How to cancel your BHS membership and reclaim your money
Understanding the british horse society and why you might want to leave
The British Horse Society (BHS) is the UK's largest equestrian membership organisation, founded in 1947 and operating as a registered charity across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Your BHS membership provides third-party liability insurance, access to training qualifications, a legal helpline, and a quarterly members' magazine. However, membership may no longer suit your circumstances. You might cancel because your riding frequency has dropped, your financial priorities have shifted, you've found better-value insurance elsewhere, or you simply want to reduce monthly outgoings. Whatever your reason, Yafee is here to guide you through the cancellation process with precision and clarity.
Understanding your legal rights before you cancel is essential. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you hold significant protections when cancelling memberships purchased online or by telephone. Most critically, if you subscribed within the last 14 days, you can cancel without penalty or explanation. Yafee recommends checking whether you fall within this cooling-off window first, as it dramatically simplifies your cancellation experience.
What you receive with your BHS membership
Your BHS membership includes distinct benefits depending on membership tier. Standard individual membership (approximately £85 per year) covers third-party liability insurance up to £10 million, access to the quarterly members' magazine, a legal advice helpline, and discounts on BHS training courses and examinations. Gold membership (around £125 annually) adds personal accident cover and expanded legal expense coverage. Junior and concessionary memberships offer reduced rates for younger riders and retirees. Understanding what you're paying for helps clarify whether cancellation makes financial sense.
Common reasons members choose to cancel
You might decide to cancel if your riding frequency has dropped, your circumstances have changed, or you've discovered cheaper insurance elsewhere. Some members cancel after experiencing delays in customer service responses or discovering that advertised benefits do not align with their actual needs. Others simply want to pause their membership temporarily during a life transition. Whatever your motivation, you deserve clarity on how to proceed.
Your consumer rights when cancelling a BHS membership
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 grants you substantial legal protections when cancelling memberships and subscriptions in the United Kingdom.
The 14-day cooling-off period
If you purchased your BHS membership online, by telephone, or through distance communication, you have 14 calendar days from the date of purchase to cancel without giving a reason or incurring any penalty. This cooling-off period applies even if you have already used some benefits during those 14 days, provided you have not exceeded reasonable use. To exercise this right, you must notify BHS in writing within the 14-day window. Yafee recommends sending your cancellation notice by email or recorded post to create a documented audit trail.
Your legal position: Once you notify BHS of your intention to cancel within 14 days, the company must refund all money you have paid within 14 days of receiving your cancellation request. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 places this obligation on BHS, not on you. If BHS refuses or delays, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which handles complaints about financial services including insurance-backed memberships.
Cancellation rights beyond the cooling-off period
Once the 14-day cooling-off period expires, your cancellation rights depend on your subscription terms and BHS's contract conditions. However, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 still protects you if BHS fails to deliver the services promised, if the membership contains hidden charges, or if you are locked into unfair contract terms. Additionally, if BHS cannot clearly explain its cancellation policy, you may argue that the contract term is unfair under consumer law. Yafee advises reviewing your membership agreement to identify any cancellation notice periods or early-termination fees.
How to cancel your BHS membership
Cancelling your BHS membership requires you to follow a specific procedure to ensure your request is processed and your refund is actioned promptly.
Step 1: gather your membership details
Before you contact BHS, locate your membership number, the email address or telephone number associated with your account, and the date you subscribed. Your membership number appears on your membership card or in any correspondence from BHS. Having this information to hand will accelerate the cancellation process and prevent delays.
Step 2: contact BHS directly
You must notify BHS of your intention to cancel. Contact BHS customer services through one of the following methods:
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 0844 848 1666 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm GMT)
- Post: BHS, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ
Yafee recommends using email or recorded post, as these methods create a written record of your cancellation request. This documentation protects you if BHS later disputes whether it received your request.
