certificate ◆

◆ Riding Road Safety Certificate ◆

◆ Horse Academy Ireland Certificate ◆

Certificates You’ll Receive

What’s Included?

Accommodations at Hannons Hotel
Learn more
here.

3 meals per day

BHS Level 1 Care & Ride Training Course

Textbooks & Materials

One horse to ride

Day trips & excursions around the beautiful Ireland countryside

Transportation to and from Dublin airport
(Airfare not included.)

Total Program Cost: €8,975

*This is in all-inclusive program starting from arriving in Ireland to departure. Payments will be due once your application has been approved. Payments will be made to Horse Academy Ireland through Allied Irish Banks (AIB) and all finances will be administered by Clifford Desmond & Associates, chartered accountants and registered auditors

Now Enrolling for Spring & Summer Programs

* May 3-May 24, 2025

  • May 31-June 21, 2025

  • June 28-July 19, 2025 (FULL)

ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT! APPLY TODAY.

ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT! APPLY TODAY.

A Typical Day Schedule

Day Trips & Excursions

* Excursions based on availability.

  • Set in County Meath, Karlswood is the home of Cian’s industry-leading High-Performance Centre.  The Karlswood system is based on a structured approach to daily routine and meticulous planning, to help reach our goals.

     Cian and the team work together to provide coaching, mentoring, advice on horse purchases and goal-setting. We also facilitate students who wish to progress their showjumping skills while they study in universities in Ireland and across Europe.

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  • Robert Fagan and his dedicated operations team warmly welcome you to Mullingar Equestrian. As a family owned venue we are continuously improving and developing our facilities to offer you a quality competition and training venue, where the welfare of horse and rider and the comfort of owners and supporters are paramount, a venue where the Irish Sport Horse can be showcased on the national and international stage.

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  • The Irish National Stud provides breeders an opportunity to access top class stallions and services including boarding, sales preparations and foaling. Visit the Irish Racehorse Experience and learn the lifecycle of the Irish thoroughbred. A unique immersive experience, create their story and guide them to glory.

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  • Cavan Equestrian is owned and run by the Clarke family and has been in business since 1983. The centre is the biggest and busiest equestrian centre in Ireland for Showjumping Events and Horse & Pony Auctions.

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  • Experience thrilling activities, serene tracks & trails, and rich history at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. Adventure awaits! Dive in to explore.

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  • The Arigna Mining Experience brings history to life, telling the story of Ireland’s coal mining industry and exploring the themes of energy – past, present and future. At Arigna, we don’t just take you on a journey back in time, we also bring you underground!

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  • One of Ireland’s favourite visitor experiences, the Cliffs of Moher tower over the rugged West Clare coast.  Walk the safe, paved pathways and view the famous Cliffs on Europe’s western frontier and enjoy the spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands.

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  • Your royal adventure begins as you enter through the grand stone gates of our Forbes Five-Star hotel. Now a proud part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the magnificent Ashford Castle has stood sentinel on the shores of Lough Corrib for over 800 years. With an estate of such spectacular proportions, every moment spent within its grounds creates indelible memories. Once home to the Guinness family and today a multi-generational resort, Ashford Castle is lovingly managed by a dedicated team that passionately cares about every single guest.

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Cliffs of Moher

Ashford Castle

Karlswood Stables

Ashford Castle

Are you ready to join a community dedicated to excellence, heritage, and global leadership in equestrianism?