Thursday, 09 February 2023
British Equestrian has continued its series of youth coaching educational workshops with a two-day seminar entitled ‘Sport in Her Shoes’, which focused on the physiological and psychological issues affecting girls in equestrian sport.
With female health and wellbeing becoming increasingly discussed, both in sport and wider society, the workshop was opened up to coaches working within the youth development pathway, from British Dressage, British Eventing, British Showjumping and The Pony Club. Topics covered over the two days included the menstrual cycle, breast development and the importance of bra fit, kit considerations, the effects of poor nutrition on health and performance, and psychological considerations when coaching girls.
The seminar was hosted by female health specialist Dr Emma Ross, founder of The Well HQ. Previously, Emma held the position of Head of Physiology at the English Institute of Sport, where she developed the SmartHER programme to help athletes, coaches and sports practitioners to better understand the female athlete.
“Issues surrounding female health can be a significant barrier to participation in sport,” explained British Equestrian’s Head of Performance Pathways, David Hamer, who organised the workshop. “During their teens, when girls are starting to become more serious about equestrianism, they also have to contend with their bodies developing in ways which cause physiological changes that may prevent them from enjoying sport.
“By improving the knowledge and understanding of our youth pathway coaches, we can begin to create a new norm for female youth athletes of the future.”
The sessions were structured to allow time for open discussions around themes that historically might have had stigma attached, with coaches able to share their personal experiences or thoughts on how they might adjust their practices going forward to better facilitate the unique needs of their female clients.
“I think it’s really important for all coaches to be educated and informed,” said Charlie Hutton, who works as a Coach Mentor for British Equestrian’s Podium Potential Pathway dressage athletes, after the seminar. “From my point of view, my main coaching demographic of riders are female, so learning about these topics helps me to have better conversations with them on how best to adapt training when required to support their performance.”
Further youth coaching workshops covering a range of topics are planned to take place this year.