🧑🏫 What is a WES Professional?
A WES Professional is an approved educator recognised by the Western Equestrian Society (WES). This includes:
- Instructors – Teaching safe, correct western riding skills
- Trainers – Developing horses from foundation to competition
- Coaches – Supporting riders with mindset, preparation and performance
All approved Professionals have undergone a structured assessment or recognition process, and must meet WES’s requirements for:
✅ Public liability insurance (£5 million+)
✅ First Aid certification
✅ Safeguarding training (if working with children)
✅ Understanding of the WES Rulebook
✅ Commitment to professional standards and the WES Code of Conduct
ℹ️ WES does not hold copies of individual professionals’ insurance or First Aid certificates. Riders booking a Professional should request these directly before training.
🔎 Find a WES Professional
Browse our current directory of approved WES Professionals:
Explore our directory of approved WES Professionals below to find an Instructor, Trainer, or Coach near you. We have provided lots of different ways you can see the Professionals! - want to see them all alphabetically, we got this! - prefer to see them based on their location, hey we can do that as well. Just use the tabs at the top of the table to select your preferred view.
🐴 Organising a Clinic with a WES Professional
If you're planning to run a WES-affiliated clinic or training event, the instructor must be a current WES Professional listed on our official register at the time of approval.
✅ How to book a WES Professional
- Browse the WES Professionals Directory to find approved Professionals by name, location, or level
- Contact them directly using the contact details listed in the directory
- Once confirmed, include their name when submitting your event for WES approval via your Area Coordinator
All WES Professionals listed in the directory are fully approved, hold their own public liability insurance, and are expected to uphold the Society’s professional and safety standards.
👤 Inviting a Guest Professional
If you would like to use an instructor who is not currently listed as a WES Professional, they must first be approved by the WES Education Officer before the event is advertised or affiliated.
To request approval:
- Contact the WES Education Officer with your proposed guest’s name and credentials
- The guest must meet all WES Professional requirements, including:
- Public liability insurance (£5 million minimum)
- Valid First Aid certification
- Safeguarding training (if working with under-18s)
- Relevant experience in Western instruction
Once approved, the guest may be treated as a WES-recognised Professional for that event and can be advertised via official WES Area channels.
If a guest professional is not approved, you must arrange separate insurance for the event and may not promote it as a WES clinic.
📈 Professional Levels Explained
Level | Title | Summary |
⭐ Level 1 | Assistant Professional | Teaches beginners under supervision; ideal for riding schools or those early in their teaching journey |
⭐⭐ Level 2 | Independent Professional | Can teach independently; prepares riders and horses for WES competition |
⭐⭐⭐ Level 3 | Advanced Professional | Proven experience in at least two specialist disciplines; coaches at national level |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Level 4 | Senior Professional | Deeply experienced; skilled in five or more specialist areas |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Level 5 | Honorary Professional | Awarded by Council to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to Western equestrianism |
📝 How to Become a WES Professional
Option 1: Assessment Pathway
Apply for a practical, in-person assessment with our Education Officer. Suitable for experienced riders and teachers not already qualified through UKCC.
- Levels 1 & 2 assessed together or separately
- Fee: £125 per level
- Open to all WES members
Option 2: UKCC/Portfolio Route
If you're a qualified UKCC coach (Level 1 or 2+), you can apply for WES Professional status by portfolio. Your experience is reviewed alongside a short rulebook test.
- Fee: £75
- Submit CV, qualifications, and evidence of teaching
- Must meet First Aid and safeguarding criteria
📚 Syllabus, Code & Documents
Everything you need to understand and apply for WES Professional status:
WES Professionals Syllabus
WES Hard Hat Regulations
Assessment and Application Forms
Rider Registration & Consent Form
🧭 Ongoing Expectations
Once approved, WES Professionals must:
- Submit updated insurance and First Aid certificates annually (by 31 January)
- Attend a WES Judging Seminar every five years
- Uphold all WES rules and code of conduct
- Represent WES positively at events, clinics and online
WES reserves the right to suspend or revoke Professional status where safety, conduct, or compliance concerns arise.
📬 Contact
For questions, assessment bookings, or portfolio review:
Lee Rutter
WES Education Officer
📧 westerntrainer82@yahoo.co.uk
📞 07736 430111
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