Level 4 Coaching Certificate
Applications for the level 4 coaching certificate for September 2023 are now closed.
Applications for 2024 will open early next year, keep an eye out for updates...
We have worked with British Rowing and the University of Gloucestershire to developed and deliver the British Equestrian Level 4 Coaching Certificate (endorsed by UKCC). The course is a bespoke programme developed specifically for the needs of both sports. It should be noted that this course and qualification has no sport-specific technical content or assessment. This is all about developing your coaching skills and knowledge to further your coaching.
The Level 4 qualification is for high-performing coaches with considerable experience and it involves an advanced syllabus of professional academic education. It isn’t exclusive to coaches working in a high-performance environment, and we have had coaches from Pony Club and Riding for the Disabled in addition to those from the Olympic sports and beyond.
The pre-requisite for consideration for this Level 4 qualification is either a Level 3 Equestrian Coaching Certificate in general riding or one of the equestrian disciplines or at least a BHS Stage 4 Senior Coach in Complete Horsemanship (this includes Stage 5 Performance Coach in Complete Horsemanship and a Fellow of the BHS) or a Riding for the Disabled Advanced Coach. Readiness for the Level 4 Programme will be assessed via the application process and face to face interviews. Prior qualifications at the right level does not guarantee access to this programme.
Vision for a Level 4 coach
Level 4 coaches are visionary and knowledgeable decision makers who display exceptional skills and behaviours, and the highest professional and ethical standards. They advance their own and others' development, lead cutting-edge programmes or a specialist part of a programme, and make a positive impact on sport performance and behaviour.
The Level 4 Coaching Certificate programme provides coaches with a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) in Professional Practice in Sport Coaching and is designed to support and credit learning within the workplace. Forming an integral part of the British Equestrian Level 4 Coaching Certificate qualification for high-performing coaches, it has been created around work-based learning modules focused on skills, knowledge and understanding needed to develop professional practice as well as the ability to manage academic learning.
British Equestrian will be the awarding body for the Level 4 Coaching Certificate and the PG Dip element of the course will be certified by the University of Gloucestershire.
Level 4 Coaching Certificate Applications
In these most challenging of circumstances we are delighted to be able to confirm that we will be opening up the application process for the next cohort of coaches to our Level 4 Programme. The next cohort will have scheduled entry onto the programme from September 2023. If you would like to register your interest at this point, please email participation@bef.co.uk.
Stage one
Watch two video recordings below to find out more about the Level 4 qualification and information session.
Stage two
We will be hosting an open day with the University of Gloucestershire on Monday 15 May from 10:30am to 3.30pm, which will provide you with an overview of the programme, including academic content and available support. If you'd like to attend the open day, please complete the registration form. Registrations are open from Tuesday 18 April and will close at 11:59pm on Thursday 4 May.
We would strongly recommend any coach considering the Level 4 Programme to attend the open day. If you're interested in the Level 4 programme but aren't able to attend the webinar, please email participation@bef.co.uk.
Stage Three
Applications for the new Level 4 cohort are now open and will remain so until 11:59pm on Sunday 4 June. You can submit your application by completing the form. If you require the application form in a PDF format please contact participation@bef.co.uk. No late applications will be accepted.
Level 4 coaches
British Equestrian are delighted that the following coaches have been awarded the Level 4 qualification...
| Name | Member Body | Year awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Tess Chew | Riding for the Disabled Association | 2015 |
| Becky Johnson | British Horse Society | 2015 |
| Pauline Brimson | British Reining | 2015 |
| Angela Flanagan | British Carriage Driving | 2015 |
| Philippa Curry | British Showjumping | 2015 |
| Corinne Bracken | British Showjumping | 2016 |
| Cindy Russell | Endurance GB | 2016 |
| Andrew Stennett | Association of British Riding Schools | 2016 |
| Harry Payne | British Dressage | 2016 |
| Janet Horswill | British Dressage | 2016 |
| Gillian Elliott | Horse Scotland/ British Horse Society | 2016 |
| Jo Swain | British Dressage/ British Horse Society | 2016 |
| Debbie Melville | The Pony Club/ British Eventing/ British Horse Society | 2016 |
| Clare Turner | The Pony Club/ British Eventing | 2016 |
| Warren Lamperd | British Showjumping | 2017 |
| Julia Gourley | British Horse Society | 2017 |
| Tom Graham | British Dressage | 2017 |
| Claire Nixon | British Horse Society | 2018 |
| Mandy Frost | British Showjumping | 2018 |
| Sarah Tubbs | British Showjumping | 2018 |
| Juddith Hubbard | British Horse Society | 2018 |
| Leanne Wall | British Dressage | 2018 |
| Pat Crann | The Pony Club/British Showjumping | 2019 |
| Tina Ure | British Eventing | 2019 |
| Michael Paveley | British Horse Society | 2019 |
| Sam York | British Horse Society | 2019 |
| Victoria Gallantree | British Horse Society | 2019 |
| Lisa Morris | British Eventing | 2019 |
| Tom Simkin | UK Polocrosse Association | 2019 |
| Philip Kinsella | British Horseracing Authority | 2019 |
| Erica Oldham | British Showjumping | 2020 |
| Jonquil Hemming | British Eventing | 2020 |
| Katie Williams | British Eventing | 2020 |
| Jane Randall | British Dressage | 2020 |
| Val Smyth | British Horse Society | 2020 |
| Lucy Gavrilovic | British Horse Society | 2021 |
| Marie Ryan | British Eventing | 2021 |
| Anna Grayston | British Carriagedriving | 2021 |
| Kim Tinkler | British Horseracing Authority | 2022 |
| Nicola McLeish | British Showjumping | 2022 |
| Mia Palles-Clark | British Showjumping | 2022 |
| Sophie Wells | British Dressage | 2022 |
