Clive Milkins Named Para-Dressage High Performance Program Technical Leader

Canada (EC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Clive Milkins as Para-Dressage High Performance Program Technical Leader.

In his new role, Milkins will be responsible for leading the delivery of high performance coaching and technical strategies across the Para-Dressage National Team Program, which includes the Talent ID, Development and National Squads. Milkins will report directly to Jon Garner, EC Director of Sport, supported by the EC High Performance department and Jamie-Ann Goodfellow, EC Para-Equestrian Program Coordinator.

“I am very excited to be working alongside world-class athletes and developing young riders, and to be working with a fantastic supportive body like Equestrian Canada,” said Milkins. “I was lucky enough to be part of Team Canada at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games (my fourth Games), and I look forward to building on this valuable experience with the team.”

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A graduate of the United Kingdom (UK) Sport Elite Coaching Program, a Fellow of Riding for the Disabled, and a Level 3 UK Certified Coach, Milkins also has a long list of qualifications in equine business management, horse management and teaching.

Milkins has been involved in para-dressage for over 25 years, training horses and coaching athletes to the highest levels of success on the world stage. Most notably, he coached internationally renowned para-dressage athlete, Sophie Christiansen of Great Britain, to six Paralympic, four FEI World Equestrian Games and eight European Championship titles.

With a strong passion for developing para coaching systems and programs in order to grow the sport, Milkins, originally from England, has travelled extensively, coaching in South America, South Africa and Asia. He has also worked closely with Special Olympic organizations and athletes, plus is a qualified able-bodied dressage coach.

“We are delighted that Clive has agreed to join the team at Equestrian Canada and help lead the Para-Dressage Program forward,” said Garner. “In our conversations, he has shown a real vision for where the program can go, and his energy is infectious. I really believe that with our current pool of athletes, we are in great shape as we head toward WEG 2018, and ultimately to Tokyo 2020.”

For more information on Para-Dressage, visit www.equestrian.ca/sport/para-equestrian.