Step 3: state your intention to cancel clearly
When you contact BHS, state explicitly that you wish to cancel your membership. Include your membership number, full name, date of birth, and the reason for cancellation (this is not legally required, but it helps BHS process your request efficiently). If you are within the 14-day cooling-off period, mention this directly: "I am cancelling my membership within the 14-day cooling-off period provided by the Consumer Rights Act 2015."
Step 4: confirm your cancellation in writing
If you cancelled by telephone, follow up with a written email or letter confirming the details of your cancellation conversation. Reference the date and time of your call, the name of the person who took your request, and your membership number. Send this confirmation to the same email address or postal address you used for your initial request. This confirmation creates a clear paper trail that protects you if there are any subsequent disputes.
Step 5: check for refund confirmation
BHS should confirm receipt of your cancellation request within 3 to 5 working days. This confirmation should specify the amount of your refund, the date it will be processed, and the method (usually a return to your original payment card or bank account). If you do not receive confirmation within this timeframe, contact Yafee or contact BHS again to chase the request.
Understanding BHS membership pricing and cancellation implications
Your membership tier and subscription date affect your refund eligibility and any early-termination charges.
| Membership tier |
Annual cost |
Included benefits |
Cancellation fee |
| Standard individual |
£85 |
Liability insurance (£10m), magazine, helpline, course discounts |
None (14-day); pro-rata after |
| Gold |
£125 |
Standard plus personal accident cover and legal expenses |
None (14-day); pro-rata after |
| Junior (under 18) |
£45 |
Liability insurance, magazine, helpline |
None (14-day); pro-rata after |
| Concessionary (over 60 or student) |
£65 |
Liability insurance, magazine, helpline |
None (14-day); pro-rata after |
| Joint (two adults at same address) |
£140 |
Dual liability insurance, magazine, two hellines |
None (14-day); pro-rata after |
| Family |
£175 |
Family liability insurance, magazine, helpline, junior cover |
None (14-day); pro-rata after |
How pro-rata refunds work after the cooling-off period
If you cancel after the 14-day cooling-off period, BHS will typically calculate a pro-rata refund. This means you receive a refund based on the number of complete months remaining in your membership year. For example, if you subscribed on 1 January and cancel on 1 April, you have used 3 months of your 12-month membership. BHS will refund you approximately 9/12 of your annual fee. Yafee recommends asking BHS to provide this calculation in writing so you can verify its accuracy.
What happens after you cancel your BHS membership
Understanding the post-cancellation process prevents confusion and ensures you receive all promised refunds.
Timeline for refund processing
Once BHS processes your cancellation, your refund will typically be returned to your original payment method within 14 to 28 working days. If you paid by debit card or bank transfer, the funds will appear in your account after this period. Check your bank statement carefully to confirm the refund has been credited. If you do not see the refund after 28 days, contact BHS immediately and ask for a refund reference number.
When your membership benefits end
Your BHS membership benefits end on the cancellation date or at the end of your current billing cycle, whichever BHS specifies in your cancellation confirmation. You will lose access to the legal helpline, discounts on courses, and your liability insurance immediately. If your membership renewal date was approaching, confirm with BHS whether your cancellation takes effect immediately or at the renewal date. This affects whether you are charged for the next year.
Unsubscribing from BHS communications
Cancelling your membership does not automatically remove your email address from BHS marketing communications. You must separately unsubscribe from newsletters and promotional emails. Look for an "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of BHS emails, or contact [email protected] to request removal from all mailing lists.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancelling your membership is straightforward when you follow the correct procedure, but several pitfalls can delay your refund or result in unexpected charges.
Mistake 1: cancelling only by email without confirmation of receipt
Email is reliable, but BHS occasionally claims it did not receive cancellation requests. Always ask for confirmation that your email has been received. Better still, send your cancellation request by recorded post, which creates an undisputed proof of delivery. Keep a copy of your email or letter for your records.
Mistake 2: missing the 14-day cooling-off period deadline
The 14-day cooling-off period runs from the date of purchase, not from the date your membership becomes active. If you subscribed on 5 March, you must cancel by 19 March (14 days later). After this date, your cancellation rights are narrower. Mark the deadline in your calendar immediately after subscribing.
