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Posted by Equestrian Australia on 24/07/2025.

Coach of the Month - June 25

This month, we shine a spotlight on Adam Prime from Victoria, a dedicated coach whose journey in the equestrian world has been shaped by passion, mentorship, and a commitment to fostering talent at all levels. In our recent interview, Adam shared insights into his evolution as a coach, his philosophy, and the invaluable experiences that have shaped his approach to training.

Adam's love for horses ignited in his early teens, a period when he found himself surrounded by experienced horse people who nurtured his burgeoning interest in riding. "I was lucky to be surrounded by great horse people from a really early age," he recalls. This supportive environment instilled in him the belief that learning is a continuous journey, one that thrives on regular practice and dedication. He emphasises, "We're always learning. There's always an opportunity to learn something new."

As he progressed in his riding, Adam recognised the importance of mentorship. He was fortunate to receive guidance not only from seasoned riders but also from course builders and judges, who generously shared their insights. "Those formative experiences really shaped my perspective on the sport," he explains. This foundational experience led him to get involved in local clubs, promoting grassroots participation in the sport while paving pathways for aspiring riders.

Adam is a qualified secondary teacher, and his teaching background has proven to be an asset in his coaching journey. "Doing the training through the coaching accreditation system highlighted the nuances and the differences," he notes. "There are definitely similarities in teaching and coaching. People learn when they're given positive reinforcement and good feedback in the right way."

His partnership with his wife, Jervaise, has also been instrumental in his journey. "Jervaise is keen and very talented as well," he says. "She’s probably been my greatest support." Together, they formalised their coaching credentials, filling a noticeable gap for regional coaches in Northern Victoria. Adam’s commitment to education is evident in his ongoing pursuit of learning, as he continually engages with other coaches and participates in professional development.

Over the years, Adam’s approach to coaching has evolved significantly. He emphasises the importance of flexibility and adaptability in coaching styles. When asked about his coaching philosophy, Adam succinctly states, "In any situation, there's always something new we can learn." He continues, "We said to our kids, it doesn’t matter who you’re learning from. There’s always something to pick up." This mindset not only enhances his own understanding but also reinforces the learning experience for his students.

Adam remains deeply connected with the equestrian community, fostering relationships with fellow coaches and participating in development squads. "We’re all coaching across the youth development squads in Victoria," he shares. His collaborative spirit is evident as he works alongside coaches from various disciplines, enriching his own coaching practice.

He shares a favourite exercise that embodies his approach: using poles and related exercises to help riders transition smoothly from groundwork to jumping. "Making the warm-up as simple as possible allows riders to build their skills progressively."

Adam believes that the impact of a coach goes beyond technical training; it's about building confidence and fostering a love for the sport in his students. "I think it’s timing for people," he advises those considering a coaching career. "It's worth working for; it’s a bit of a process.”

If not for his commitment to coaching and riding, Adam laughs that he would "enjoy playing golf probably a bit more often."

However, it is clear that Adam’s true passion lies in equestrian sports, where he continues to inspire and develop the next generation of riders. His journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, continuous learning, and community engagement in the equestrian world. We celebrate his contributions and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will continue to have on his students and the sport as a whole.

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