Welcome

Stoneleigh-Burnham School (SBS) is the first and only secondary school in the United States to be affiliated with the British Horse Society (BHS). BHS is a membership-based equine charity founded in 1947 committed to providing a strong voice for horses and people by spreading awareness through support, training, and education. SBS has been an approved BHS training center since 2012 and offers a certification program recognized in over 30 countries worldwide. 

Utilizing a curriculum based in classroom theory, lectures, and written instruction as well as practical, hands-on demonstration and training in the stable, the BHS program focuses on the skills necessary to be successful in all disciplines, with riders cross-trained in all multiple areas during the course of their study. Additionally, the stable management portion of the training focuses on the building blocks of horse care, including nutrition, equine anatomy and physiology, and first aid.

Students who successfully complete the certification program will gain the skills necessary to earn their international qualification in riding, training, instruction, and stable management. Whether it be instructing riders, running facilities, or working in any of the countless other equine-related career fields, students will be prepared for professional employment both stateside and abroad.

Interested in pursuing the BHS at SBS? This selective program accepts a limited number of students per year. Contact Director of the Equestrian Center George Halkett, BHS International Senior Coach, at [email protected]. Halkett, a native of Scotland, served as a member of the Queen’s Household Cavalry in the British Army, competed internationally, and coached students to international competitions including the FEI Samsung International, Volvo World Cup, and the International Intercollegiate World Championships. Halkett has led SBS IEA teams to multiple national championships, including members of this year’s Middle School and Upper School dressage and hunt seat teams— the 2023 IEA National Finals are in North Carolina April 26-30, follow Stoneleigh-Burnham Equestrian Center on Instagram & Facebook to stay up-to-date.

Thanks to our friends at The Plaid Horse for highlighting SBS’s unique BHS program. Learn more at sbschool.org/equestrian. Cheers!