Level 1 Certificate in Equestrian Coaching

Start your journey into equestrian coaching

The Ofqual regulated Level 1 Award in Equestrian Coaching Assistant is an entry-level qualification for anyone wishing to become involved in equestrian coaching and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to support coaching sessions.

The Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS+) is a recognised provider of this qualification, delivering courses at selected equestrian venues across England.

The qualification is ideal for people already working or volunteering within riding schools and other equestrian settings, as well as those considering their first step into equestrian coaching. Successful learners are qualified to work as a paid or voluntary Equestrian Coaching Assistant, working under the appropriate supervision of a more qualified coach.

What will I learn?

The course combines the practical skills needed to assist with equestrian coaching with an understanding of professional responsibilities, participant needs, safety and horse welfare.

The qualification consists of three mandatory units:

• Developing your role as an Equestrian Coaching Assistant – understanding your role and responsibilities, professional boundaries, safeguarding, legislation, good practice and how you work as part of the wider coaching team.
• Working with participants as an Equestrian Coaching Assistant – developing effective communication, understanding individual participants, creating positive coaching experiences and supporting the welfare of both people and horses.
• Developing your practice as an Equestrian Coaching Assistant – learning how to prepare, support and review safe, inclusive and effective equestrian coaching activities.

Horse welfare is an important part of the qualification. Learners consider the Five Domains of Animal Welfare, friends, forage and freedom, the British Equestrian Charter for the Horse, horse behaviour and body language, and an introduction to horse learning theory.

Practical, relevant training

This is not simply a classroom qualification. Learners develop skills they can apply in a real equestrian environment, including communication and demonstrations, observation and feedback, planning and progression, dynamic risk assessment, teamwork and working appropriately within the scope of the Coaching Assistant role.

Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence, including practical demonstration and assignments. Practical coaching assessment includes two sessions of at least 15 minutes, which may be undertaken as a single session or as micro-sessions.

Who can take the qualification?

Learners must be at least 16 years old at registration and certification. The qualification has 30 Guided Learning Hours and a Total Qualification Time of 53 hours.

You do not need to be an experienced coach to start. The qualification has been designed as an entry point into equestrian coaching for people with an interest in equestrian activities who want to develop their skills and confidence as a Coaching Assistant.

Where can it take me?

On successful completion, learners can work as an Equestrian Coaching Assistant under appropriate supervision. The qualification can also provide progression towards the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Equestrian Coaching, as well as other relevant qualifications in equestrian activities, coaching, activity leadership and sports development.

Courses with ABRS+

ABRS+ delivers the Level 1 Award in Equestrian Coaching Assistant at venues across England, helping make the qualification accessible to riding school staff, volunteers and aspiring coaches in different regions.

View forthcoming course dates and venues on the ABRS+ events page, or contact ABRS+ (contact the ABRS+ office) to find out when a course will be running in your area.