THE Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) Coaching Programme is designed to provide candidates with a pathway to a career as a successful competition coach. HSI coaching courses are delivered by professional equestrian coach educators, using modern techniques to improve both horse and rider performance.
There are four levels to the HSI Coaching Programme, starting with the introduction to coaching course where coaches learn the basic principles of coaching, up to level 3 – national coach. All HSI Coaching Programme certificates are jointly issued by HSI and Sport Ireland Coaching.
HSI coaching courses cover a wide array of topics, including coaching across various disciplines, horsemanship, mental and physical fitness and much more. This wide variation of subject matter provides coaches with a toolkit which they can refer to throughout their career.
Course overview
The HSI introduction to coaching course provides coaches with the basic skills and techniques to coach at training level. The course outlines the requirements of modern competition and provides a detailed understanding of the HSI Coaching Programme and of the work involved to become a qualified equestrian coach. This one-day practical course is open to all.
The HSI level 1 course is currently being redeveloped and will be rolled out during 2021. The course will provide candidates with the skills to coach at novice level dressage, show jumping up to 1.10m and eventing up to CCI2*-S.
The HSI level 2 coach course provides coaches with the necessary skills and technical knowledge to work as an independent equestrian coach up to elementary level dressage, 1.20m show jumping and CCI3*-L eventing.
The HSI level 3 national coach course provides coaches with the capacity to train performance riders to compete at the highest level at regional and national competition. The HSI level 3 coach course is discipline specific. There are individual courses and qualifications for each discipline: dressage, show jumping or eventing, however, there are some core elements which will be similar in all three fields.
All HSI level 1 coaches and above can avail of the HSI freelance coach insurance policy, as of 2021 this insurance policy is also available to BHS accredited coaches resident in Ireland.
HSI Webinar Series 2021
The HSI Coaching and Education Department have a range of upcoming webinars and workshops aimed towards coaches and open to anyone who has an interest in developing their coaching and equestrian knowledge. These webinars are worth 1 continuous professional development (CPD) point for HSI accredited coaches.
Each webinar is worth 1 CPD point for HSI Coaches. All webinars can be booked by following this link: https://www.horsesportireland.ie/hsi-coaching-courses-sign-up-form/
Further webinar dates will be set throughout the year. Please keep on an eye on the HSI website and social media channels for regular updates.
If you are interested in learning more about the HSI Coaching Programme please email coaching@horsesportireland.ie or phone Jennifer Diamond on 087 9268102.