At Valley Farm we provide training for a variety of equestrian qualifications for learners of all ages and backgrounds. You can train for fun, to achieve personal goals or to progress towards industry qualifications and career pathways.
We offer regular short courses for those interested in acquiring ABRS, Pony Club or BHS badges, certificates, challenges and qualifications, as well as providing training for other areas of equestrian sport such as side saddle, horseball, polocrosse, carriage driving, riding for the disabled and more.
Our BHS Accredited coaches and Approved Pony Club coaches can also provide one off lessons for individuals wishing to brush up on particular skills before taking assessments, whether it be flat work, jumping, lunging or stable management.
Alternatively we are able to offer longer term placements to school leavers looking to pursue an equestrian career.
We can help students build confidence and experience, by working and training with a variety of horses while receiving expert tuition within a safe and fun environment.
BHS Ride Safe
This is a short course followed by the exam held at Valley Farm. It is essential for all students wishing to take their BHS Stage II, and also a good idea for any persons who ride on the roads. The course is offered at various times throughout the year. (For those age 12 and over. You do not have to be a full time student with us. Anybody can join in with the training and take their Ride Safe assessment at Valley Farm)
British Horse Society (BHS) Challenge Awards
The challenge awards are a series of awards designed for you to develop your skills, knowledge and confidence, all with the support of an Accredited Professional Coach. Suitable for adults and children. There are a wide range of topics to choose from that cover the breadth of horse care, riding and lungeing. Putting the welfare of the horse at the heart of everything that you do. There are 34 awards in total, and you can pick and mix the awards that suit your experience and interests; they’re completely flexible with you in control choosing the awards that are right for you. We will award certificates upon completion of individual awards and badges for combinations of awards, so you may want to complete them all! More information here https://www.bhs.org.uk/go-riding-and-learn/recreational-awards/challenge-awards/
Pony Club Tests
These are internationally recognised progressive tests similar the the BHS qualifications. (The Pony Club badges and tests are for any Pony Club Members under the age of 25. We encourage all our students to become Pony Club members, in order that they can achieve these qualifications as well as work based diplomas)
ABRS+
Ask us about ABRS awards. We cater for all levels for children or adults who have just begun riding right through to coaching qualifications. ABRS rosette awards are very popular for new learners. There are over 30 topics covering all the essential skills to master riding and caring for ponies.
Assessments
Assessments regularly take place at Valley Farm, so please contact us for more information about your next step.
First Aid and CPD
We host regular training days and refresher courses. Please keep an eye on our social media for up coming dates.
Alternative Provision
We are able to offer small group Equine facilitated learning for Children aged between 5 and 25, for homeschoolers or those who are unable to follow the conventional school system, providing the opportunity to work towards accredited personal development qualifications.
Work Placements
Valley Farm Equestrian has limited short term placements available for school or college students. We welcome equestrian and veterinary students from colleges for work placements. We have limited accommodation places available for students from further afield. You must have a reasonable ability to ride and handle horses.
We welcome foreign equine students for summer work placements, provided they are able to speak English and can ride to a reasonable standard and are able to obtain appropriate visas.
Work Experience
Valley Farm is a popular choice for work experience students, so if you wish to join us please make sure you apply in good time. If you are able to pick a week that doesn't coincide with all the local schools doing work experience we are more likely to be able to accommodate you. We expect you to have reasonable riding ability and to be able to safely handle horses.
Why study equestrianism?
Altogether in the UK the equine industry employs over 150,000 people, working hands on with horses and in the ancillary industries which serve it. The range of jobs available to students completing equestrian courses is both varied and challenging. Valley Farm provides students with useful practical experience, which is highly valued by most employers nowadays, in a world of increasing competition for employment.
Why do students choose to train at Valley Farm?
Additional Equestrian Disciplines
Valley Farm also offers the opportunity for students to learn about Side Saddle, Polocrosse, Horseball, Vaulting, Liberty, Natural Horsemanship, Horse Agility, Working Equitation, Horseback Archery, Horseboarding, Carriage Driving and Training and Handling of Young horses which may be useful for a future career.
There are a range of other pet animals on the farm, including goats, cattle, alpacas, chickens and aviary birds, which combine to make Valley Farm a fun and interesting place to learn.
In addition to being a BHS Highly Commended 'Where to Train' centre, Valley Farm is also a registered Pony Club Centre. This means that if you are under 25 we can help you to pass your pony club tests as well as your BHS assessments. We are able to provide training and assessments for the Association of British Riding Schools.
We also host East Suffolk Riding for The Disabled group providing opportunities for volunteers.
Contact us for more information
For more information about any of our training or courses, or for advice about the best options for you or your child please email phoebe@valleyfarm.co.uk or Contact Us Here
To apply for an apprenticeship, work placement or work experience: please provide us with a copy of your CV.
Jobs at Valley Farm
If you already have qualifications, or once you have completed your training with us, you might like to consider a long term career with us. There are many opportunities for full and part time work, and also the opportunity to continue to train for qualifications in different areas of horsemanship, such as side saddle or carriage driving. For more information see our Job Vacancies page.
Updated March 2026
