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Eight equestrian coaches awarded their British Equestrian Level 4 Coaching Certificate at London International Horse Show

Friday, 20 December 2024

Today, eight outstanding coaches have been awarded their British Equestrian Level 4 Coaching Certificate (endorsed by UKCC), in conjunction with British Rowing and the University of Gloucestershire. The ceremony took place at the London International Horse Show, with certificates presented by British Equestrian Chief Executive Jim Eyre.

The course is designed for high performing coaches to develop their skills building on vision and knowledgeable decision making, while displaying exceptional behaviours and the highest professional and ethical standards.

This year, the coaches came from a range of organisations and disciplines, the successful coaches were:

  • Natasha Andrews- British Showjumping
  • Phil Brown- British Eventing
  • Sara Copley- British Showjumping
  • Teresa Edmonds- British Dressage
  • Fiona Harrison- British Eventing
  • Kathryn Howard- British Carriagedriving
  • Claire Maddison- British Horse Society
  • Steph Price- British Carriagedriving
  • Hugh Train- British Eventing
  • Michael Whippey- British dressage

Fiona Harrison commented after receiving her certificate, “Completing the Level 4 qualification has been great because I do practical research, this has been more scientific. It’s been a lot more demanding than I first thought, but I’ve learned to embrace it. It’s taught me that I can go further and now, I’ve decided to enrol and do my dissertation as well."

Teresa Edmonds explained her motivation for completing the qualification, “I wasn’t competing anymore and I needed something to goal-set to and coaching was the way to go. It’s meeting the people, that’s why having in-person days are so important because it’s getting together and chatting about stuff and helping each other through is really, really good.”

Michael Whippey continued, “I’m the sort of person who always has to have a goal so doing the Level 4 qualification was the next logical step.”

“It’s a huge privilege to be able to celebrate with these coaches and see them receive their Level 4 Certificates,” said David Padgen, who oversees the Level 4 Coaching Certificate programme as part of his role of Relationships Officer at British Equestrian. “To be there at the beginning of their two-year programme and witness the progression of each coach, learning new theories and applying to their practice is wonderful to witness. Massive congratulations to all.”

“Running such a successful programme wouldn’t be possible without the committed coach developers we are honoured to use – Nicky Fuller, Colin Wilson, Dr Jane Booth and Jenny Coe - and the Academic team at the University of Gloucestershire led by Dr Rachel Bullingham. Thank you to all those that make today’s celebrations possible.”

Further information about the Level 4 Coaching Certificate is available here.