Course: Rider Coaching | British Horseracing

    • What is the Rider Coaching Programme?

      Coaching is at the heart of any skills development - and riding and horseman skills are no exception. Many young or inexperienced riders enter the racing industry as a racing groom. Basic riding skills are usually developed at a course at one of the industry' racing schools or through previous experience. However, advanced horsemanship skills are generally gained 'on-the-job' and progression can be very varied.

      Established senior racing staff, with a wealth of experience, are often best placed to support, guide and develop novice or less experienced members of staff. The Rider Coaching Programme provides these senior personnel with the coaching skills they require to coach others.

      Coaching does not just apply to riding - many stable management and horsecare skills can be enhance through this programme - providing progression opportunities for stable staff and giving them a wider skills base.












      The Rider Coaching Programme provides regional coach development opportunities at times and dates convenient for those working in busy racing yards.


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    • Training To Become A Racing Coach 

      Any senior stable staff or racing groom can apply to become a Racing Coach. 

      There are many benefits including: 

      • developing new coaching skills 
      • supporting the progression of junior members of your team 
      • becoming part of Racing's Coaching Community 
      • enhancing your CV 

      You do not need to have any previous coaching experience. Full training is provided and you will start at Level 1 which is an assistant coach.  You should gain support from your employer to apply. 

      The training and assessment takes place over six afternoon sessions at a regional location. In 2020, residential week long courses at the British Racing School or National Horseracing  are planned. As well as the recognised coaching qualification you will also gain a first aid and safeguarding certificate. 

      The cost of training is £1,500 but this is subsidised by the racing industry and the cost per individual is £100 - and even that is returnable on successful completion of the course. 

      To find out when and where the next course will be run please contact: Sam Trainor at: S.Trainor@theNHC.co.uk or Tel: 07711782272 

    • Rider Coaching Programme Case Study

      Name: Sarah Fanning

      Location: Middleham, North Yorkshire

      Qualifications held: 1st4sport Level 1 in Equestrian Coaching (Racing pathway) 

      Career details: Sarah has a vast amount of experience in the racing industry including: working for a bloodstock agent, Marketing Executive at York Racecourse, 

      Darley Racing Manager, Yard Manager at Mark Johnston Racing and Welfare Officer for Racing Welfare. 

      In her current role she runs the Racing Welfare Careers Advice and Training Service (CATS).  

      Sarah has a degree in Business Management and completed the Darley Flying Start Scholarship Programme. 

      Career highlight: One of Sarah's career highlights was being part of the York Racecourse team, which hosted Royal Ascot. She also enjoyed the vast experience offered by the Darley Flying Start programme and looks back fondly at her time with Mark Johnston Racing where she looked after a yard with top class horses and worked with a great team. 

      Interesting Fact: Sarah loves to compete in eventing in her spare time. 

      Coaching Philosophy: "I see coaching as a step for riders to be the best version of themselves" 

      Favourite Coaching Quote: 'Train people well enough to they can leave; treat them well enough so they don't want to'. 

  • Click on the videos below to find out more. You can make the video full screen by clicking on the 'full screen tab' in the bottom right corner.

    • 1. How to deliver an inclusive and progressive group arena session.

      This arena based coaching session demonstrates, how to provide an inclusive coaching session with riders whom have different abilities. Ensuring the session is progressive but safe. The webinar also highlights the importance of a session plan in pre planning and delivering two way feedback post session. 

             

      2. How to deliver a stable management session. 

      A demonstration of a Racing Coach delivering a one to one stable management session to a more experienced member and how the session can be used to check knowledge and understanding. Feedback is then given whilst mapping out targets for future sessions. 

      3. How to provide an inclusive, progressive session with a group of riders on the simulator. 

      A demonstration of how riding based sessions, can be linked to simulator work in assisting with rider development. The importance of warming up, resting  and cooling down the rider in delivering the session. 

      The session also looks at how to make a session inclusive with more than one rider present. 

      4. Working on the pull technique and core strength using the simulator. 

      This short video looks at how the coach can work on pull technique and show the rider the importance of core strength in the technique. 

      How a coach can ensure the session is inclusive with a member of staff not riding and some suggestive advice for development outside of the session. 

      5. A gallop group session showing how to set up and stand back to a more advanced rider. 

      This short coaching session, highlights how to use the set up and stand back approach with a more advanced rider, when working on the gallop. 

      It takes a look at the importance of engaging the member of staff in giving feedback and development for future sessions.