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:  

  • 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.  

2025/26 Course   

The next course will start in November 2025, 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 qualification, or equivalent, issued by an equestrian member body  

Coaches who have been part of a previous NDPCE Cohort are eligible to apply for the 2025/26 programme  

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. Please take time to consider the information required and give as much relevant information as possible to support your application. 

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 –  8th September  

Interviews will take place online on either 8th or 14th October .  

Workshop days:    

10th & 11th November 2025  

26th & 27th January 2026  

30th & 31st March 2026  

18th & 19th May 2026  

What coaches have said about the programme:  
“This course has helped me to take care of myself as a person and professional, re-adjust my work-life balance so I am able to give my best to the people I coach.”  
  
“The rapport and support from the group has been an essential part of the learning programme.”  
  
“As a result of this programme I have nurtured my identity and what I want from the future of my coaching career, it has helped me to identify the values true to me that I can now share.”  
  
“I now feel more able to create an environment to help everyone thrive and succeed, positive psychology and a focus on my own skills has enabled me to do this.”  
  
“The diversity of coaches on the programme was really helpful in helping to get a broad perspective on coaching, the time taken out to reflect and consider my future as a coach has been invaluable.”  

If you have any questions about the National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence, please contact the Sport Team sportteam@britishshowjumping.co.uk