EQUESTRIAN COACHES TRAINING PROGRAMME

​​​​​​​The mission of the Equestrian Coaches Training Programme is to support Pony Club coaches to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to teach riders safely and effectively.

The programme encourages progressive learning, safe coaching practices, and positive experiences for riders and horses.

The ECTP aims to:

• support Pony Club coaches to develop their teaching skills
  
• provide a clear and progressive coaching pathway
  
• improve coaching standards across Pony Clubs
  
• help coaches plan safe, structured, and enjoyable lessons•
  
• recognise and support coaches through nationally recognised qualifications
  
• encourage safe coaching, good horsemanship, and horse welfare
  
• support the development of confident riders and responsible horse owners

The programme has six coaching levels, which follow the Pony Club Certificate pathway.

• D/D+ – Teaching beginner riders and basic pony handling

• C – Coaching riders developing independence and control

• C+ – Coaching more confident riders building balance and skill

• B – Coaching experienced riders and developing horse training knowledge

• A – Coaching advanced riders and horse training

• H – Advanced horse management knowledge

Coaches normally progress from D/D+ through to B Level.

Each level of the programme includes a mix of learning, practical experience, and assessment.

This normally includes:

Learning Units: Completed at home. These include reading, exercises, and coaching tasks.

In-Person Coach Training: Before the practical assessment, coaches must attend training sessions or courses at the appropriate level. These are run by ECPT approved Pony Club coaches and provide practical coaching guidance.

Practical Coaching Experience: Coaches gain experience teaching riders at Pony Club rallies or training sessions.

Practical Coaching Assessment: Each level includes practical coaching assessments with an approved assessor.

Coaches who successfully complete a level receive a certificate and coaching badge.

The Equestrian Coaches Training Programme was established in 1991 to support Pony Club coaches in improving their teaching and coaching skills.

The programme was developed by the NZ Pony Clubs Training Committee and National Coaches, including Suzanne Dickens, Elaine Knox-Thompson, Jennifer Howard and Kay Hogan.

Since then, the programme has continued to evolve with input from experienced Pony Club coaches and remains an important part of developing coaching across Pony Club.

• One of the first programmes of its kind developed within Pony Club.

• Built around the NZPCA Manuals 1, 2 and 3.

• Available to coaches anywhere in New Zealand and internationally through online learning.

• Self-paced learning that allows coaches to progress at a pace that works for them.

• Focuses on “teaching people how to teach”, helping coaches develop the skills to support riders and other coaches.

Coaches can enter the programme in several ways depending on their experience and qualifications.

Standard Entry

Most coaches begin at D/D+ Level and progress through the programme step by step.

Fast-Track Entry

Coaches with a minimum of 15 hours of coaching experience may complete their D/D+ Level qualification through an organised Fast-Track course, usually held over a weekend.

Accelerated Entry

Experienced coaches may be able to enter directly at C Level without completing D/D+ first.

This may include:

• Direct entry to C Level: coaches with at least 20 hours of coaching experience working with riders at D–C level.

• C Level Accelerator: coaches with 30 hours or more of coaching experience working with riders at D–C level. This pathway allows coaches to complete a shortened version of the C Level programme.

All coaching hours must be verified by a Head Coach, President, or District Commissioner.

Cross Crediting

Coaches who hold recognised coaching qualifications (such as BHS or other equestrian coaching qualifications) may apply for cross crediting.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Experienced coaches without formal qualifications may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), where previous coaching experience and knowledge are reviewed.

For cross crediting or RPL, NZPCA will review the coach’s qualifications and experience to determine an appropriate entry level.

A practical coaching assessment will be required to confirm coaching competency.

Each coaching level includes in-person training hours before a coach can complete their assessment.

These training sessions provide practical coaching guidance and allow coaches to learn from experienced Pony Club coaches.

Coaches can complete their in-person training hours in several ways.

Attend a Coaches Course

Attend a course run by a National, Association, or approved ECTP Coach.

Courses may be organised by:

• Areas

• Clubs

• Coach Coordinators

Attend Approved Conference Sessions

Some sessions at NZPCA Coaches Conferences can count toward the in-person training requirement if they are relevant to the level being completed.

Mentored Coaching

Coaches may complete part of their training by being mentored and supervised by a qualified Pony Club coach.

This may include observing lessons, coaching under supervision, and discussing coaching techniques.

Combination of Training Options

Coaches may complete their hours using a combination of courses, mentoring, and approved conference sessions, depending on the level.

All in-person training must be signed off by the course facilitator or mentor on the coach’s record card.

If you are unsure how to complete your training hours, contact your Area Coach Coordinator or an approved ECTP coach for guidance.

Our coaching courses offer a wide range of options for aspiring coaches at different proficiency levels.

You have the opportunity to be trained by National and Association Coaches across all tiers. Coaches who have successfully completed the ECTP can guide and train others at D/D+ and C levels.

You can access a list of these ECTP Coaches who are equipped to conduct courses on this page.

To arrange coaching courses, Clubs/Branches can directly connect with the coaches of their choice.

To ensure effective learning and ample practical experience, courses led by ECTP qualified coaches maintain limited participant numbers.

This approach guarantees substantial 'hands-on' practice and fosters an optimal learning environment. Not exceeding the recommended number of participants for these courses is essential.