Thursday, 15 December 2022
Members of the first cohort of the Equi-Youth Coaching programme, delivered in partnership with the Pony Club, have completed their Level 1 Award in Equestrian Coaching this year. Three of them were recognised at the London International Horse Show at ExCel today with certificates presented by the Chief Executive of British Equestrian, Jim Eyre. The morning was a celebration of coaches at the start of their coaching journey alongside some of our most experienced beacon coaches, Level 4 graduates, who achieved the highest coaching award available.
Launched in 2021 with funding from Sport England, the Equi-Youth programme has supported this group of new coaches who have all spent time working or volunteering at an urban riding school, with the primary aim of equipping them with the skills to encourage and further develop children and youth rider’s technical and horsemanship skills. These newly fledged coaches can continue to inspire young equestrians:
After collecting her certificate, Clare said; “The course has been fabulous – it was really great, I’ve managed to slot it in with work well. I’ll absolutely go on to the next level – I can’t wait to start. We’ve got a second riding school opening up soon alongside Park Palace Ponies and that will help with completing my Level 2 as we’ll have improved facilities, and the pupils will be able to jump and canter. There was not question, I said ‘I’m doing it!’’ and it’s inspired me to go to Level 3 and even 4, bring it on!”
Shereen commented; “I’m so proud – I thought I’d messed my last assessment up and it wasn’t my strongest, but I passed. It’s brought me so much more understanding and how to plan so a lesson has a flow. It makes so much more sense to me from what I’ve learnt, and I have the belief to deliver it now. I can explain things in a better way which helps the kids a lot. My confidence has moved up a level – I’m still not the most confident person – but this has pushed me to the next level and the belief that I can do it. Sarah [Macdonald – coaching mentor] has been amazing – she’s kept it relaxed with no stress or pressure and with her we’ve accomplished it, she’s so supportive.”
Finally, Shantelle said of her Equi-Youth experience; “It feels amazing, I’m really proud of myself. I’m really grateful to have been able to do the programme which has brought me a new found confidence that I’m able to pass on. I know that what I’m doing is correct and I can pass that on to the children that I teach. I’m confident now to put my full self into what I do, there’s no hesitation and the rapport is better. I can relax and just be myself and know that I’m doing the right thing. I’d definitely love to carry on and do Level 2 – it’s so inspiring.”
Head of Performance Pathways, David Hamer commented: “It’s been a great experience following the progress of these new coaches, their enthusiasm throughout the course makes for an exciting future for both them and the people they will be coaching in the future. Thank you to Sarah Macdonald and Darrell Scaife for their guidance and dedication in their roles as coaching mentors and the Pony Club for their support of this initiative.”
After the presentation the coaches and their guests were treated to the London International Horse Show afternoon performance where they saw Charlotte Fry and the Van Olst’s Glamourdale take the FEI Dressage World Cup Grand Prix, supported by Horse & Hound in spectacular style.