Comprehensive Equine Curriculum
Guided by World-Class Experts
BHS Certification: Your Passport to a Global Equestrian Career
At Horse Academy Ireland, we follow the prestigious British Horse Society (BHS) framework—recognized in 28 countries worldwide. From foundational Stage 1 to the pinnacle of BHS Stage 5 Instructor qualifications, our programs are structured to help you master every facet of horsemanship, stable management, and professional coaching. Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with top professionals in the global horse industry.
Practical Experience
Gain hands-on practice in stable management, riding, and equine healthGlobal Recognition
Make worldwide connections with top professionals and be able to work at all levels
This training program for the BHS Stage 1 exam (care/ride) will include a mix of practical training and practice, workshops and lectures with revision and study sessions. Along with continuous stable management and hands on experience, feeding, cleaning, mucking out, bedding, tacking up and riding. This program will give every student during the three weeks intensive program a full equine and stage 1 test experience and exam.
The Curriculum for Horsemanship Includes:
Origin of the horse
Anatomy of the horse
Different horse breeds
Horse nutrition and supplements
Importance of a proper feeding program designed for your horse’s activities
Barn management, stable care and hygiene
How to clean a stall properly plus cleaniless and tidiness around the yard
How to bandage a leg and the different types of bandaging
Blanketing for different weather conditions
Horse behavior and communication
Human and horse connection
Riding disciplines
Q&A with 2024 and 2025 USA Road to the Horse Champion Tik Maynard
Basic tack, proper fit and how to take care of and clean tack properly
Imortance of proper and safe horse transportation
Veterinary lecture
The importance of vaccinations and keeping medical records
How to treat a wound and know when to call a vet
Protocol for a colic
Basic horse health, wellness signs, power of observation
Medication, anti-inflammatory, sedation & pain relief
Dental lecture and demonstration
The importance of proper routine dental care by a recognized Horse Dentist
Farrier lecture and demonstration
Horse conformation and what to look for in good and bad conformation
The importance of proper hoof care, removing shoes and basic trimming
◆ BHS Silver Challenge Award Certificate ◆
◆ Riding Road Safety Certificate ◆
◆ Horse Academy Ireland Certificate ◆
◆ BHS Level 1 Care and Ride Certificate ◆
Horse Sport Ireland Introduction to coaching Certificate*
Certificates You’ll Receive
What’s Included?
Accommodations at Clonshire Equestrian Center
3 meals per day
BHS Level 1 Care & Ride Training Course
Textbooks & Materials
Day trips & excursions to
The Irish National Stud,
Cian O’Connors Karlswood Stables
and a day trip to nearby Galway City.
Horse Sport Ireland Introduction to Coaching.
Transportation to and from Shannon airport
(Airfare not included.)
Total Program Cost:
8,500 Euros
*This is in all-inclusive three week program starting from arriving in Ireland to departure.
A 20% deposit will be due once your application has been approved, with the balance due six weeks before your course begins. Payments should be made to Horse Academy Ireland through Allied Irish Banks (AIB) and all finances will be administered by Clifford Desmond & Associates, chartered accountants and registered auditors
How To Turn Horse Academy Ireland Into Homeschool credit.
Most families award 1 full high school credit depending on how its used
You can classify it as;
Equine Studies.
Agriculture / Animal Science
Physical Education (PE)
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Elective; Horsemanship / Equestrian Studies.
Typical Credit Breakdown for HAI’s 3 - week program;
Daily riding and stable work. Lectures ( Anatomy, nutrition, vet care, farrier etc )
This easily meets 60 - 120 + instructional hours which is
1 full credit ( if you add assignments / projects )
Instead of calling it one course you can break HAI into separate subject areas.
1. Equine / Animal Science (Core Credit)
Anatomy, nutrition, care, stable management.
BHS Level 1 certification supports this strongly
0.5 - 1.0 Credit
2. Physical Education (PE)
Daily riding, (balance, coordination, strength)
Physical activity hours are significant
0.25 - 0.5 Credit
3. Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Horse industry exposure
Coaching basics, yard management, professionalism
0.5 Credit
4 Experiential / Study Abroad Credit
Living and training in Ireland
Cultural exposure and independence
0.25 - 0.5 Credit
With intentional structure you can reach 1.5 - 2.5 total homeschool credits
Now Enrolling for Fall 2026!
We are now accepting applicants for Fall 2026! See below for more details.
ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT! APPLY TODAY.
ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT! APPLY TODAY.
A Typical Day Schedule
Day Trips & Excursions
* Excursions based on availability.
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Set in County Meath, Karlswood is the home of Cian’s industry-leading High-Performance Centre. The Karlswood system is based on a structured approach to daily routine and meticulous planning, to help reach our goals.
Cian and the team work together to provide coaching, mentoring, advice on horse purchases and goal-setting. We also facilitate students who wish to progress their showjumping skills while they study in universities in Ireland and across Europe.
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Robert Fagan and his dedicated operations team warmly welcome you to Mullingar Equestrian. As a family owned venue we are continuously improving and developing our facilities to offer you a quality competition and training venue, where the welfare of horse and rider and the comfort of owners and supporters are paramount, a venue where the Irish Sport Horse can be showcased on the national and international stage.
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The Irish National Stud provides breeders an opportunity to access top class stallions and services including boarding, sales preparations and foaling. Visit the Irish Racehorse Experience and learn the lifecycle of the Irish thoroughbred. A unique immersive experience, create their story and guide them to glory.
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Cavan Equestrian is owned and run by the Clarke family and has been in business since 1983. The centre is the biggest and busiest equestrian centre in Ireland for Showjumping Events and Horse & Pony Auctions.
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Your royal adventure begins as you enter through the grand stone gates of our Forbes Five-Star hotel. Now a proud part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the magnificent Ashford Castle has stood sentinel on the shores of Lough Corrib for over 800 years. With an estate of such spectacular proportions, every moment spent within its grounds creates indelible memories. Once home to the Guinness family and today a multi-generational resort, Ashford Castle is lovingly managed by a dedicated team that passionately cares about every single guest.
Karlswood Stables
Ashford Castle
