News

Applications open for National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence 2023-25

Wednesday, 02 August 2023

Applications are now open for the Sport England funded National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence, aimed at boosting the performance and skills of coaches across all equestrian disciplines.

Applications for the National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence are now open until midnight on 17 September, with interviews taking place on the week commencing 2 October. Partly funded by Sport England, this cross-discipline programme is aimed at coaches who sustain and grow participation in all equestrian sports. The content of the programme is partly prescribed and partially guided by the individual need and training desires of the coaches involved, with workshops consisting of a combination of theory and practical delivery presented by a variety of guest speakers.

As a cross-discipline programme, there is opportunity to gain an insight into other equestrian sports’ coaching and best practice sharing as well as developing a network of support within the community of practice. As well as the delivered workshops, the programme will also include a range of additional valuable coach development activity and support throughout the duration of the 18-month programme.

 By the end of the programme coaches should be able to:

• Recognise the importance of high performing coaches working with riders at a recreational level.
• Use research and case studies from within and outside of equestrian sport to inform coaching practice.
• Reflect and review their own performance and set personal development plans.
• Gain expertise that can influence coaching programmes and improve riders’ experience.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is open to any coach who wants to improve their performance and is particularly interested in supporting recreational competitors. Please note, coaches should already hold an equestrian Level 3 coaching qualification issued by a Member Body and those looking to apply should already demonstrate a degree of the high performing criteria listed below.

High Performing Recreational Coach Criteria:

• Ability to think innovatively and put ideas into action.
• Ability to build strong relationships with riders and between riders.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive environment for riders.
• Aids the development of riders on an individual basis and are perceptive to their needs and wants.
• Builds and sustains riders’ love of the sport and their involvement.
• Works to establish and maintain a culture of enjoyment.
• Shows a commitment to on-going learning and personal development.
• Acts as an ambassador for the sport and positively influences the development of programmes to improve rider/driver experiences.
• Understands participant pathways into and across equestrian sports.
• Understands the importance of self-reflection and self-directed development.

What coaches have said about the programme:

“This course has helped me to take care of myself as a person and professional, re-adjust my work-life balance so I am able to give my best to the people I coach.”

“The rapport and support from the group has been an essential part of the learning programme.”

“As a result of this programme I have nurtured my identity and what I want from the future of my coaching career, it has helped me to identify the values true to me that I can now share.”

“I now feel more able to create an environment to help everyone thrive and succeed, positive psychology and a focus on my own skills has enabled me to do this.”

“The diversity of coaches on the programme was really helpful in helping to get a broad perspective on coaching, the time taken out to reflect and consider my future as a coach has been invaluable.”

How to apply

To apply and learn more about the programme and the opportunities it proves, please download an application form from British Dressage.

Application forms should be completed and returned to the BD Training & Education team, either via email to officials@britishdressage.co.uk or to Training & Education, British Dressage, Meriden Business Park, Copse Drive, Meriden, West Midlands, CV5 9RG.

If you have any questions about the National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence, please contact the Training and Education Team on 02476 698830 or email officials@britishdressage.co.uk.