HSI Level 2 Coach Course Dates for 2017

The Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) Level 2 Coach course dates for 2017 have been finalised. The initial three days of the course will take place from Monday 13^th March to Wednesday 15^th March 2017 at Spruce Lodge Training Facility, Redcross, Co. Wicklow. This course provides coaches with the necessary skills and technical knowledge to work as an independent equestrian coach up to elementary level dressage, 1.20m show jumping and CCI1* – 2* Eventing. This is an 8 day course in total.

The HSI Level 2 Coach course is currently the first level in the HSI Coaching Programme whereby the successful candidates are certified as an independent equestrian coach. The course is based around adult learning principles and a considerable investment of your time outside of course contact days will be required to be successful. You will be under the tutelage of some of the top equestrian coaches and professionals from both Ireland and the UK, with successful candidates being awarded the coveted HSI Level 2 Coach title. This exciting course is both demanding and hugely challenging but really rewarding; furnishing candidates with a real understanding of the technicalities of equestrian competition coaching. Successful candidates will have a fantastic foundation which they can build on to become a top class equestrian coach.

Days 1 – 3: These are tutor led education days and focus on dressage (day 1), show jumping (day 2) and eventing (day 3) to the levels listed above. All of the exercises in the Level 2 manual are practically demonstrated and explained.

Day 4: A course walk will be organised at a 2* event during the year when coaches are given the opportunity to walk the 2* track under the guidance of a Tutor and to analyse 2* eventing dressage.

Days 5 & 6: Candidates must attend the Level 2 Pre Assessments which last 2 days. Candidates must bring their own horse(s) and rider(s), capable of working at the required standard (elementary dressage, 1.20m show jumping, 2* Eventing) to coach one session in each of the three disciplines. Candidates are given feedback on their coaching skills and clear advice and guidance on improving their skills.

Days 7 & 8: This stage is the final assessments. Candidates are assessed on their practical coaching skills in all three disciplines, again using their own students to coach. The final assessments are carried out by independent outside assessors.

Entry Requirements:

• Coaches must have completed the HSI Level 1 Apprentice Coach course
• OR be a qualified BHSII and be currently on the BHS Register of Instructors
• Coaches must be over 21 years of age
• Coaches must have access to horses and riders at the required level
• Valid Occupational First Aid (QQI Level 5) / BHS Equine Specific First Aid Certificate
• Valid Child Protection Basic Awareness/ Safeguarding 1 course certificate
• Valid Garda Vetting / Access NI Clearance

Certification: Candidates attend all course contact time as listed above.

Candidates must submit the following:

• Pre Course Questionnaire
• Mid-Course Questionnaire
• 3 x CPD Coaching Sessions (Minimum)
• Event Attendance Sheet
• Log Book – practical coaching sessions in each discipline

Coaches must meet the required level of competency in all three disciplines in the final assessments. Coaches will then be awarded the HSI Level 2 Coach certificate, issued jointly by HSI and Sport Ireland Coaching. The Level 2 coach will be certified to teach independently.

For further information on this course please contact Catherine Farrell on +353 45 85 4512 or email cfarrell@horsesportireland.ie