Ruth Baxter’s Letter to H&H

Ruth Baxter wrote a letter to Horse & Hound which was published in the 23rd Jan 2020 edition. As the letter was edited by H&H and now makes far less sense to those who were at the F&I convention, it was suggested that Ruth should send the unedited version out. Please find it below:

“Dear Editor,

Last weeks training feature included a quote from me about how the BHS education system had provided a path when academia did not suit. I started on that path at 16 (then the earliest age you could take the exams) as a riding school assistant with a passion. In the last 18 years I have worked my way up the levels, achieving the Stage 5 qualification (BHSI) in 2016. Since qualifying, I am able to attend the Fellows and Instructors Association annual course, this year’s being held last week at the revamped Addington Equestrian Centre. A fantastic gathering of over 100 BHSI and FBHS’s, studying and engaging with lessons given by Adam Kemp FBHS and Corrine Bracken UKCC4 to the likes of Pammy Hutton and Nick Gauntlett. Whether we were prospective Olympians, or ex riding school assistants who had fought their way up the ranks, we were all welcomed, involved and educated. All brought together by the BHS education system. To anyone out there wondering whether the system is for them, the opportunities can be well worthwhile.

Ruth Baxter”