Horse Riding FAQ's

As part of the 2018 review of horse riding activities, it was highlighted that the industry standard for horse riding with young people and novices was to wear a riding helmet. This was proposed to the Operations Committee who supported the change. This shouldn’t cause issues for members, as the providers of horse riding already follow this industry standard.

Industry practice allows turban wearers to be exempt from wearing helmets. All members would be encouraged to consider the risks of not wearing a helmet. A parent or carer disclaimer may be required by the provider. 

The horse riding provider should provide any advice or specialist equipment necessary. Long trousers must be worn to protect legs. 

Our rules apply wherever our members are in the world. As with all activities that require helmets, such as climbing, snowsports and cycling, this also applies to horse riding.

Yes. The British Equestrian Federation is a parent organisation of the British Horse Society, so by using a British Horse Society centre or club you still comply with the rules. The British Equestrian Federation have several member bodies.

As part of the 2018 review of horse riding activities, it was identified that the previous rules for horse riding only referenced one organisation who deliver horse riding activities.

Scouts then worked with the British Equestrian Federation, who are the parent body managing all equestrian activities within the UK. They have a range of member organisations, who would be suitable for members to undertake horse riding activities with.

No, a private owner will not have the appropriate centre or club approval with the British Equestrian Federation, so won’t be able to offer horse riding activities. They could offer support for members wishing to learn about the care of horses.

The British Equestrian Federation have a facility on their website for finding centres and clubs, as do most of their member organisations.

Not for running horse riding, but if being run as a Scout-led activity then hillwalking permits apply if the activity is going into Terrain 1 or Terrain 2. This is so that the person leading the activity is competent in navigation and other core skills relevant to the environment and if the group had to dismount the leader would be in a position to safely get to help.