HORSE Sport Ireland’s Level 1 coaching course is now open for applications with the next course beginning at Spruce Lodge, Co Wicklow in October.

A new application process and payment options are now available online for the course which will be held from October 12th-14th, November 2nd-4th and December 12th-14th for those aged 18 and upwards.

The first step onto the HSI professionally accredited equestrian coaching ladder, the HSI Level 1 Coach course includes two separate educational pathways for candidates to choose from, the National Development Coach (NDC) and the National Performance Coach (NPC). Both options use modern systematic training methods that allow horses to be produced in a classically correct manner, with emphasis on the horse’s way of going, the correct use of the training scale and rider position. The course covers the three main disciplines of dressage, show jumping and eventing as well as additional subjects for candidates’ personal and professional development.

Run over eight contact days, the course includes supervised coaching practice, coaching demonstrations, comprehensive theory modules, a pre-assessment phase and a formal practical coaching assessment in dressage, show jumping and cross-country.

Level 1 NDC Anne Marie Galligan used the course to upskill and refresh her knowledge. “Participating in HSI Level 1 Coaching course has updated and refreshed my coaching skills in a big way. I enjoyed all the content delivered by top-class coaches and the Coach Developers were there to help at every turn. I feel confident that I can go out into the equestrian sector now and share newfound knowledge in a safe and interesting manner.”

The Level 1 Coach course provides the opportunity for candidates to expand and improve their technical knowledge and practice their coaching skills under the guidance of leading industry experts. All HSI Coaching course are jointly accredited by Horse Sport Ireland and Sport Ireland Coaching.

Comdt. John Ledingham, Show Jumping Coach Developer, HSI Level 3 Show Jumping Coach and chairman of the HSI Coaching Technical Committee, commented: “It has been very exciting to see this course come to fruition following two years of development. The course is now a comprehensive programme for coach accreditation and entirely relevant for modern day equestrian sport. A huge thank you must go to all involved in the development of the programme and the large team of Coach Developers and very experienced assessors.”

Please note, applicants should have sufficient equestrian experience and must provide evidence of their experience and/or equestrian qualifications. The full course fee is €3,200 which can be made in one sum or in instalments.

More details from Coaching and Education Department by emailing coaching@horsesportireland.ie or phone +353 (0)45 854 533.