Coach of the Month – August 2025

Equestrian Australia is pleased to recognise Darryn Fedrick as September’s Coach of the Month, nominated by Equestrian Queensland. Darryn’s coaching journey spans multiple disciplines and continents. His unique combination of experience in gymnastics and equestrian sport has shaped a coaching career defined by innovation, dedication, and passion. Most notably, Darryn has played a key role in growing the sport of Vaulting in Australia while mentoring countless young athletes along the way.

Darryn’s introduction to coaching began in Pony Club, where he progressed through the certificate system and was encouraged by his instructors to give back to the sport. At the same time, he was heavily involved in gymnastics and, following an injury, transitioned into coaching as a way to stay connected with the sporting world. For a long time, these two passions remained separate until a chance meeting with an Austrian Vaulting coach changed everything. Vaulting, it turned out, was the perfect combination of riding and gymnastics. That moment set Darryn on a new path, leading him to train in Austria and Germany, learning from the best and bringing those lessons back to Australia.

Darryn spent several years working as a professional riding coach at both Dalson Park Equestrian Centre and Summerset Equestrian Centre. These roles not only deepened his experience as a coach but also prompted him to begin his Equestrian Australia coaching pathway and ultimately led to his involvement in Vaulting. Darryn is also an FEI Level 3 Vaulting Judge, which he says is a valuable asset when preparing athletes for competition. “It gives me insight into what the judges are looking for, which helps me coach more effectively,” he explains.

Darryn acknowledges that coaching, particularly in a sport like Vaulting, is always evolving. Unlike some equestrian disciplines where foundational movements have remained unchanged for centuries, Vaulting is highly dynamic. “There’s always something new, new moves, new ideas and as coaches, we need to constantly evolve to meet those changes,” he says. For Darryn, this constant challenge is one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching.

He has represented Australia as both a coach and Chef d’Equipe at multiple World Vaulting Championships, including two World Equestrian Games. Most recently, he served as Chef at the 2023 Junior Championships. Darryn sees his dual role as coach and Chef as a distinct advantage, allowing him to support young athletes both on and off the field, especially as they navigate the pressures of international competition. “Coming from a smaller sport like Vaulting in Australia, stepping onto the world stage can be daunting. I see my role as helping them make that leap.”

Of all his coaching achievements, one stands out above the rest. In 2014, his local club, Fassifern Vaulting Club, qualified a Canter Team to represent Australia at the World Equestrian Games. “We’re from a small country town, and people said it couldn’t be done unless you were a big club in Sydney. But we proved them wrong,” he recalls. It was a four- year journey of training, fundraising, and belief. For Darryn, seeing his local kids live out their dreams on the world stage remains an unforgettable highlight.

When it comes to advice for aspiring coaches, Darryn keeps it simple: keep learning, stay curious, and tap into the wealth of knowledge around you. He is a strong believer in cross- disciplinary learning and sees common ground across all disciplines. “Australia has a wonderful coaching community. There’s so much we can learn from each other, Jumping, Dressage, Vaulting, it’s all connected.”

Darryn also believes that goal setting is essential, not only for athletes but for coaches themselves. “Goals help create structure, direction, and motivation. But just as important is keeping the joy in the sport. If you’re not enjoying it, or your athletes aren’t, then what’s the point?”

When asked about his favourite coaching tool, Darryn highlighted the ‘Muvie’, a mechanical barrel used for Vaulting practice that allows athletes to train movements repetitively without overworking the horse.

And the one word his students would use to describe him? “Love,” he says. “Love for the sport, love for the horses, and love for the people.”

On being named Coach of the Month, Darryn shared, “I'm honoured to be nominated. It's also wonderful to see Vaulting recognised as part of the broader equestrian family here in Australia.”

Equestrian Australia congratulates Darryn and thanks him for his hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport.