As riders, we often spend many hours training independently without regular access to high quality coaches, sport psychologists, biomechanic specialists or exercise physiologists. This can be the difference between performing well and performing to the best of your ability consistently and reliably over the long term. By bringing together the science of training, coaching and psychology, Be Your Own Equine Sports Coach explores the horse and rider as individual athletes and how, as a combination, you can meet the demands of competition by building highly personalized strategies and techniques that enable you to reach your potential in whatever discipline you choose and whatever your ambition. Key areas covered include: making sports psychology work for you; understanding human peak performance; the physiological and biomechanical demands of horse sport; developing sport specific training programmes; analysing your performance, and finally, strategic development and authentic leadership.

A vital book for equine coaches. Drawing on tried-and-tested coaching practices used successfully in other sports, this book provides an introduction to coaching specific to the equine environment. The coaching process as a whole is addressed for both the horse and rider. The UK Government Coaching Task Force highlighted the need for the development of coaching across all sports, which led to the introduction of the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC). Soon any coaching of horses and riders will need to be done by qualified individuals only. Equine Sports Coaching is ideal for those studying for the UKCC or other qualifications in equine sports and leisure coaching. Key features: * in line with UK Coaching Certificate qualifications * covers performance analysis, periodisation of training programmes, sports psychology, and communication skills * advises on the personal development of the coach to support career development in this field

The Science of Equestrian Sports is a comprehensive study of the theory and practice of the rider in equine sport. While most scholarship to date has focused on the horse in competition, this is the first book to collate current data relating specifically to riders. It provides valuable insight into improving sporting performance and maintaining the safety of both the horse and the rider. Drawing on the latest scientific research, and covering a wide range of equestrian disciplines from horseracing to eventing, the book systematically explores core subjects such as: physiology of the rider sport psychology in equestrian sport preventing injury biomechanics and kinematics coaching equestrian sport the nature of horse-rider relationships This holistic and scientific examination of the role of the horse rider is essential reading for sport science students with an interest in equestrian sport and equitation. Furthermore, it will be an invaluable resource for instructors, coaches, sport psychologists, or physiologists working with equestrian athletes.

The Business of Coaching with Horses is the definitive business guide for equine-assisted professionals to reach more clients so they can feed their horses and change the world! Horse coaching and therapy benefits are unique and sometimes ‘mysterious’. In The Business of Coaching with Horses, Equine Alchemy Certified Coach and Facilitator Schelli Whitehouse illustrates exactly what it takes to experience balance, abundance, and a sustainable equine-assisted coaching practice. Schelli’s own life journey and work with horses has become an integrated celebration of purpose and prosperity as she works to see equine-assisted coaching and therapy become a valuable ‘go-to’ modality for personal and professional transformation—as popular as yoga and Starbucks! Through colorful personal stories, client case studies, and advice from industry experts, The Business of Coaching with Horses guides equine-assisted practitioners through 7 essential skills for building a thriving business with horsepower. Complete with an online companion workbook, Schelli helps readers establish and build upon their own foundation of personal core principles and unique expertise in order to provide value, structure, and transformation for their ideal clients. Part business branding, part money mindset mastery, and part service design, The Business of Coaching with Horses is a loving kick-in-the-pants and a journey to the heart of success for any Horse and Soul Business.

A practical guide to using reward-based training techniques to create a true partnership with your horse. This leads to lifelong connection, effective problem-solving and joyful performance.

Become the confident, composed, and effective rider you've always wanted to be! Mental skills coach Tonya Johnston, MA, has helped thousands of equestrian athletes achieve success at every level, from recreational riders to award-winning international competitors. In Inside Your Ride, she provides specific methods and clear, easy-to-follow directions to help you mentally prepare for your next ride or competition, no matter your discipline and skill level. This book will show you how to: Become energized and overcome riding challenges Highlight progress and success within your goal setting Conquer anxiety and develop a positive attitude Stay in the moment during your ride Fine-tune your visualization skills Build a consistent preparation routine Communicate well with trainers, partners, parents, or fellow boarders Inside Your Ride is also filled with inspiring quotes, stories, and insights from Olympic and world-class riders and trainers, including Margie Engle, John French, Guenter Seidel, Anne Kursinski, McLain Ward, Gina Miles, and Missy Clark, who share their personal mental preparation strategies.

