High Performance Para Dressage Coach Study Tour

Seven Para Dressage coaches undertook a European study tour organised by EA’s Para Dressage High Performance Program. 

The tour was an immersive study opportunity targeted at an emerging group of high performance coaches. It was the first of a series of High Performance Progam initiatives to support the development of para dressage coaches during the four years leading into the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. The participants were all personal coaches of para dressage national squad athletes, prioritized towards those who have had less experience of touring with national teams to major international events.

The group attended the CHIO Aachen to examine a major event from a team coach perspective. They were given access to the warm-up arenas and got practical insights into managing the challenges athletes may face at major events. 

They also visited national training centres in The Netherlands and Germany, meeting with their coaches and staff and learning about their programs and operations.

The tour was led by EA’s Para Dressage High Performance Coaching Lead Julia Battams. Julia organised the itinerary and presenters and facilitated the review of each day’s observations and learnings.

All participants found the tour a valuable learning experience.