Does it matter if a riding school is not BHS approved?

[FingoFango]

Would you avoid a riding school if not BHS approved?

What is the best way to tell if a riding school is decent or not?

I wouldn't necessarily avoid if not BHS approved, but I'd really take my time looking at the standard of horses and their care, the standard of teaching etc. (and their insurance and safety practices) But if I wasn't horsey myself and was looking for lessons for a beginner I'd probably go for BHS approved or similar to be sure of basic standards

I would be more worried about their insurance than anything else. I didn't actually think non-BHS riding schools/trekking centres even existed any more.

I would ride at one myself but i wouldn't send a child or a beginner to one, just because of the teaching standards.

Decent riding schools have well kept horses. Don't worry if the office looks like it is falling down if the ponies look healthy. And they will make you wear a hat/ body protector.

ABRS (Association of British Riding Schools) also does approvals. Shouldn't insurance certificate be displayed? You can always ask about the qualifications of the staff.

The best school I've been to wasn't BHS approved. Something to do with not individually stabling their horses apparently. My child attended when she could. Ponies and instructors make schools. Not necessarily facilities.