Equestian Coaching Skills

The ‘SEEING EYE’ of the coach  or do we just ‘WATCH’?

As a coach we find out how to give lessons on a ‘one to one’ and/or to groups of riders. We discover the different methods of ride control and if organized think ahead and work out a lesson plan which has a subject/topic to be focused on. A plan that has an introduction, explanation, maybe a demonstration, and always practice and repetition time, and a conclusion. A plan that can be adapted to the level of riders we are working with or the situation on the day. All very good work from a conscientious coach.
 
The term often used “Teach what is in front of you” is an interesting one. How does a coach develop an ‘EYE’ for this? I think they start by ’Watching’ – my definition of this is where a coach can look at a horse and rider and have a gut feeling for what looks good/correct – knowing what they like to watch and what they do not – forming opinions and then developing more to be able to see superficial corrections that need to be made. For example - the rider needs to ‘keep their heels down’ etc.
 
So how well do we ‘WATCH’? Over the years I have experienced coaches of all levels ‘WATCHING’ other coaches particularly international coaches. This would be great if they ‘LOOKED’ and LEARNED’ The difference is this :- A group of people sitting ‘WATCHING’ seem to be observing the action in front of them while holding a conversation on a wide range of other topics. For example excited chatter about how great it is that their pre-schooler is at last ‘potty trained’, ‘Who was at the BBQ last night?’ and ‘is it really true that so and so is having an affair with Mr X, Y or Z’ etc. I reckon I have heard it all discussed!! However much as I appreciate our multi-tasking skills this talk is totally irrelevant to what is going on and what can easily be chewed over after the equestrian coaching expert has gone home. Maybe we need 2 areas one for those that who just want to WATCH and another for those that really want to ‘SEE’ and absorb.
 
I have had coaches arrive late to observe at my riders’ clinics who after just one session ask me to sign their coach’s record card to say they have attended. Having missed the start and explanation they are often not observing in the right context or seeing enough to  warrant an attendance record.
 
The definition of a ‘SEEING’ coach for me is quite different to one that ‘WATCHES’. It starts with new coaches learning from the book and/or the knowledge they already have and bringing that with them to their coaching. For examples – regarding what the ‘correct’ riding position needs to look like they can make the corrections and improvement to the riders they work with. They still may not have not developed their ‘SEEING’ eye as to the root cause of why the rider finds it difficult to look up. They can see the tip of the iceberg but not the underlying key correction. But that is a start!
 
The coach with more experience can often see the ‘root cause’ as long as they A) – know what they want things to be like and B) know how to set about improving it.
Robotic coaching to me means a session that sticks rigidly to the standard lesson plan with an introduction, explanation, (demonstration sometimes if used), practice and repitition and a brief conclusion, throw in a few exercises and some ‘good’s’ well done’s’ for encouragement. When in fact it was not done well or good! Yes there is a plan and a process but without a ‘SEEING EYE” no, or very little,  constructive advice and correction are given.
 
For me the ‘SEEING EYE’ backed with sound knowledge of the subject and a range of different approaches/ideas to apply for improvement is what will make the difference and obvious improvement and progress.
 
How do we all improve our ‘SEEING EYE’? Work with other coaches. Build an inclusive supportive, ‘listening to each other’ relationship with like minded others. Share what you know and what has worked for you with others and learn from them. Between us we have a fountain of knowledge, this type of sharing is called ‘mentoring’ (each other).
 
If you were coaching in a large establishment – most likely overseas this is something that goes on all the time. For example if you had a break in coaching you would take a cup of coffee and sit in the ‘gallery’ and listen to your colleagues teach. There was a respect and comfort about doing this making it easy to ask if the coach observing had any ideas of advice and a short time later the situation would be reversed. A pooling of knowledge makes for a positive work environment.
 
In New Zealand coaches mainly work in isolation and many would feel threatened by the above situation or unwilling to coach in front of their ‘peer’ group for fear of disapproval. What a shame! They are missing out on so much. It is my view that until we get coaches networking together and working along side each other I think the updating and upskilling of our coaches will be difficult to achieve.
 
At this point I would like to congratulate the NZ Pony Club Ass. for introducing their ‘Pony Club Coaches Job Description’ in September 2010. Some of the requirements stated are:- to be familiar with the NZPCA manuals 1,2 and 3. Coaches with equestrian coaching qualification are required to update every five years and those without qualification every two years a 10 hour course appropriate to the level they coach at pony club. This bring things in line with other sports coaching and could also be seen to equate to the similar scenario we have for first aid refresher courses. If you would like a copy of this job description contact me at www.equienpositivelearning.co.nz .
 
To conclude – why is it so important for coaches to continually update and refresh there work?
Part of the responsibility of coaching is to be the best coach we can be for our riders and their horses. For those who think their experience is enough and that learning how to coach is not necessary – A person my have a degree in English language but it does not make them a good teacher of the subject. You send your child to school and expect them to be taught by a trained teacher ( 4 yrs full time learning). Why do they then think it is ok to put the same child on a pony and let someone down the road with no coaching skills help their child with an unpredictable pony? To upskill is an opportunity to get even more out of your role as a coach.
 
Ask yourself do you ‘WATCH’ or are you developing your ‘SEEING EYE’?
 
Author Jeanette A. Garrett B.H.S.I., Ad. Dip. Ed. (Massey)
ESNZ Performance Coach and coach Mentor
National Assessor for the Equine Industry Training Organisation