“Coaches Comment”

with Jeanette Garrett B.H.S.I. ESNZ Registered Performance Coach and Coach Educator

Jeanette holds the Advanced Diploma in Adult Learning and Teaching. One of her current roles is training, mentoring and assessing equestrian coaches for Equestrian Sport NZ and the NZ Pony Club Association - creating a step by step pathway to achieving coaching skills, recognition and qualifications.

Jeanette’s articles are aimed at promoting thought and reflection on your performance as a rider and as a coach.

Click here if you would like more information about becoming a equestrain coach or working in the equine industry.

Part 5 of 5. Training to be an Equestrian Coach in New Zealand – what are the options?

It’s good news for potential equestrian coaches in New Zealand!

We have options and choices when it comes to learning to be a coach, gaining coaching skills and achieving qualifications.

In the past (more than 15 years ago) the only option for coaches to train was to go overseas to achieve training and qualifications.

Seventeen years ago The New Zealand Pony Club Association www.nzpca.org

Shortly after this training programme was launched The New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) www.nzqa.govt.nz/unit standards and qualifications came into being. Under the guidance of The Equine Industry Training Organisation www.equineito.co.nz/a range of equestrian qualifications became available. Two were for coaching - community coach and grade one levels including the codes of dressage, show jumping, eventing vaulting and riding for the disabled coach.

These qualifications are offered at four training establishments around the country either as a full time course or as a series of short block courses. For current accredited providers visit www.equineito.co.nz

Equine eLearning Ltd. www.equine-education.co.nz/offers the same qualification via on line theory components with practical assessments and work experience. This would be ideal for those in more remote areas and/or if other life commitments do not allow for full time study. These NZQA qualifications are currently under review. For more information visit www.equine-education.co.nz . (NZPCA) found sponsors to create their own coaches’ training programme with the same levels as rider certificates – D to A level. Study is a combination of distance learning – written modules to be completed, a ten hour workshop and practical coaching assessments for each level. For more information about this training programme visit www.nzpca.org.nz.

Equestrian Sport New Zealand (ESNZ) www.nzequestrian.org.nz/front/front.aspx has recently rolled out its new equestrian sport coaching qualifications. This new approach is backed by SPARC sports coach approach and has three sections for horse management, riding and coaching. There are currently two levels available Introductory Coach and Development Coach with two more at higher levels being designed. These programs have self-directed learning material and a coach mentor system as the pathway to achievement. For more information visit

www.equestrian.org.nz click on the ‘coaching’ tab.

On the job training to become a coach is quite rare in New Zealand due to the fact we are not a big industry and riding schools and other suitable establishments are low in number. Working on the job in a coaching environment would be ideal, backed with either the Equine eLearning program or the ESNZ option for theory studies and qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and proof of Current Competences (CC) can be used if you hold a qualification gained here or overseas and wish to train further. An application needs to be made to be granted recognition of your learning in the industry. This enables you to go directly to the next level. Contact me if you want to know more about this www.equinepositivelearning.co.nz

Your feedback and questions are important! click here to Contact Jeanette