BHS Scotland is the Scottish Branch of the British Horse Society overseen by an independent Scottish Committee that has its own Scottish constitution and manages its own finances. The Scottish Committee consists of representatives of twelve regional committees. This means we have enthusiastic and informed volunteers who help deliver the Society’s work in every postcode area in Scotland.  This covers the areas of access, approving equestrian establishments, competitions (including Trec), education, exams, Riding Clubs, safety, training and welfare.

This massive volunteer effort promotes improved standards through education, social opportunities and lobbying – so equine interests are at the heart of everything we do!    BHS Scotland is Scotland’s largest equine membership organisation - today our membership stands at 4868 and it is rising fast.  Join the BHS and be part of a movement that has improved the lot of equines for over half a century in Scotland.  Together we can achieve more.  And that’s what we call “taking care of Scottish equestrianism”!

If there is anything you would like to see on our website please contact us on bhsscotland@bhs.org.uk.

NEW GUIDANCE FROM THE BHS SCOTLAND ACCESS OFFICE      

Riding on Scotland's Towpaths brings with it different issues and along with Scottish Natural Heritage and British Waterways BHSS has produced a leaflet with hopefully some commonsense information, and although its specifically aimed at those who ride alongside canals, it is useful for all riders who take access in the countryside. Click here for a copy of the guidance

There have been a lot of complaints to BHS Scotland about dung on roads, paths, tracks, fields, etc.  Complaints come from many areas including riders, house owners, farmers, local authorities as well as many others.  We have informed everyone that its not like dog faeces, there is no law against it, but we decided that it would be a good idea to produce some guidance on the problem. This guidance is only applicable in Scotland.  Click here for a copy of the dung guidance (updated 3 July)

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It's ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW time again  The BHS Scotland stand will be in its normal spot - Avenue 16, Stand 490.  We would like to welcome members old and new to the stand.  Remember that the member's tearoom is up and running all day for a quick sitdown, a cuppa and some home baking. The bookshop is well stocked and EMAGIN, The British Horse Society’s Geographical Information System will be demonstrated. This web based system offers the Society, its volunteers and members a vast range of benefits, the most important of which is to supply crucial and comprehensive data, statistics and imagery through the use of mapping to further support and strengthen the Society's work for every horse and rider.  The new Riding on Towpaths leaflet will be available on the stand, as will the dung guidance for Scotland. If you are not yet a member of the British Horse Society, we can give you all the information and guidance necessary. Now is the time to join!

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Scotland Access Committee heads for Oatridge College for some wet weather training Click here for more information on the day.  BHS Scotland volunteers take their training seriously and work with other organisations on an ongoing basis.

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Low flying warning:

BHS Scotland would like to alert riders in Eastern Scotland to the following military low flying taking place from RAF Leuchars between now and early July.

8-16 June 09 - helicopter exercise at RAF Leuchars (Exercise Hawk Owl)

22 June - 3 July 09, 3 chinook helicopters working out of Leuchars

29 June - 3 July 09, 3 C130 Hercules working out of Leuchars

Be seen and be Safe (updated 9 June)

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Borders Festival of the Horse - A good galloping outing for forty riders on Virginia Scott Watson’s famous guided ride along the banks of the River Tweed this week brought the 8th SEIB Borders Festival of the Horse to an end, by which time 9000 people and almost 2000 horses had taken part. With events taking place from the East coast of Berwickshire to Peebles in the West, and from the Border with England in the south to the top of the Lammermuir Hills in the north; 36 events took place over a period of 12 days positioning the Scottish Borders as a top equestrian tourism venue and offering a unique shop window for the horse riding industry. Generously supported by South Essex Insurance Brokers and the Forestry Commission, the 2009 Festival was part of Scotland’s homecoming celebrations and the theme of the guided rides this year marked the regions contribution to the world with the lofty title of “The heroes, heroines and horses of the Borders”. This mammoth event is pulled together and run by BHS Borders committee and their chairman Wanda Dodd said: “Phew! What an amazing two weeks we’ve had, the weather was kind, all the horses behaved and every single guided ride was over subscribed so we will have to put on more of those next year. We are indebted to SEIB our sponsor. And I’d like to thank Ann Fraser whose brain child the festival is for all her work, we are already planning next year!” Right: “Heroes, Heroines and Horses” turnout for the Jedburgh Riding Club Guided Ride as these youngsters arrive in character! (updated 3/06/09)

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Perth & Kinross Horsewatch - Four day old foal attacked in field near Cupar, please click for details.  (updated 3/06/09)

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Mapping Britain on Horseback – the BHS needs you! -The British Horse Society (BHS) has invited equestrians throughout the UK to help them take their mapping strategy to the next level. The aim is to record every equestrian route in the UK on the Society’s EMAGIN system.  EMAGIN® (Equine Mapping and Geographical Information Network) is a GIS-based tool for collecting equestrian data, such as where to ride or carriage drive, or where to find approved BHS riding centres. The British Horse Society hopes to collate enough information to map every equestrian route in the UK, including routes that may have unrecorded or under-recorded rights. 

The BHS’s Access Department is asking members of the public to sign up as Mapping Volunteers and provide information on the routes they use. When signing up as a Mapping Volunteer, the BHS can provide printout maps of an area for the volunteer to mark up and return. Options are available for those who have their own mapping software, though this is not essential to participating in the project. The project aims to recruit at least 500 mapping volunteers spread throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The BHS is working with sponsors to provide GPS equipment and training for those who wish to become involved at a more serious level.