Showing how to maximize performance in horses, The Athletic Horse: Principles and Practice of Equine Sports Medicine, 2nd Edition describes sports training regimens and how to reduce musculoskeletal injuries. Practical coverage addresses the anatomical and physiological basis of equine exercise and performance, centering on evaluation, imaging, pharmacology, and training recommendations for sports such as racing and show jumping. Now in full color, this edition includes new rehabilitation techniques, the latest imaging techniques, and the best methods for equine transportation. Written by expert educators Dr. David Hodgson, Dr. Catherine McGowan, and Dr. Kenneth McKeever, with a panel of highly qualified contributing authors. Expert international contributors provide cutting-edge equine information from the top countries in performance-horse research: the U.S., Australia, U.K., South Africa, and Canada. The latest nutritional guidelines maximize the performance of the equine athlete. Extensive reference lists at the end of each chapter provide up-to-date resources for further research and study. NEW full-color photographs depict external clinical signs, allowing more accurate clinical recognition. NEW and improved imaging techniques maximize your ability to assess equine performance. UPDATED drug information is presented as it applies to treatment and to new regulations for drug use in the equine athlete. NEW advances in methods of transporting equine athletes ensure that the amount of stress on the athlete is kept to a minimum. NEW rehabilitation techniques help to prepare the equine athlete for a return to the job. Two NEW authors, Dr. Catherine McGowan and Dr. Kenneth McKeever, are highly recognized experts in the field.

'Training for equestrian performance' is an essential guide for the modern equestrian competitor who wants to optimise their own and their horse's potential in training and competition, or for the equine sports science student wanting to understand the science of equestrian training. Leading equestrian researchers and performance analysis experts bring together the fundamental scientific principles which underpin competition preparation for the horse and rider. These include exercise physiology, psychology, conformation, biomechanics and feeding for performance. The book explores the principles of training and alternative training methods, and how these principles translate to management of the equine athlete to extend careers and prevent injury occurring. Suggestions for how to successfully develop training strategies and plans matched to short and long term training and competition goals are provided. Developments in performance analysis techniques and equipment for the horse and rider, independently and as a partnership, are reviewed. This enables the reader to select techniques and devise training regimes which can help them achieve their own competitive goals. The book concludes by applying science to the practical requirements of a range of equestrian disciplines, giving practical advice and explanations of how to use science and technology to improve fitness, prevent injury and to achieve competition success. Horse owners, students, veterinarians, coaches and many other participants in equestrian sports will find new knowledge and perspectives to consider. 'Training for equestrian performance' will become a must-have training companion for the modern equestrian who wants to leave nothing to chance in their competition preparation.

The only book dedicated to learning to find and ride the ideal jumping distance with fundamental skills and enlightening lessons from one of the best in the business. Understanding how to count strides helps to develop the rider’s eye and “feel.” Stride control means producing the correct number of strides and quality of stride to jump the jumps at hand—the emphasis is on the quality of strides, not just the number. It is one of the skills that enables the rider to achieve success, whatever the size of the jumps. Jen Marsden Hamilton has coached countless riders and horses around the world in the striding techniques that brought her success during her own impressive competitive career, and here Hamilton has compiled her knowledge in a concise book of exercises and insightful strategies. Inside you’ll find: Detailed setup for specific exercises. Connecting flatwork for between ground poles or jumps, such as transitions and serpentines. Strategies for completing the exercises and analyzing the outcome. Appropriate exercises for the rider’s desired discipline and level.

An integral part of competing in equestrian sports is having to face the performance anxiety that presents itself at competitions. In this work, author Daniel Stewart explains that the pressure, stress, nerves, distraction, and anxiety come hand in hand with doing what we love to do. It also reminds us that competing in equestrian events is a real sport, and riders are forced to deal with the competitive nature of showing. Stewart explains that, while riders love to do what they do, this love is sometimes lost in the panic of showing and performing. Stewart then walks the rider through specific tools and tricks to manage and overcome the stress, fear, and anxiety, and how to embrace and enjoy every minute of performing with your equine partner. From "Plan the Ride, and Ride the Plan," to overall mental training, this must-have book is a fantastic tool for any competitor to overcome their show jitters and do their best at every competition, while feeling confident and happy throughout the experience.