KILDARE-based coach Ross O’Hare has been awarded the prestigious title of the British Horse Society Instructor (BHS I) and now joins an elite group of just six instructors holding this level of qualification in Ireland.

Ross received the honour from the BHS Forum after completing exams in training philosophy, riding, assessment of horses and coaching a number of horse/rider combinations across the range of disciplines.

Four years ago, Declan McArdle, an equine specialist with Teagasc, was the last Irish-based instructor to achieve the BHS I.

Ireland’s High Performance Eventing Manager, Nick Turner presented Ross O’ Hare with his title at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire in January.

Ross, who is the owner and manager of Dunbyrne Stud in Co. Kildare, is now a member of the Fellows & Instructors Association and will go on to become an Examiner with the BHS.

Ross’s former mentor, Christopher Bartle, National Coach to the German Olympic three day event team, has been awarded the British Horse Society Instructor of the Year - Lifetime Achievement Award.