Essential qualifications for a freelance riding coach?

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007Equestrian

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Hi all - hopefully someone can advise! I have competed at small tour level dressage, training at Grand Prix on very ordinary horses I’ve brought on through classical training mixed with biomechanics and modern techniques. I’m now looking to move into doing some freelance coaching (dressage-specific). Obviously riding ability alone is not enough and I’ll be shadowing some coaches (while following covid guidelines of course) but I was wondering what qualifications I would need to keep everything safe and legal?

I already have done first aid and child protection and would get coaches insurance (although any insurance provider recommendations are welcome!). I also have a lot of experience teaching children and adults in a classroom setting - and have definitely picked up some experience from that! Do I need my UKCC to coach independent riders? I understand this or your BHS qualifications are needed to teach pony club or at a riding school, but would I need this for teaching individuals on their own horses? My online research seemed to point towards that being a “nice to have” rather than needed, but correct me if I’m wrong!

Looking forward to learning from you all ?
 
do you plan to become a BD accredited trainer? I believe they are insisting on the UKCC now. I can't use my normal trainer to count for BD team selection qualifications because he is not recognised by BD due to this (though they are happy enough to use him for all kinds of demos etc! :rolleyes:)
 
People will argue forever over whether they want qualification or experience from a coach of independent adults, (there are sub arguements over BHS vs UKCC), I think it depends on what sort of clients you are aiming at. The essentials are insurance, valid first aid cert, and child protection if you think you may teach children, as you have all these, your essentials are covered. Riding clubs and pony clubs will have their own qualification requirements, best to check what the ones in your area want from you.
 
milliepops said:
do you plan to become a BD accredited trainer? I believe they are insisting on the UKCC now. I can't use my normal trainer to count for BD team selection qualifications because he is not recognised by BD due to this (though they are happy enough to use him for all kinds of demos etc! :rolleyes:)
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Nope, no plans as of yet! Maybe long term. Honestly my real drive is helping “average” riders with “average” horses achieve brilliant things and to get the most out of their partnership! That and diversifying income streams is more important than ever before! Thank you for your advice!
 
daffy44 said:
People will argue forever over whether they want qualification or experience from a coach of independent adults, (there are sub arguements over BHS vs UKCC), I think it depends on what sort of clients you are aiming at. The essentials are insurance, valid first aid cert, and child protection if you think you may teach children, as you have all these, your essentials are covered. Riding clubs and pony clubs will have their own qualification requirements, best to check what the ones in your area want from you.
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Yep, mainly aiming at independent adults rather than through any riding club / pony club etc! Long term I’d like to look into my UKCC levels but I’d love to start gaining experience first and do the exams alongside ? thank you!
 
007Equestrian said:
Yep, mainly aiming at independent adults rather than through any riding club / pony club etc! Long term I’d like to look into my UKCC levels but I’d love to start gaining experience first and do the exams alongside ? thank you!
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You should have no problems if you get the insurance sorted to teach independent adults and do your UKCC at the same time, you will need to do case studies for your UKCC, so having clients before you start the UKCC is very helpful.
 
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