Does a Coach Need to be "Doing it" to be Worthy?

An honest, from-the-heart blog from our founder, Emily Breeze. Emily has spent decades immersed in the equestrian world; from competing at the Advanced levels and riding hundreds of tests to now mentoring the next generation of riders. In this post, she opens up about a personal "crisis of confidence" and tackles the question: Does a coach need to be actively competing to be considered "worthy"?

Every so often, I have a bit of a crisis of confidence. I look at my boots (maybe a bit dustier than they used to be) and I realize it’s been a long time since I competed at the Advanced levels. Some weeks, I’m not even riding regularly. In those quiet moments, the "imposter syndrome" creeps in and asks: “Am I a bit of a fraud?”

It’s a question that ripples through the equestrian world: Do riders need their coaches to be actively competing at a high level to be considered "good" or "worthy"?

The "Feel" vs. The "Doing"

I’m a firm believer that a coach must have first-hand experience of the skills they teach. You can learn the theory and the textbook definitions of a movement, but to truly explain it to someone else, you need the "feel." You need to have felt that connection, that timing, and that specific muscle memory in your own body to describe it to a student.

However, I don't believe you need to be actively practicing that skill right now to remain an expert in it. Think of it like driving a car. If you have driven your entire adult life and then, for whatever reason, you have to stop, you don’t suddenly lose your understanding of how a car works. You don’t forget how to navigate a junction or how the steering should feel. You could still sit in the passenger seat and explain exactly how to find the biting point or how to read the road. The knowledge doesn't evaporate just because you aren’t the one behind the wheel.

Coaching is a Separate Skill

The truth is, riding and coaching are two entirely different skill sets. We’ve all seen it: some of the best riders in the world struggle to explain how they do what they do. Conversely, some of the most legendary coaches in history aren't the ones winning the trophies themselves.

Coaching is about the "eye" from the ground. It’s the ability to spot the tiny root cause of a bigger problem and offer the right adjustment or exercise to fix it. But beyond the technical, there are so many other layers that make a coach "good". It’s about finding the specific words that make a concept click for a specific rider, knowing exactly what cues to give and when to give them, knowing when to ask the leading questions that allow the rider to figure it out for themselves, rather than just barking instructions. It's about listening to the rider’s concerns, having the empathy to understand their fears, and the ability to build a foundation of rapport and trust.

A coach isn't just a technical advisor; they are a support system. If a rider doesn't feel heard or supported, the best technical advice in the world won't land.

Life Happens (And That’s Okay)

There are so many reasons why a brilliant coach might not be in the saddle. It might be financial, it might be physical limitations, or it might just be a change in season.

I have ridden hundreds of tests. I have had that burning passion for competing and I did it reasonably well. But life moves in chapters. Currently, I’m pregnant and choosing not to ride. Beyond that, my priorities have shifted. I’ve realized that I actually get significantly more joy and satisfaction from seeing my clients smash their goals and find that "aha!" moment than I do from chasing my own ribbons.

Final Thoughts

When a coach isn't focused on their own next show or their own training schedule, they have more mental energy to be 100% invested in yours.

My Advanced days might be in the past (at least for now - who knows what the future holds!), but that doesn't diminish my ability as an educator.

If you’re looking for a coach, don't just look at their current competition record. Look at their students. Look at their ability to communicate. Look at whether they have the "feel" to understand your horse and the "eye" to help you progress.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. When you are looking for a coach, how much weight do you put on their current riding versus their ability to teach? Does a "retired" competitor change your perspective on their expertise? Let’s talk in the comments.