Frequently Asked
Questions
Will I be able to continue to compete in horse shows while studying for
my BHS certification?
At Albion, we believe that the best preparation for students is not
found only in the classroom, nor is it best delivered by spending
only time in the stable. Rather, in order to produce
employable students who are educated in the best of the liberal arts
tradition and through hands-on, practical experience in the
stable, honing their trade, we have created a program that combines the
best of both worlds. Graduates of Albion College and the BHS
examination system are prepared to begin careers as equestrian
professionals, not at the lower levels (mucking stalls, grooming, etc.),
but in management roles, whether it be instructing riders, running
facilities, stable management, or working in any of the countless other equine-related
career fields that require sound thinking and practical abilities.
What are the advantages to doing the BHS program at Albion as opposed to
getting an equine studies degree from an established equine school?
Certification through the British Horse Society is international and,
unlike existing equestrian certification programs recognized in the
U.S., is recognized in 32 countries worldwide. In addition,
graduates of the Albion program will gain this international
qualification without sacrificing the quality of their overall education
(leading to increased, worldwide employability in not only
equine-related fields, but also in areas such as business, education,
and the sciences).
How do I apply for the
program?
Applications for the BHS program are available
here. Each student interested in joining the program must fill out
and submit a written application (including required essay questions), a
video of their riding,
and undergo a personal interview with one of the program staff.
On-site interviews are strongly recommended but telephone interviews can
also be arranged.
How many
students will the program enroll each fall?
In order to maximize each student's learning experience, a limited
number of
students will enter into this program each fall.
What majors will students enrolled in the British Horse Society program
have? What if I am undecided on an academic major?
Students may major in nearly any of Albion's over 30
academic majors
or areas of concentration. (Please note that, due to the number of
hours required by the education concentration and the athletic training
major, these programs will not fit with the BHS program.)
Undecided students are encouraged to immerse themselves in Albion's
core liberal arts courses during their first few semesters in order to
get a feel for those subjects that most interest them. The majors
that are most applicable to future equestrian professionals are
economics and management, biology and chemistry.
What if I want to study the BHS full time without enrolling as an Albion
student?
Those who wish to enroll full time to train for their international
BHS examinations at Albion without enrolling as a degree-seeking student
at the College may do so. Applications for full-time BHS candidacy
are available here.
Full-time BHS candidates will train for their Assistant Instructor
(International Level 1) certification for 2 years (which may vary based
on prior equine experience). The full-time BHS program will span
48 weeks with 5 days of required instruction and 6 days of required
stable work per week. Due to the intensity of this program, a
limited number of students will be accepted each year. Full
details (including program costs, room and accommodations, and other
considerations are available in the BHS student handbook (available from
the Held Equestrian Center).
Who will instruct the
students?
The British Horse Society program at Albion is headed by Nancy G.
Held Equestrian Center director George Halkett, a BHS International
Level II Instructor (BHSII, reg.). Mr. Halkett is one of only three registered
BHS instructors in the United States who holds this particular level of
certification. In addition, he also holds an international
trainer's passport. Mr. Halkett's full biography is available
here.
What will this program cost? Is it included in my total Albion
College tuition or is it an additional cost?
The cost of the BHS program at Albion College
will be $3,080 per year (which
includes two BHS lectures and two BHS rides per week for the fall and
spring semesters). This is in addition to the annual tuition costs
assessed by the College and does not include horse boarding costs for
any students who wish to bring their own horses with them. It also
does not include BHS examination fees, which will vary based on
conversion rates for the USD.
No, you do not need your own horse to join the program.
Albion's school horses are available for all BHS students to use during
their scheduled riding times and will also serve as equine "visual aids"
for many of the unmounted lecture portions of the program.
Students who do wish to use their own horses on the program are
permitted to do so, however, so long as they submit a stall application
and video in the spring prior to their arrival on campus. BHS
student horses are subject to all rules and regulations governing
regular student boarders. (More information on boarding at Albion
can be found
here.)
Students participating in the BHS program at Albion will need
appropriate attire for both riding and working in the stable (including
hard-soled shoes with a heel, half-chaps and/or tall riding boots, an
ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet, and other weather-appropriate outdoor
attire). Students who bring their own horse must also have
appropriately-fitted tack for that particular horse. All other
equipment (including saddles, bridles, lunging equipment, wheelbarrows,
pitchforks, etc.) will be provided to the students by the College.
Lockers for storage of student-owned attire/equipment will be
provided to program participants at no charge.
What is
required of students enrolled in this program?
Students working on their BHS certification at Albion will be
required to attend twice weekly lectures and riding lessons as a part of
their coursework. (These lectures and rides will be scheduled
around their academic courses on campus.) Additionally, they will
also have required weekend work in the stable. Summer training is
also encouraged in order for students to progress more rapidly through
the program's requirements.
Will I be able to continue to compete in horse shows while studying for
my BHS certification?
As with all students who participate in the riding program at the
Nancy G. Held Equestrian Center, those working towards BHS certification
will be encouraged to compete in local, regional, and national shows,
either on their own mount or on one supplied to them by the College.
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