The Classical Riding Club has become the first “Independent Partner” of The British Horse Society.

This new form of association has been created to enable the Society and smaller independent equestrian organisations whose aims and objectives are complementary to affirm publicly the confidence and high regard each has for the other, whilst also enabling the independent partner to benefit from the strengths (commercial and otherwise) of the BHS.

BHS Chairman Patrick Print FBHS said: “The Trustees are very pleased indeed that the Classical Riding Club has become our first Independent Partner. The CRC is widely respected for upholding the classical ideals of horsemanship, which of course the BHS supports.

“It has been one of my overriding objectives since I became Chairman that the BHS should share the resources which history has bequeathed us with organisations whose aims are consistent with our own but which lack the capacity to make the most of their potential.

“We want every equestrian organisation whose stance on equine welfare, training, safety and access is compatible with our own to succeed. The fortunes of the BHS and of the wider equestrian community are intimately bound up with the fortunes of the hundreds of independent equestrian organisations, each with its own particular priorities and expertise. If we can help them we will be promoting a much greater good for horses and equestrians than if we simply jostle for pre-eminence by aggressively trumpeting our own programmes and achievements.”

But Mr Print made clear that the BHS and its Independent Partners were not obliged, or even likely, to agree on everything. “Long gone are the days when there were perceived to be only two ways of doing things: the BHS way and the wrong way. This means that there will always be room for debate, and even disagreement, when matters of judgement and perspective are concerned. As always, the key questions will be: “Is the welfare of the horse protected?” “Is the method proposed safe for riders?” and “Are the end results acceptable, both ethically and in terms of the horse’s performance?” So we will be just as eager to challenge our Independent Partners to debate as we are with any other organisation when our reasoning leads us to differing conclusions.”

CRC Founder Sylvia Loch said: “As a long standing Member, I have always respected the Society for its work to help riders of all disciplines, but there have been times in the past when one has felt somewhat at odds on the subject of schooling and training. Much of this felt regimented, with little opportunity to comment, question or debate ideas from abroad, or simply from a more artistic background. Now, under the leadership of Patrick Print and Graham Cory all that has changed. With a more open Society, I am proud that the Classical Riding Club can now fly its pennant from the mast of the ‘new’ BHS and I look forward to working together for the benefit of horses everywhere.

“A particular attraction to me of this new scheme lies in those two words – ‘Independent’ and ‘Partner’. We retain absolutely our independence, authority and sovereignty, with the BHS having no influence whatsoever over our core beliefs, policies or management. We will certainly look for opportunities to support each other where our specific interests overlap but we reserve the right to disagree with the Society when our judgement and theirs diverge. This is not a merger, still less a takeover, but a true partnership.”

Independent Partner of