COACH EDUCATION

Coaching

BECOMING AN 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 mean that coaches can work through the course workbook at their own pace, with a mentor.

 

Coaching Levels

There are currently three levels of qualification:

  1. Foundation Coach

    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.

  2. Preliminary Coach –   
    Set at the level of D* Certificate syllabus for riders, this is also a pre-requisite for Level 1.
  3. Level 1 Coach –           
    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 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 Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Community Coaching Essentials course (below link) and update the certificate to their JustGo profile
  • Complete the Gear Checker Accreditation module

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.

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.

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.

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.

COACH ASSESSOR QUALIFICATIONS

PCA has set nationally-consistent standards for assessors of PCA national qualifications. These are available here 

 

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 

 

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

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