Para-Equestrian Coaching Clinics Coming to BC

Join Clive Milkins, Technical Advisor of the Equestrian Canada (EC) Para-Dressage program for one of four Para coaching clinics being held this March in Langley, Kamloops, Duncan and Victoria, British Columbia. These clinics are designed to educate coaches on topics associated with coaching riders with a disability and to encourage EC certified coaches to include riders with disabilities in their training and competitive programs.

Each clinic is offered as one- or two-day sessions with a two-day discount and is open to a maximum of 25 coaches. Registration deadline is March 1, 2023.

Registration fees have been highly subsidized through generous sponsorship from the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), Horse Council British Columbia (HCBC), British Columbia Therapeutic Riding Association (BCTRA), and EC.

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Milkins is 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, EC Licensed Coach, and NCCP Certified High Performance Dressage Coach. Milkins has a long list of qualifications in equine business management, horse management and teaching. He also coached internationally renowned Para-Dressage athlete Sophie Christiansen of Great Britain who earned six Paralympic, four FEI World Equestrian Games and eight European Championship titles.

Having been involved in Para-Dressage for over 30 years, Milkins, has a strong passion for developing coaching systems and programs to grow the sport. He has extensive experience providing guidance and mentorship to help coaches develop their students to international levels.

“Para” comes from the term “parallel” (not paraplegic) and is designed for the independent athlete with permanent, physical and/or visual disabilities seeking a competitive track. These clinics will provide an opportunity to connect emerging coaches and athletes while covering the principles of Para-Dressage coaching. It will help in coaching athletes from grassroots education to international competitions.

Each clinic will include rider demonstrations with simulated lessons, where coaches will be encouraged to engage and expand their knowledge in dressage. It is anticipated that attendees will be able to use knowledge acquired to introduce more people with disabilities to equestrian sport and to identify and encourage potential Para-Dressage athletes to strive for the podium.

This series of clinics are being provided in collaboration with EC, CPC, HCBC and BCTRA. Click here for information on locations, dates and registration.