COACH EDUCATION
Coaching
BECOMING A NATIONALLY ACCREDITED PONY CLUB® COACH
There are many opportunities for aspiring Pony Club® coaches in Australia, and current coaches looking to refresh or upskill. Our flexible delivery options over our nationally accredited coaching courses, mean that coaches can work through the course workbook at their own pace, with a mentor.
Coaching Levels
There are currently three levels of nationally recognised qualification:
- PCA Foundation Coach (National Accredition) –
This entry level qualification is perfect for those coaches and parent to learn the basics of horse safety and riding to help at rally days.
- PCA Preliminary Coach (National Accreditation)–
Set at the level of D* Certificate syllabus for riders, this is also a pre-requisite for Level 1. - PCA Level 1 Coach (National Accreditation)–
The most advanced coaching qualification, set up to the C*/B Certificate rider syllabus level.In addition, we offer continuing professional development (CPD) with coaching webinars that cover Inclusive Coaching for Riders with a Disability, specialisations in Horse Archery, Mounted Games, Horse Management and Horse Behaviour and Training. Webinar links can be found at the bottom of this page.
Pony Club also offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to those who have done alternative equestrian coaching qualifications. Please contact info@ponyclubaustralia.com.au for more information.
Pre-Requisites for All National Pony Club Coaching Qualifications
All Pony Club coaches must:
- Be a financial member of a club, accredited riding centre or state.
- Be 18 years old to be accredited. Training can commence from 16 years old.
- Have a current Working With Children check (WWC) applicable to your state
- Complete the following Australian Sports Commission (ASC) courses and record in JustGo (see links below):
- Community Coaching Essentials course
- Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction course
- National Integrity Framework course
- Complete the Gear Checker Accreditation module
PCA NATIONAL GEAR CHECKER ACCREDITATION
Whether you are performing gear check at a rally/muster day, or competition, it is important to keep our riders’ safety and horses’ comfort and welfare top of mind at Pony Club. The National Gear Rules can be found by clicking here and all coaches must understand the rules.
To complete the accreditation, read the Gear Checker Manual, watch the webinar below, and complete the online assessment. Your Level 1 Pony Club coach can then work with you to sign off your new practical skills.
The Gear Checker accreditation can also be attained as a stand alone accreditation.
PCA NATIONAL FOUNDATION COACH
The entry level Pony Club Foundation Coach is not a compulsory qualification, but can be used as RPL towards the Preliminary Coaching qualification level.
After completing the ASC Community Coaching Essentials course and Gear Checker Accreditation above, the Foundation Coach manual can be purchased through JustGo when you log into your profile and click on the Shop. When a purchase is made, you will receive the workbook.
Coaches can run through the online webinar series below or work through the manual with a mentor, and then sit the written and practical assessments with a Level 1 Coach. Foundation Coaches are required to complete 10 hours of mentored teaching at a club and can fill in their coaching hours in the below Practice Log.
PCA NATIONAL PRELIMINARY COACH
The Preliminary Coach manual is available to order from Pony Club Australia on the JustGo shop, and is the next step in becoming a nationally accredited coach. It is also a pre-requisite for the Level 1 Coach.
The course covers general coaching principles, and Pony Club® specific skills, techniques and scientific approaches to our sport. The manual must be completed, along with 10 hours of mentored coaching and a practical assessment.
PCA NATIONAL LEVEL 1 COACH
The most advanced Pony Club coaching qualification, Level 1 is set up to coach the C*/B Certificate rider syllabus level.
In addition, we offer continuing professional development (CPD) with coaching webinars that cover Inclusive Coaching for Riders with a Disability, specialisations in Horse Archery, Mounted Games, Horse Management and Horse Behaviour and Training. Webinar links can be found at the bottom of this page.
LESSON PLAN TEMPLATES
Pony Club encourages the use of our systemised Lesson Plan template to ensure consistency of safety procedures, equipment usage, group control and for sharing with other clubs and instructors. You can download a refillable lesson template below.
A Lesson Plan Library Resource has been created for coaches and registered coaches. When logged in, coaches can access them here
COACH ASSESSOR QUALIFICATIONS
PCA has set nationally-consistent standards for assessors of PCA national qualifications. These are available here
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) & ACCREDITATION RENEWAL
Pony Club encourages ongoing development through in person seminars, webinars and external third party resources. Each type of course or webinar is assigned a points value. Preliminary Coaches must obtain 12 points over a four year period to remain accredited and Level 1 coaches must obtain 24 points over four years.
Coaches can complete the online form that provides evidence of these activities and submit their Coaching Activity Log when they are advised of their coaching qualification needing to be renewed.
Click below to see the list of activities that coaches can complete to receive CPD points and also a link to the online Coaching Activity Log for submission when required.
WEBINAR SERIES
Click below to view our webinars. More webinars will be added as they become available
DO YOU HAVE A COMMENT, CONCERN OR COMPLIMENT?
Provide Pony Club Australia with your feedback. Tell us what we are doing right, wrong or ask a question. Let us know!