Leweston Chedington Riding Academy Awarded BHS Centre Approval in First Year

Leweston Chedington Riding Academy has achieved British Horse Society Centre Approval, recognising excellence in welfare, safety and education. It highlights professional facilities, expert coaching and clear progression routes for pupils.

Leweston Chedington Riding Academy (LCRA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded British Horse Society (BHS) Centre Approval in its first year of operation – a significant and highly regarded accreditation that recognises excellence in equestrian education, horse welfare, rider safety, and professionalism.

Achieving BHS Centre Approval so early is a major milestone for the Academy and reflects the exceptional standards embedded across all aspects of its provision. The approval confirms that Leweston Chedington Riding Academy meets the British Horse Society’s rigorous criteria, demonstrating best practice in coaching, facilities, safeguarding, and the welfare of the horses in its care.

Set within Leweston School’s 50‑acre Dorset campus, the purpose‑built Leweston Chedington Riding Academy is open to all pupils from Nursery through to Sixth Form, welcoming everyone from complete beginners to riders competing at national level. Pupils may ride their own horse or pony or access the Academy’s school horses, receive coaching across all main disciplines, and pursue formal equestrian qualifications alongside their academic studies.

As a BHS Approved Centre, the Academy will follow the BHS learning pathway, giving pupils access to structured, nationally recognised progression routes that support learning at every stage. From September, this will include the launch of a two‑year Equine Studies programme for Year 10 pupils, delivered alongside the established BTEC Level 3 Equine Management course in Sixth Form. Both programmes are aligned with the BHS Challenge Awards, enabling students to work towards BHS Stage 1 qualifications, with opportunities for some learners to progress to Stage 2 as part of an extended programme.

Younger riders will also benefit from the Academy’s BHS approval through the introduction of Pony Stars – the BHS Junior Challenge Awards, offered as an after‑school club. This ensures that equestrian education, skill development, and an understanding of horse care are accessible from an early age.

Lorraine Roberts, Director of Riding, commented:

“Becoming a BHS Approved Centre demonstrates that we are offering a professional, inclusive and safe environment and that we provide the very best standards for all the horses and riders under our care. The BHS recreational and educational programmes support learning at all levels, and I am very much looking forward to offering this to the wider equestrian community at Leweston.”

Leweston Chedington Riding Academy is also home to one of the country’s top NSEA school teams, regularly competing at the highest levels of schools’ equestrian sport. Pupils benefit from strong links with Chedington Equestrian, a world‑class facility that trains Olympic‑level competitors, granting access to elite training resources including extensive indoor and outdoor arenas, international‑standard jumps, and competition‑level dressage facilities.

Equitation is uniquely embedded within the Leweston curriculum, enhancing academic excellence by integrating riding from Year 5 to Year 8, and providing clear vocational and academic progression routes through Sixth Form and beyond. Whether a pupil’s ambition is to learn to ride, compete at prestigious events across the country, or build a career within the equine industry, Leweston Chedington Riding Academy offers exceptional opportunities supported by expert coaching and outstanding facilities.

For further information, please visit our website: https://www.leweston.co.uk/equestrian/welcome-to-the-riding-academy