Andrew MacFarlane offered a unique view, having experience of many different teaching styles as he learns to ride himself and in his experiences as a coach, particularly when using horses at liberty to encourage team building, harmony and leadership in the corporate workplace through his company Lead Change.
Inviting participants who ranged from newly qualified instructors to equestrian centre managers to first identify the perceptions and pressures, motivations and challenges faced by riders of all levels and to identifying their different learning styles, Andrew then moved on to applying this understanding to help coaches become more effective.
After considering the psychological aspects behind coaching, Minette Rice Edwards, trainer at the ABRS-approved Ham House Stables, Richmond, offered an insight into coaching from a more physiological standpoint.
Taking the seat, the torso, alignment, feel and awareness as five indicators in riding effectively, she also ran through a physical ‘imagery’ checklist to encourage a balanced position.
The combination of these two excellent speakers, identifying how the coach can influence the rider and how the rider can influence the horse, was inspiring.
Although the main feature of the day kindly hosted by Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, volunteer chair of the London Horse Network, Jodie Maile, also used the occasion to canvas opinion from members as to their priorities for the Network and encouraged feedback as to how the Network could come together to improve training provision and standards.
Vice-Chairman of the Greater London region of the British Horse Society, Janet Coe, outlined the anticipated provision of amateur and professional training awards to be made available from the British Horse Society to riders at London equestrian centres.
Jodie Maile, who took over the chair in the summer of 2010 said, “It was great to have the BHS able to give the London Centres the heads up on these awards and an example of how these Network meetings can get people together. Already existing members who have found freelance instructors to hay suppliers through the network and it is exciting to see the Network develop to suit the aims of those involved.”
In line with the concerns raised during this latest workshop with regard to employment law, health and safety and child protection considerations, HOOF Ride London has also offered to help support a legal workshop.
London Representative of the BEF, David Gadsby explained, “The Network is very much run by its members, for its members and it was great that Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre volunteered to act as host for the training day”, adding, “Supporting the London Horse Network fits well with our Olympic legacy project aims, HOOF Ride London, as the tools and skills developed by the Network members today can be shared among them and spread.”
If you are a rider, horse owner, trainer, equestrian centre or other equestrian enthusiast and would like to join the London Horse Network, or offer your expertise towards developing equestrianism in London, please contact Jodie Maile on jodievm@aol.co.uk or 07815670035.
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