January Coach of the Month - Christopher Mann

Coaches are an integral part of every equestrian participants journey.

This month we celebrate EA Level Two General Coach, Christopher Mann from Victoria who is the January Coach of the Month.  

Q. How did you get started in Equestrian?

I was not fortunate enough to be involved in riding as a child but my interest in equestrian pursuits began in my late teens. It was only really when I was gainfully employed, initially in Local Government, that allowed the funding of my passion. However, I could not afford well-schooled horses and hence worked with many ‘off the track’ thoroughbreds.

I soon recognised that to become more proficient in the sport, I needed assistance from an equestrian coach. Fortunately, I found a wonderful coach in South Australia, Marion Malecki (now sadly deceased). Marion had a love and passion for horses and training, although a hard task master, he was able to impart to me and to understand, how to communicate with the horse in a more subtle, kind and effective way.

Q. What inspired you to become a coach?

Marion’s classical training methods must have rubbed off on me and soon realised that I wanted to train others to be able get the most pleasure and joy from their horses, riding endeavours and assist them to achieve their riding goals.

My career choice to pursue equestrian coaching has culminated in being involved in several club and horse trials committees, achieving EA Level Two General Coach, Coach Educator, servicing many pony and riding clubs and individuals.

Q. What is your biggest highlight from coaching?

Great satisfaction comes from working with riders, some who have progressed and gone onto winning titles in all disciplines, including Australian Cutting and Western Championships. Some of these riders are still competing at high levels and some now have children who I have the pleasure of coaching.

Of course, the people you meet along the way with some lifelong friendships are highly valued.

During this time, I also enjoyed competition riding, dressage, show jumping and eventing.

Q.  What is your coaching philosophy? 

My coaching philosophy is simple, love and enjoy what you do but paramount is safety and the wellbeing of both horse and rider at all levels. My aim is to assist the rider to get the most from their relationship with their horse and achieve both short and long term goals.

Q. What challenges have you faced as a coach? 

As a profession, coaching provides many challenges. I have been involved in the industry for many years and recognise that you come in and out of vogue. Coaching not only requires theoretical and practical knowledge, but also good communication skills, transparency and honesty, as well as humbleness and kindness to ensure messages are effectively relayed and understood. Classical training does not allow for short cuts and quick fixes clients may be looking for. There are also financial challenges during times of recession and uncertainty, such as world-wide pandemics!

My interest, despite the challenges, remains to assist riders and their horses to safely reach their potential, set achievable goals and see these to fruition.

Q. What is the best lesson you like to impart on your athletes? 

Through coaching, I endeavour to impart to riders that they must remain true to themselves, understand the consequences of actions on their horses and safety, enjoy their training, riding and achievements whilst remaining understanding and kind.

Q. What keeps you coming back? 

My passion and the enjoyment of seeing riders and horses improve and achieve what they set out to do. I continue to enjoy coaching but through my involvement as a member of the EV Coaching Committee and the EA Coaching Committee, I hope to aid and positively influence the ongoing development and future direction of our sport.

If you are inspired to become a coach, you can visit here to find out more information about coaching accreditation.