Coach Development

Developing the Next Generation of Coaches

Congratulations to Isla Curphey and Lucy Parsons, who have both recently passed their Pony Club Level 2 Coaching qualification.

For Isla and Lucy, gaining the qualification is another step in developing their own coaching skills and experience, while also adding to the pool of qualified coaches we have here on the Island.

You may already have seen them gaining valuable experience at Pony Club rallies and activities. As they continue to develop, that will include opportunities to teach riders in their own right, alongside working with and supporting more experienced coaches – learning from them, sharing ideas and gradually building their own experience across different riders, ponies and situations.

That practical experience is such an important part of developing as a coach. Qualifications provide the foundations, but confidence, judgement and the ability to adapt come from spending time actually coaching – seeing what works, learning from other coaches and working with lots of different combinations.

For MHC, encouraging that development is important. A strong equestrian community needs riders, but it also needs knowledgeable and enthusiastic people willing to pass their skills on. Supporting coaches as they gain qualifications and, just as importantly, opportunities to put those qualifications into practice helps build the coaching network that future Manx riders will rely on.

So congratulations Isla and Lucy – we look forward to seeing where you take your coaching next.