Raema Racher of Kelowna, BC, is a third-generation professional horse trainer who has been involved in the EC Coaching Program since the 1990s. She is an EC Certified Western Coach and a NCCP Coach Developer. Raema was awarded the 2018 Community Coach of the Year title while living in Alberta for her efforts ensuring that the Equestrian Canada Learn to Ride and Coaching programs were available to everyone, regardless of location or resources. She continues to embrace education programs through the Alberta Equestrian Federation and Horse Council BC, guide new coaches and volunteer at events to ensure positive growth within the equestrian community.
What coaching credentials do you have and when did you get them?
I first became interested in the Equestrian Canada Coaching program and began training in 1990. I was impressed by the willingness to share best practices, the high standard of ethics and commitment to always put the rider and horses’ welfare first.
I became a Certified Western Level One Coach in 1992. I went on to achieve my Western Competition Coach Specialist Certification for General Performance, Reining and Speed events in 1999.
I then trained and became a Coach Evaluator in order to help new instructors entering into the program have a positive, less stressful experience. Helping others succeed in the coaching program became my main focus and I loved it so I went on to become a Learning Facilitator and Coach Developer.
What inspires you about being a coach?
There have been so many very touching moments, when a student reaches their personal best or has a breakthrough. I have had students send a card or contact me even years later just to say I made a difference. That never gets old ‒ life doesn’t get much better that that!
What is your favourite coaching memory?
What I have found most rewarding is passing the knowledge on to the next generation. Watching the safe habits, examples of good sportsmanship and good horsemanship my students show and also pass on to others.
In the next five years, what do you see as the biggest challenge facing the horse industry?
I feel we need to stabilize and do our best to get back to work. We need to continue to strive to find ways to make our sport affordable and accessible while maintaining current standards.
I would like to see our equestrian sport programs become less complicated and more user-friendly for people new to the industry.
What programs does your PSO offer that are most valuable to you and your students?
I feel the Western Learn to Ride Certificates and Coaching Certification Programs have been the most value to our industry. These programs have left a positive effect on many different communities. I have seen the rider certificates become a status symbol, but even more important, I have seen a culture change from the Wild West to one of “safety first.”
These programs are not only keeping people and horses safe but also helping people have a positive and memorable connection to the horses. I have many testimonials saying these positive effects transfer over to other areas of people’s lives such as confidence, leadership and stress relief.
I cannot begin to express how thankful our coaches are for the ongoing support Alberta Equestrian Federation and Horse Council BC have provided for us!!
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