Coaching Test Riding and Competition Performance, with Sarah Huntridge BHS Stage 5 Performance Coach (4 BHS CPD)

Coaching Test Riding and Competition Performance
Tutor: Sarah Huntridge, BHS Stage 5 Performance Coach

This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course is designed to develop coaches' knowledge and practical skills in preparing horse-and-rider partnerships for successful dressage competition. Through practical demonstrations, observation and discussion, participants will gain a greater understanding of effective test riding, competition preparation and performance coaching.

The course explores how coaches can develop riders' confidence, technical ability and consistency from training at home through to competition performance. Participants will learn how to analyse a dressage test, identify opportunities to maximise marks and coach riders to produce accurate, harmonious and confident performances.

Throughout the day, coaches will observe a range of horse-and-rider combinations at different stages of training and competition. Each session provides opportunities to observe, question, reflect and discuss coaching decisions while considering the individual needs of both horse and rider.

Practical sessions will examine the complete competition journey, including warm-up strategies, mental preparation, arena familiarisation, test analysis, riding accuracy and post-test evaluation. Coaches will explore how effective planning and communication contribute to improved rider confidence and competitive performance.

Sarah will demonstrate how to coach riders to develop:

Accurate and effective preparation for each movement within the test.
Consistency of rhythm, balance, contact and impulsion throughout the test.
Correct rider position and effectiveness of the aids.
Straightness, suppleness and self-carriage.
Precision of lines, transitions and geometry.
Confidence, focus and adaptability in the competition environment.
Effective warm-up routines tailored to the individual horse and rider.
Positive strategies for reviewing performance and planning future training.
Participants will also gain an understanding of the judging process, including how movements are assessed, where marks are commonly lost and how coaches can help riders improve both collective and movement marks through systematic training.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Analyse a dressage test and identify key performance objectives.
Develop effective competition preparation plans for horse and rider.
Coach riders to improve accuracy, presentation and effectiveness within a dressage test.
Apply the principles of the Training Scale to competition performance.
Recognise how rider position, balance and influence affect marks awarded.
Deliver constructive feedback using observation and performance analysis.
Develop warm-up strategies appropriate to the individual horse and competition environment.
Understand the judge's perspective and use this knowledge to improve coaching.
Build rider confidence and resilience before, during and after competition.
Support riders in evaluating performance and setting progressive training goals.
Throughout the course, coaches will be encouraged to actively observe, question, reflect and contribute to group discussions. Emphasis will be placed on developing analytical coaching skills, effective communication and practical solutions that can be applied across a range of riders and horses.

By combining technical knowledge with practical application, this interactive CPD course equips coaches with the skills to prepare horse-and-rider partnerships for confident, consistent and successful competition performances while promoting long-term development and welfare.

Suitable for: BHS Accredited Professional Coaches, aspiring coaches, instructors, and riders wishing to enhance their understanding of dressage test riding, competition preparation and performance coaching.

PLEASE NOTE: If your horse has recently shown any symptoms such as a temperature, runny nose or cough please do not attend as this could be contagious. 

DO NOT allow your horse to make contact with others along with not making contact yourself with any other horse. This is for bio-security reasons. 

ALL HORSES MUST HAVE AN UP TO DATE VACCINATION RECORD

Health and Safety

The safety and welfare of all participants, horses, officials and spectators is of paramount importance. By attending this event, all participants agree to comply with the following Health and Safety requirements:

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times and are not permitted in any arena, warm-up area or designated horse walkways.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the venue.
Horses must not be left tied to a horsebox or trailer unattended at any time.
Horses must not be led in either a headcollar or bridle through the parking areas or grassed areas unless directed by an event official.
Horses and pedestrians are not permitted within the courtyard of Barolin Farm or the Barolin Cottages.
Horses are not permitted within the catering or designated spectator car parking areas.
Arena entrances and exits must be kept clear at all times. Spectators should use the designated viewing galleries and must not enter the working-in or competition arenas unless authorised.
Lunging is not permitted in any arena unless specifically authorised by the organiser.
All participants must comply with the Yorkshire Riding Centre venue rules and any instructions given by event officials or stewards.
The public footpath and bridleway running through the Yorkshire Riding Centre must remain clear at all times. This includes the driveway and the area adjacent to the lower indoor arena. Horses must not be ridden, led or handled in these areas.
All riders are strongly advised to hold appropriate public liability insurance. Riders attending coaching sessions must hold valid public liability insurance.
Riders must wear protective headwear that complies with current recognised safety standards appropriate to the activity being undertaken.
Air jackets are not permitted during group coaching sessions or while using shared warm-up arenas at competitions. Other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including body protectors where applicable, is permitted and encouraged.
Any accident, incident, injury or unsafe practice must be reported immediately to the organiser or an event official.
The organiser reserves the right to ask any participant or spectator who fails to comply with these Health and Safety requirements to leave the venue.