Friday, 08 July 2022
British Equestrian has today published its Fundamental Movement Skills for Rider Development digital information booklet.
The purpose of the booklet is to provide equestrian coaches with an understanding of how children and young adults develop and physically mature, allowing them to tailor their coaching to meet the needs to those they’re teaching. It starts by providing an overview of the fundamental movement skills seen in developing children and their importance in laying the foundations for a healthy, active lifestyle. The second section moves onto the specific fundamental movement skills necessary for success in the three equestrian Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing and showjumping, and how physical limitations can impact ridden performance.
The result of a number of years of research, the booklet is the brainchild of British Equestrian’s Head of Performance Pathways, David Hamer.
“The publication of this booklet is the next phase in our ongoing programme to develop equestrian coaches working in the youth pathway,” explained David. “It builds on some of the topics covered at our inaugural Youth Coaching Pathway seminar in February, and our aim is to upskill equestrian youth coaches so they can support youth riders in their sporting and life journey during this crucial stage of human development. It also supports the concept that sport is more than just achievement and success – it’s a medium to help promote lifelong physical and mental wellbeing.”
Funded by Sport England, the booklet accompanies a workshop taught by Neil Lewis, Strength and Conditioning Coach for British Equestrian’s World Class Programme. The first workshop was held in May at Loughborough University, and was attended by 10 coaches from British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping.
The first day covered the technical knowledge in the information booklet, inviting coaches to share their teaching experiences and examine them through the lens of the maturation process. On the second day, Neil guided the coaches through a range of practical exercises aimed at solving potential physical limitations in the saddle. By providing them with the knowledge, technical understanding and, importantly, confidence needed to use off-horse activities to solve potential physical limitations, the hope is that the coaches can help the youth athletes they work with to develop their skills and succeed in sport.
“As in many other sports, involvement in equestrianism alone isn’t enough to develop the fundamental movement skills and physical characteristics required for success in the saddle,” explained Neil. “Taking youth riders through exercises while off the horse allows you to develop the skills and qualities needed to maximise their riding development. This is turn will help prevent them developing compensatory strategies to cope with any physical limitations that they have, which at worst could lead to injury and, at best, limit the progression and potential of themself and their horse”
Further workshops are planned for the future, delivered directly by British Equestrian or through the Olympic disciplines of British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping.
The booklet can be viewed below.
Fundamental Movement Skills for Rider Development: info book