Mistake 3: assuming your renewal will not be charged
If you do not cancel before your renewal date, BHS will charge you for the next membership year automatically. Some members discover charges on their bank statements weeks after intending to cancel. Contact BHS at least 4 weeks before your renewal date to ensure your cancellation is processed in time.
Mistake 4: not checking for pro-rata deductions
After the cooling-off period, BHS may deduct charges for unused services or early-termination fees from your refund. Always ask BHS to itemise these deductions and explain how it calculated your pro-rata refund. If the calculation appears incorrect, ask for a detailed breakdown and escalate to Yafee's support service for review.
Mistake 5: providing incomplete information
BHS cannot process your cancellation if you do not provide your membership number or the email address linked to your account. Ensure every communication includes your full name, date of birth, membership number, and the email address associated with your account.
Escalating your complaint if BHS refuses to refund
If BHS refuses your refund or does not respond to your cancellation request within a reasonable timeframe, you have formal escalation routes under consumer law.
Step 1: send a formal complaint to BHS
Contact BHS in writing (email or recorded post) and state formally that you are filing a complaint under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Reference the date you originally requested cancellation and request a written explanation for why your refund has not been processed. Set a deadline: "Please respond by [date 14 days hence] or I will escalate this complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service."
Step 2: escalate to the financial ombudsman service
If BHS does not resolve your complaint within 8 weeks, you may escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS is an independent organisation that investigates complaints about financial services and insurance-backed memberships. You can file a complaint free of charge at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or by telephone on 0800 023 4567. Yafee recommends gathering all your evidence: emails, payment receipts, cancellation requests, and BHS's responses.
Step 3: report to the charity commission if applicable
Because BHS is a registered charity, you can also report complaints to the Charity Commission if you believe BHS has mishandled your cancellation or refund unfairly. This is particularly useful if BHS's conduct suggests a systemic problem affecting multiple members. Visit www.charitycommission.gov.uk to report your concern.
Checklist for cancelling your BHS membership
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step and protected your legal position.
| Action |
Completed |
Notes |
| Locate your BHS membership number |
[ ] |
Found on membership card or email |
| Check the date you subscribed (for cooling-off period) |
[ ] |
14 days from purchase date |
| Send cancellation request by email to [email protected] with full details |
[ ] |
Keep a copy of this email |
| Follow up with recorded post if no email confirmation within 3 days |
[ ] |
BHS address: Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ |
| Receive and verify BHS cancellation confirmation (within 5 working days) |
[ ] |
Check refund amount and date |
| Monitor your bank account for refund (14-28 days) |
[ ] |
Refund should appear in original payment method |
| If refund not received after 28 days, contact BHS with reference number |
[ ] |
Request escalation to complaints team |
| Unsubscribe from BHS newsletters and marketing emails |
[ ] |
Use unsubscribe link in emails or contact [email protected] |
Why yafee helps thousands of consumers cancel memberships every month
Cancelling a membership should be straightforward, but many organisations create unnecessary barriers or delay refunds. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers navigate cancellation procedures, understand their legal rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and recover refunds from companies that refuse to cooperate. Whether your complaint concerns a delayed refund, disputed charges, or unclear cancellation terms, Yafee provides the clarity and support you need.
Your BHS membership cancellation is protected by law. The 14-day cooling-off period gives you a risk-free window to change your mind. Beyond that period, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 still protects you from unfair terms and misleading benefit descriptions. If BHS refuses your refund or ignores your cancellation request, the Financial Ombudsman Service will investigate on your behalf at no cost.
Contact Yafee today if you need help drafting your cancellation letter, calculating a pro-rata refund, or escalating a complaint to the FOS. Yafee's contract law specialists have guided consumers through hundreds of membership cancellations, and we understand the tactics organisations use to resist cancellations. Visit yafee.com to access our full range of tools, templates, and expert advice. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted memberships and reclaim their money. Let us help you do the same.