Young Coach of the Year

Sharne Haskins has made a remarkable contribution to the development of contemporary coaching at Pony Club, demonstrating unwavering dedication to fostering young riders’ growth and learning.

Since 2008, she has maintained 100% Rally Day attendance, consistently prioritizing coaching over her own riding to ensure every rider’s experience is both educational and enjoyable. Her selflessness and passion have become even more valuable as the Club’s membership continues to grow.

Sharne’s involvement in Pony Club extends well beyond the classroom. She plays an active role in rally day lessons, event preparation, and logistical support, including the meticulous organization of equipment, such as packing the jump trailer. Her attention to detail and organizational skills contribute significantly to the smooth operation of Club activities, reflecting her deep commitment to the success of every event.

Sharne’s dedication to education has shaped the future of Pony Club’s coaching program. Her focus on younger members ensures that lessons are dynamic, engaging, and effective, elevating the experience for both riders and fellow instructors. Sharne was also instrumental in the first series of the National Pony Racing, where she shared her professional expertise on horse health and offered voluntary coaching support on the field. Her above-and-beyond efforts helped ensure the series’ success, cementing her role as an integral part of Pony Club’s coaching efforts.

Committed to continuous improvement, Sharne earned her NCAS Instructor’s Certificate in 2020 and holds a Gear Check Certificate. She is currently pursuing Level 1 accreditation, demonstrating her drive to enhance her coaching qualifications. Her hands-on experience since 2013 as Musical Ride Coordinator has further developed her leadership skills, and her roles as Vice President and Publicity Officer at LPC reflect her commitment to leadership excellence. She leads with confidence, compassion, and expertise, helping nervous riders feel supported and encouraged.

Sharne’s innovative approach to rally programming has significantly increased member engagement with the PCA rider syllabus. Her lesson plans are thoughtful, fun, and tailored to meet each rider’s needs while reinforcing key concepts. She is always willing to share her knowledge with other instructors, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits the entire community.

Her proactive efforts extend beyond the physical rallies—Sharne has created instructional video tutorials on the online Pony Club portal, which have garnered over 1,100 views. This highlights her commitment to education and her forward-thinking approach to integrating technology into her coaching.

In addition to completing her B Certificate, Sharne is now working toward her A Certificate, showcasing her ongoing commitment to professional development. Her leadership within Pony Club, paired with her friendly and approachable nature, makes her a joy to work with. Her role in the National Pony Racing series and her tireless efforts to improve Pony Club programs further exemplify her positive influence on riders and peers.

Sharne’s leadership, strong work ethic, and approachable demeanour make her a highly valued coach.