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Coach Q&A... with Pony Club coach Lottie Hidderley

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

As part of UK Coaching Week 2026, we’re catching up with the brilliant coaches on the ground who help us and our wonderful equine partners succeed.

Lottie Hidderley is a member of Meynell Pony Club, completing her Level 1 Pony Club Coaching Certificate in 2025 and has now progressed onto Level 2. We found out more about her coaching journey and what inspires her:

What inspired you to become a Pony Club Coach? 

I’ve been involved in Pony Club growing up, so coaching felt like a natural next step for me combined with studying Equine Science at Hartpury University. Some of my best memories are from Meynell Pony Club rallies, camps and our Area 6 events — learning new things, having fun with friends and feeling supported by the coaches around me.

I definitely had a few coaches who really inspired me; they made sessions enjoyable, built my confidence, encouraged my equine knowledge journey through Horsemanship Competitions and Pony Club Tests and always took the time to explain things properly. That’s something I’ve always wanted to give back to the next generation.

Who do you coach at the moment?

At the moment, I mainly coach Pony Club members ranging from younger riders just starting out to more experienced teenagers looking to develop their skills further. It’s a nice mix, and I also help out with rallies and knowledge sessions at camps whenever I can.

What do you enjoy most about coaching this group?

I love seeing their confidence grow. Whether it’s a rider jumping their first course, improving their flatwork, or passing their Pony Club Test, those little wins are so rewarding.

It’s also lovely to see the friendships develop — it reminds me so much of my own time in Pony Club.

What advice would you give to a Pony Club member thinking about getting into coaching?

Go for it! Start by helping out at rallies and shadowing a variety of coaches — it’s a great way to build experience and confidence and learn a variety of techniques. Don’t feel like you have to know everything.

Most importantly, be patient, positive and supportive — those things make the biggest difference to riders. Pony Club also offered me training days and introduction to coaching days which provides a good basis to get involved.

Do you have any future aspirations for your coaching journey?

I’d love to continue developing my qualifications and grow my coaching alongside my own riding.

Longer term, I’d really like to be more involved training at a higher level, help riders progress through Pony Club and enjoy the Horsemanship and Knowledge activities including the 'horsemanship pizza events'. It would be amazing to give others the same opportunities and experiences I’ve had.

Feeling inspired?

You might be just starting out or looking to progress your career, there are many options to progress within the coaching pathway and develop your knowledge and skills. Find out more and take your next step.