As the search begins for The British Horse Society Young Instructor of the Year 2008, a fantastic opportunity presents itself to young people passionate about coaching.

This competition has been developed by The British Horse Society to offer aspiring young instructors and coaches an opportunity to display and develop their coaching skills as well as to continue with their own professional development.

The competition is open to anyone who is 30 years of age or under on 1 January 2008, who holds a minimum of the BHS Preliminary Teaching Test and is actively involved in the equine industry.

BHS Director of Standards, Margaret Linington-Payne says: "This competition is ideal for young coaches and instructors who wish to highlight and improve their existing coaching work within the equine industry".

Last year's title went to 24-year-old Tom Searle BHSII from Gloucestershire. Tom, who runs a small private yard and is a freelance instructor and eventer, found the competition extremely worthwhile.

He says: "I think the BHS Young Instructor of the Year competition gives much needed direction to people like myself and I am delighted to have won it. It was only right at the end when things had gone well and I had enjoyed the day, that I allowed myself to hope I could win."

The competition is split into ten regional qualifiers across the country. Each qualifier is used as a training day for selected applicants and allows them the opportunity to question, discuss and debate coaching and teaching skills with a Fellow of the BHS. 

Mary-Ann Casey won last year's Ireland qualifier. She says: "I loved the qualifier, it was absolutely fantastic. I found it so interesting and it was great to meet other people involved in the industry"

All qualifiers still have limited places available. If you are interested please contact the Training Department for further details and an application pack.