Safeguarding Training

The Pony Club recognises three levels of training:

1) Safeguarding for Equestrians – Initial Training, Tutor Lead (delivered face to face virtually)

2) Equestrian Advanced Safeguarding – Refresher Course, Self-Guided

3) Equestrian Safeguarding Officer – For Area, Branch and Centre Safeguarding Officers, Tutor Lead (delivered face to face virtually)

The first approved safeguarding workshop to attend must be the Safeguarding for Equestrians course, this is a face to face, tutor lead course that is delivered virtually.  This is followed three years later by the Advanced Safeguarding for Equestrians refresher course, this is a self-guided workbook style course that can be completed in your own time.  The two courses are then repeated every three years in strict rotation.

The Equestrian Safeguarding Officer course is for Area, Branch and Centre Safeguarding Officers and focuses on processes and procedure that will assist them in their role.  In addition, the course explores more complex scenarios and provides the tools and knowledge to address issues effectively.  It is essential that participants must have completed the Safeguarding for Equestrians course prior to registration.

In addition to the three core safeguarding courses, we are pleased to introduce a new Supplementary Adult Safeguarding course covering Adult Safeguarding and The Pony Club’s processes and procedures. This course is designed for anyone who has already achieved accreditation in Child Safeguarding. Before registering, you must check whether your existing training meets The Pony Club requirements by completing the APL Form (Accreditation of Prior Learning) below and sending it to safeguarding@pcuk.org.  Registration will be available from January 2026.

All individuals who carry out a role in regulated activity/work must attend an approved safeguarding workshop. The only exception to this rule is for:

• First aiders who will only require a disclosure check, and,
• Those at residential camps where each night a minimum of two of the overnight supervisors must have attended an approved safeguarding workshop.

It is strongly recommended that any other persons carrying out regulated activity/work on an overnight basis at residential camps should also attend an approved safeguarding workshop.

16 – 18 Year olds are welcome to attend, however, must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

For those residing in Scotland only, please be aware you MUST complete Module One from Sports Scotland prior to attending the Pony Club Safeguarding Course. Please ensure you allow a minimum of 20 days prior to your selected Pony Club Safeguarding Course, to allow us to register you with Sport Scotland and for you to complete Module One in advance of your selected Safeguarding Course.

An individual who has attended a safeguarding workshop externally delivered can apply for their learning to be taken into consideration as an alternative to attending the Pony Club offering.

Please see the following options.

Pre-Approved Courses

The Pony Club also has a list of pre-approved courses that can be attended in place of the BEF Safeguarding for Equestrians course. These do not need approval.

The pre-approved courses include:

• CPSU Time to Listen
• NSPCC courses (depending on the level)
• Designated Lead Officer 3-day courses offered by your Local Authority

* Please provide a copy of certification to support processing on to PELHAM

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

For those courses not listed on the pre-approved list, the APL procedure should be followed.

The APL form can be downloaded from the Resource Hub and should be submitted along with a copy of the certificate of attendance and course content details (e.g. learning outcomes and/or copy of presentation/handout). The procedure is detailed within this form.

To be shared with safeguarding@pcuk.org

We are committed to providing high-quality learning experiences and have designed a streamlined procedure to make your registration as smooth and hassle-free as possible.  By registering for a course, you acknowledge and agree to our Cancellation, Transfer and Refund Policy.  We encourage all participants to review the policy in full prior to confirming attendance.

To view our Course Cancellation, Transfer & Refund Policy, click here.