HQ'S TOP TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT COACH

If you are moving into the new year and looking for a coach, here are some important things to consider:

Is the coach qualified?

Qualifications provide the best way to objectively judge whether a coach has the knowledge and practical ability to coach their pupils safely and appropriately.

Does their level of expertise match my goals?

Some coaches work across the spectrum from beginner to professional, but not all have the skill, ability, or desire to do so. In a recent study in South Africa, only 25% of coaches indicated that they coach all levels of the sport.

Consider your riding goals and ensure you choose a coach to help you achieve them (or at least to give you the best chance of meeting them). The same South African survey found that 20% of coaches do not coach above the ‘novice’ level. If your aspirations are greater and you want a long-term relationship with your coach, perhaps consider this before starting.

Does their style of teaching suit me?

We do not all learn the same way, so it is important to find a coach that is ‘in tune with you’. Confidence is often a key issue, so ensure you have a coach who can work with your (and your horse’s) confidence level and bring out the best in you.

Does their lesson format suit me?

Consider the coach’s lesson format. Do they do mostly group lessons? Do you think you would do well in that setting? Or are they entirely private lessons and would this suit your learning style?

Are they qualified in first aid? Do they have police clearance and are they qualified in safeguarding?

As previously mentioned, equestrian sport is dangerous. Ensuring that your coach has a First Aid qualification could go a long way toward ensuring that any injury you might sustain is handled appropriately. This element alone could be the difference between a positive and negative outcome following a fall.

Safeguarding puts measures in place that protect against abuse for all children and adults, ensuring they have enjoyable experiences around horses. Police clearance is a key element of safeguarding assessments.

Do their professional values match your own?

At the end of the day, you are entering into a supplier/consumer relationship. Does the prospective coach understand that they are providing a service and act accordingly and professionally? You need to decide if you are happy with your coach's professionalism.