Training and Qualifications

Dedicated to improving knowledge, standards and professionalism within the trade, BETA organises training courses covering a wide variety of topics. These include courses on the Medicines' Act, Rider Safety, Hat and Body Protector Fitting, Equine Health, Business Management and Saddle Fitting.

Some of these courses are available to BETA members only, while others have no restriction.

Following is a brief profile of each of the Courses currently being offered on a regular basis by BETA. We are always seeking feedback from both our membership and the wider trade on training requirements. Please click here to download our training questionnaire in MS Word format. This can be posted or emailed back to us. Please do include your contact details when returning the form so we can inform you of any new courses in the future. 

TRAINING FOR WORMER SALES

As a result of the new Veterinary Medicines Legislation that came into force in October 2005, BETA now offers two different types of courses to enable qualification and requalification as an SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) under the revised system.

The new legislation covers both equine and companion animal (dog and cat) wormers and a number of medicines previously categorised as prescription only are now available for sale through SQP’s working from registered premises. With other new products becoming accessible to appropriately qualified retailers for the first time, attendance on a BETA course to qualify to sell animal medicines can open up potential new sales opportunities.

New Candidate Courses: To gain your SQP status you must first register with the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) as a student at which stage you will be sent the study material on which the exams are based. Students must sit a series of papers including a general module on animal health and the legislation and two specialist papers on equines and companion animals.

The course offered by BETA runs over two separate days usually set two weeks apart and mirrors the information covered in the exam modules, including a series of practice and revision questions supplied at the end of the first day to aid preparation and revision for the second day. The exam usually follows on the day after day two of the course.

Conversion Courses: All those who qualified as an SQP prior to October 2005 have the opportunity of converting their previously acquired qualification to be in line with the new legislation. Before October 2008 all SQPs with an “X” prefix to their AMTRA number (XSQPs), those SQPs who have successfully completed an APL form and had formal notification that their APL has been accepted must successfully complete an assessment. Should you not have completed an APL form or taken the retirement option offered at the time then please note that your qualification will become invalid in October 2008. There is still time to complete an APL and undertake a conversion.

The course offered by BETA from 9 – 1.30pm is followed by the 2 hour exam. Pre-course revision will be provided and the aim of the day is to revise the main areas of knowledge required for the exam.

Equine Feed and Nutrition Course

This course aims to introduce retailers to the basic principles of equine nutrition, the legislation surrounding feed and its labelling together with basic stock management. It will help you to better understand the products you sell so that you in turn can assist your customers in their purchasing decisions.

Saddle Fitting Foundation Course

This two day course is run in conjunction with the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS), and aims to provide basic knowledge on the principles of fitting saddles. The SMS also offer a 5 day Course leading to the Qualified Saddle Fitter qualification. 

The Course is offered once a year, and is open to SMS and BETA members only. BETA members receive a subsidy of 30% to attend the course. Check out the members page for this year's date and costs of attending. Places fill up very fast, so an early indication of interest is necessary to secure your place. 

Subjects covered include: Tree design and leather types, physiology of the horse's back, identifying faults in saddles, principles of saddle fitting, safe handling of the horse, movement and confirmation of the horse, and practical saddle fitting on different horse types. 

Safety Course
- combining hat and body protector fitting and reflective clothing.

This one day course run in conjunction with BETA Hat and Body Protector manufacturers is aimed at retailers selling safety products. 

The course provides details of the standards as well as full instructions and practical demonstrations on how to measure and fit different types of riding hats and body protectors. A medical consultant also presents a module on anatomy with reference to the effect of accidents on riders and the role safety products play in reducing injuries. Held once in 2000, we are looking at holding several this year spread around the country and will be open to all.

Introduction to Retail Lorinery - Bits and Bitting

This one day course is aimed at the retailer wishing to be better informed about this often misunderstood topic. Based on a past BETA course and updated for BETA by Tricia Nassau-Williams, BETA Field Officer and Liveryman to the Worshipful Company of Loriners, it was held for the first time in July 2001. 

The course, divided into 4 sections will cover:

• The history of bitting, stirrups and spurs and why bits are used.

• Points of control of the bit, physiology of horses and how bits, spurs and stirrups are measured and sized.

• Five families of bitting, action and application and results of poor bitting.

• Lorinery stock and display, point of sale info, and customer communications.

Open to both members and non-members those interested in attending this course should contact us as soon as possible.

Advanced Lorinery Course

This course is intended for those who have attended the introductory course, or with some previous knowledge. This is a more practical, hands-on course covering the fitting of bits and double bridles, detailed coverage of other meta work such as stirrups and harness, and will also feature a section on training aids, their purposes and fitting.