The British Horse Society was founded in 1947 with the amalgamation of two organisations - the Institute of the Horse and Pony Club, and the National Horse Association of Great Britain .

The BHS is a registered charity - number 210504 - and its activities are overseen by the Charity Commissioners. The Patron of the Society is Her Majesty The Queen. The Society's primary objectives, as published in the Memorandum of Association and amended by way of a Special Resolution of the Society passed on 23rd June 2006 , are:

1. To promote and advance the education, training and safety of the public in all matters relating to the horse;
   
2. To promote the use, breeding, well-being, safety, environment, health and management of the horse for the public benefit;
   
3. To promote community participation in healthy recreation involving the horse.
   
4. To promote and facilitate the prevention of cruelty, neglect or harm to horses and to promote the relief, safety, sanctuary, rescue and welfare of horses in need of care, attention and assistance;
   
5. To promote and secure the provision, protection and preservation of rights of way and of access for ridden and driven horses over public roads, highways, footpaths, bridleways, carriageways, public paths and other land.

Horses for the purpose of the objects means any member of the family Equidae.

The British Horse Society's first 50 years saw enormous growth in riding as a leisure activity, with the BHS as the driving force in its role as the leading horse charity including horse welfare.

Our recent rapid membership growth has shown that interest in horses and ponies, and equestrianism in general, is greater than ever and support for us as a horse charity is strong in all areas including horse welfare.