If you are interested in becoming a mapping volunteer, contact Sarah Shackleton by email on emagin@bhs.org.uk, stating which part of the UK you are interested in mapping. (updated 3/06/09)

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Scottish Government takes a hand in caring for all horses, ponies, donkeys and mules

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BHS Ireland horrified at Council’s Proposals to Ban Equestrians Access to the Coast.  The British Horse Society Ireland was horrified to learn of proposals by Coleraine Borough Council to ban horse riding on three beaches on the North Coast of Ireland. Click here for more information and what you can do to support our Irish riding friends. (Updated 28/04/09)

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East Dunbartonshire Core Paths Plan - The final consultative draft of the East Dunbartonshire Core Path Plan is now complete and ready for formal consultation.  The Consultation will run from April the 22nd 2009 to July the 15th 2009.

In keeping with the sustainability objectives contained in the Plan on-line viewing and response to the Plan is encouraged.  The webpage can be found at www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk along with the response form - just type Core Path Plan in the search box.  Hard copies of the plan can be provided if required, either printed or CD versions. A copy of the Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Core Paths Plan can also be found on the Council website

Please take time to look at the document. Your comments will be welcome and valued. (updated 24/04/09)

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Beccy MacDonald Haig wins BHS TREC Newcomers award - Kelly Marks joined The British Horse Society at the 2009 BHS TREC Annual Award ceremony to present awards to the top ten placings of the SEIB BHS TREC League and the Kelly Marks Winter Series. Amongst the many winners was Scot Beccy MacDonald Haig from Highland Riding Centre, her family’s BHS approved riding school and examination centre at Drumnadrochit, Inverness.  She competed Teja, her gorgeous 15.2 Lusitano mare who finished top of the Newcomers.  The sport of BHS TREC (Techniques de Randonnee Equestre de Competition) was brought to the UK by The British Horse Society in 1998.  TREC originates in France and was developed nearly 30 years ago as a way to train and assess the competence and ability of professional horse riding guides.

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BHS Borders Directory - BHS Borders has pulled another first out of the hat and produced a regional equestrian trade directory for the Borders Region of Scotland. The colourful 20 page A5 publication brings together a wide variety of services available to the equestrian public in the Scottish Borders and the plan is for the directory to become an annual publication. Wanda Dodd chairman of Borders Region commented: “This new directory is driven by Ann Fraser as a spin off from almost a decade of running the Borders Festival; it is a useful reference for horse owners and riders in the Borders and also visitors to the region. We are very proud that the BHS Borders committee is so entrepreneurial”  For a copy of the Directory (updated 06/04/09)

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Sunday 22 February saw more than 300 enthusiasts treated to Scotland’s top showing know how when The British Horse Society (BHS) and Scottish Equine Breeders Association (SEBA) held an interactive masterclass and panel day at Gleneagles.

Representatives from all the indigenous pony breeds of the UK (including the Eriskay) were joined by three ponies representing the Show Pony, the Hunter Pony and the increasingly popular Intermediate classification. All were presented in superb order for the time of year and their presence in the Gleneagles arena ensured one of the finest parades of pony breeding seen in Scotland for many a year.

A similar session for horses followed, with nine animals coming forward. Again, every type of show ring classification was represented from cob to hack, hunter to sports horse including a ridden Clydesdale. The format of a showing class was examined and ring craft demonstrated. Master Judge for the day Bridget Millington rode them in turn, commenting on their way of going and her expectation for the respective classification.

In the afternoon, practical workshops covered a wide range of interest. Washing by Annivac, mane and tail plaiting, presentation of the native pony, appropriate tack for the showring and, most unusually, a Clydesdale mare being ‘dressed’ for the ring. A panel session followed and by the nature and variety of questions posed, it was obvious that the day had created a big impact on the audience.

So if you didn't go last year make sure that you book your place in 2010 as we intend to run another of this successful masterclass.  Lots of pictures can be found on the Peak Photography website (updated 02/03/09)

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BHS Scotland searches for Scotland's most popular instructor 2009
In 2005 BHS Scotland was donated a trophy to be presented to the riding instructor who is voted the most popular by their pupils. The Farney Grange Trophy is a valuable bespoke piece of artwork, which anyone would be delighted to have on his or her mantelpiece for a year, and the winner will be chosen purely by popular vote. To nominate your favourite riding instructor, who must on the BHS Register of Instructors, you are simply asked to send their name and a short statement (no more than 50 words) describing why your instructor is the best. Previous winners cannot be nominated a second time.  Click here for more . . . .

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Congratulations to Linda Lucey, Scotland's most popular instructor 2008

Each year BHS Scotland presents the beautiful bespoke cast iron trophy to Scotland’s most popular riding instructor, chosen by nomination. For 2008 the recipient was Central Regions Linda Lucey. Linda is well known for encouraging teaching, infectious enthusiasm and a willingness to turn a hand to help everybody. She is pictured receiving her prize from BHSS Chairman Loraine Young.

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HELP US TO DO MORE . . . PLEASE SIGN UP TO RECEIVE INFORMATION AND UPDATES FROM BHS SCOTLAND BY E-MAIL.  This helps the environment, and we'd rather use the money it costs us to send out mailings for the good of the charity rather than give it to Royal Mail!  All you need to do is send an e-mail to bhsscotland@bhs.org.uk with "subscribe" in the heading.  You can unsubscribe at any time.