National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence
The National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence is a cross-discipline programme. It is an opportunity to gain an insight into other equestrian sports’ coaching and best practice sharing as well as developing a network of support within the community of practice. In addition to the delivered workshops, the programme will also include a range of valuable coach development activity and support throughout the duration of the 8-month programme.
By the end of the programme coaches should be able to:
2026/27 Course
The next course will start in October 2026, places will be allocated following application and subsequent interviews. There will be a group of 20 – 30 coaches across a range of equestrian disciplines sharing best practise.
Who is the programme for?
What is the Cost?
This programme is part funded by Sport England with the remaining cost self funded. The total cost is £750 before funding. The fee per coach is £500, this can either be paid in full or over two instalments of £250.
How to Apply
All applications must be made through the application form which can be accessed through the link below. Please take time to consider the information required and give as much relevant information as possible to support your application.
(Applications will open on 20th July)
Application Form
Course Dates
Coaches accepted onto the programme will be expected to attend all workshop days in person. These will take place at The National Training Centre, Hothorpe, Leicestershire, LE17 6QX.
Workshop days:
What coaches said about the 2025/26 programme:
“This course was so beneficial - all senior coaches should be encouraged to take it”
“The programme has helped me reflect on my coaching in a better more constructive way.”
“I very much liked the cross over with different disciplines throughout the programme, with my colleagues from different areas of equestrianism, also Hannah and Colin from Rowing and Table Tennis”
“It was so refreshing that it was all about us and our development and there really is nothing else around that fits this box.’
“It has been such a valuable course in so many ways, it's hard to put into words the effect that the sessions have had on my coaching but I am now a better coach, more reflective, and coach in a more purposeful and considered way with the focus on what the client brings to the sessions as well as me.’
If you have any questions about the National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence, please contact the Sport Team sportteam@britishshowjumping.co.uk
By the end of the programme coaches should be able to:
- Recognise the importance of high performing coaches working with riders at a recreational level.
- Use research and case studies from within and outside of equestrian sport to inform coaching practice.
- Reflect and review their own performance and set personal development plans.
- Gain expertise that can influence coaching programmes and improve riders’ experience.
2026/27 Course
The next course will start in October 2026, places will be allocated following application and subsequent interviews. There will be a group of 20 – 30 coaches across a range of equestrian disciplines sharing best practise.
Who is the programme for?
- Any coach who wants to improve their own performance and is particularly interested in supporting grassroots or recreational participants.
- Coaches who hold a Level 3 Coaching Certificate qualification, BHS Stage 4 Coach qualification, or equivalent, issued by an equestrian member body.
What is the Cost?
This programme is part funded by Sport England with the remaining cost self funded. The total cost is £750 before funding. The fee per coach is £500, this can either be paid in full or over two instalments of £250.
How to Apply
All applications must be made through the application form which can be accessed through the link below. Please take time to consider the information required and give as much relevant information as possible to support your application.
(Applications will open on 20th July)
Application Form
Course Dates
Coaches accepted onto the programme will be expected to attend all workshop days in person. These will take place at The National Training Centre, Hothorpe, Leicestershire, LE17 6QX.
Application deadline – 10th August
Interviews will take place online on either 2nd, 3rd or 4th September.Workshop days:
| 5th & 6th October 2026 |
| 14th & 15th December 2026 |
| 22nd & 23rd February 2027 |
| 10th & 11th May 2027 |
“This course was so beneficial - all senior coaches should be encouraged to take it”
“The programme has helped me reflect on my coaching in a better more constructive way.”
“I very much liked the cross over with different disciplines throughout the programme, with my colleagues from different areas of equestrianism, also Hannah and Colin from Rowing and Table Tennis”
“It was so refreshing that it was all about us and our development and there really is nothing else around that fits this box.’
“It has been such a valuable course in so many ways, it's hard to put into words the effect that the sessions have had on my coaching but I am now a better coach, more reflective, and coach in a more purposeful and considered way with the focus on what the client brings to the sessions as well as me.’
If you have any questions about the National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence, please contact the Sport Team sportteam@britishshowjumping.co.uk